The Ohio State Buckeyes are renowned for their iconic scarlet and gray, a color combination that is instantly recognizable in the world of college football. However, over the years, the Buckeyes have occasionally deviated from their traditional look, much to the excitement and sometimes debate of fans. Among these alternate uniforms, the all-white ensemble holds a unique place, evoking a sense of crispness and a departure from the norm. While not as frequent as some other alternate designs, the “all-white” look for Ohio State has appeared in memorable moments, most notably in a highly charged rivalry game.
Let’s delve into the history of Ohio State’s alternate uniforms and focus on the striking all-white iteration that captured attention and earned a memorable nickname.
During the November 30, 2013 game against their arch-rival Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium, the Ohio State Buckeyes unveiled an all-white “Rivalry” uniform. This game, which saw #3 Buckeyes narrowly defeat the Wolverines 42-41, is etched in the memory of fans for its thrilling finish and the distinctive uniforms. Quarterback Braxton Miller delivered a career-high five touchdowns, and safety Tyvis Powell’s interception on a two-point conversion attempt sealed the victory.
Michigan 2013
These all-white uniforms were considered a nod to the legendary 1950 Snow Bowl game against Michigan, a contest played in blizzard conditions. However, they quickly gained another moniker: “Cocaine Whites.” This nickname, though unofficial and somewhat controversial, stuck with fans and media due to the stark, pristine white appearance from head to toe. The crisp white contrasted sharply with the usual scarlet and gray, making a bold visual statement on the field.
The 2013 all-white uniforms were part of Nike’s “Rivalry” series, featuring a clean and modern design. The all-white concept extended to jerseys, pants, helmets, and even gloves and cleats, creating a truly unified and striking look. The helmet maintained the iconic Buckeye leaf stickers, providing a touch of traditional scarlet against the white backdrop.
Beyond this notable instance of the all-white “Rivalry” uniforms in 2013, Ohio State has sported white elements in other alternate uniform designs. For instance, the December 5, 2020 game against Michigan State saw the Buckeyes wear white pants for the first time in school history, paired with their standard scarlet helmets and jerseys. This subtle variation, while not a full all-white look, demonstrated a willingness to experiment with white as a base color in their uniform combinations. Defensive tackle Haskell Garrett’s memorable touchdown in this game added to the unique nature of this white-pants debut.
Image alt text: Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Haskell Garrett in action during the 2020 game against Michigan State, showcasing the white pants paired with traditional scarlet jersey and helmet.
Ohio State’s history of alternate uniforms is rich and varied, often drawing inspiration from past eras or special occasions. In the early years of alternate uniforms under the Nike Pro Combat banner, the Buckeyes donned uniforms that paid homage to national championship teams of the past.
On November 21, 2009, against Michigan, the Buckeyes debuted Nike Pro Combat uniforms for the first time, honoring the 1954 national championship team. Quarterback Terrelle Pryor led the team to victory in these special uniforms, which incorporated a vintage-inspired design.
Michigan 2009
The Pro Combat uniforms returned on November 27, 2010, again against Michigan, this time celebrating the 1942 national title team. This game saw another Buckeye victory and another distinctive uniform design that blended modern aesthetics with historical nods.
Michigan 2010
In 2011, for the game against Wisconsin on October 29, the Pro Combat theme continued, this time celebrating the 1961 national championship. Braxton Miller’s game-winning touchdown pass in the final seconds secured a thrilling victory in these commemorative uniforms.
Wisconsin 2011
The “Rivalry” uniform concept evolved over the years, with the Buckeyes sporting chrome helmets and reflective elements in 2012 and 2013 for games against Michigan and Wisconsin. While not all-white, these uniforms continued the theme of special designs for key matchups.
In 2012, on November 24, against Michigan, the Buckeyes wore Rivalry uniforms featuring a chrome helmet with oversized stripes.
Michigan 2012
The Rivalry uniforms returned on September 28, 2013, against Wisconsin, with slight variations from the previous year’s design.
Wisconsin 2013
Beyond white and rivalry themes, Ohio State has also embraced other alternate colors, including all-black and all-gray uniforms, further demonstrating their willingness to innovate with their on-field aesthetics. The “Dark Night in the Shoe” game against Penn State on October 17, 2015, saw the Buckeyes in all-black uniforms for the first time, creating a dramatic visual impact.
Penn State 2015
All-gray uniforms debuted on October 28, 2017, against Penn State, dubbed the “Land of the Wolves” alternates, featuring a wolf-fur pattern.
Penn State 2017
The all-white uniforms, while only fully realized in the 2013 Michigan game, represent a unique chapter in Ohio State’s uniform history. They showcase the program’s willingness to break from tradition for special occasions while still maintaining the core elements of the Buckeye identity. Whether referred to as “Snow Bowl” tributes or “Cocaine Whites,” these uniforms are a memorable part of the Buckeyes’ visual legacy, sparking conversation and excitement among fans whenever the topic of alternate uniforms arises. The potential for future all-white designs remains an intriguing possibility for Ohio State, always ready to make a statement on and off the field.
