For the second consecutive year, the Ole Miss Rebels showcased an impressive variety of uniform combinations, totaling 13 different looks on the field throughout the 2023 season. This constant change in appearance each week naturally sparks debate: Which Ole Miss Uniforms were the most visually appealing, and which ones missed the mark? That’s the question we’re tackling today, ranking all 13 combinations from the past season.
It’s important to state upfront that none of these Ole Miss uniforms are inherently “bad.” However, some combinations undoubtedly stand out more than others. As a traditionalist, especially when it comes to Ole Miss uniforms, my personal preference leans towards the classic powder blue and navy helmets, and I generally favor the gray pants in the combinations.
Ranking these 13 Ole Miss uniform combinations proved to be a nuanced task, but below you’ll find my definitive ranking of each look from the 2023 season. The game opponent is provided for context, and each uniform combination is listed in the Helmet/Jersey/Pants format. Let’s get started and dive into the rankings of Ole Miss uniforms.
The Rankings: Ole Miss Uniforms from 2023
13. Game 1 vs. Mercer – White/Red/White
The season opener against Mercer was a dominant 73-7 victory for Ole Miss, but it also featured what I consider their least effective uniform combination of the year. As someone who has previously shared opinions on Ole Miss helmets, this particular white helmet iteration feels somewhat unnecessary.
A “Sugar Bowl” style white helmet would be a superior choice. Furthermore, envisioning this helmet with navy stripes instead of powder blue opens up intriguing possibilities for future Ole Miss uniforms.
12. Game 10 at Georgia – White/White/White
There’s a pattern emerging at the bottom of this ranking of Ole Miss uniforms. Again, this all-white look isn’t inherently flawed, but it lacks a distinct purpose in the overall Ole Miss uniform rotation. Moreover, facing the Georgia Bulldogs, a team known for its red-heavy branding, without incorporating any shade of blue in the Ole Miss uniform feels like a missed opportunity for visual contrast.
11. Game 9 vs. Texas A&M – Realtree/Powder/White
The Realtree helmet is a unique element in the Ole Miss uniforms repertoire, and I don’t necessarily dislike it. However, this specific combination for an 11 a.m. game didn’t quite resonate.
Perhaps the daytime lighting wasn’t ideal, as I believe this Ole Miss uniform combination could be significantly more impactful under the lights of a night game. The prospect of pairing this Realtree helmet with a red jersey is also intriguing and could be a potential direction for Ole Miss uniforms in 2024.
10. Game 11 vs. ULM – Patriotic Navy/Red/Gray
“But you’re a traditionalist! Why is this Ole Miss uniform ranked so low?” This combination is actually just a small tweak away from potentially being one of the best Ole Miss uniforms. The patriotic helmet decals represent a commendable message and cause.
However, aesthetically, they consistently leave me wanting slightly more in terms of overall uniform design. This exact uniform combination with the standard helmet decals would likely contend for the top spot in this ranking of Ole Miss uniforms.
9. Game 2 at Tulane – Sugar Bowl/White/White
All-white Ole Miss uniforms are not typically my preferred choice, but within that category, this is the strongest option currently available to the Rebels. It made for a decent uniform matchup in Week 2 against Tulane. However, with Tulane sporting their light blue jerseys, a greater degree of contrast in the Ole Miss uniform selection might have been beneficial.
8. Game 6 vs. Arkansas – Sugar Bowl/Powder/White
This Ole Miss uniform combination, especially under the lights and paired against Arkansas’ red pants, was undeniably impressive. There isn’t much more to elaborate on; it simply worked exceptionally well visually.
7. Game 5 vs. LSU – Powder/Powder/White
While the Ole Miss uniform combination against Arkansas might be arguably better on paper, this powder blue jersey combo is steadily becoming synonymous with classic Ole Miss uniforms, particularly for games against LSU. Personally, I believe the Navy/Red/Gray combination would be even more fitting against the Tigers, but this powder blue look is undeniably strong.
6. Game 7 at Auburn – Navy/White/White
Call it unconventional, but I genuinely consider this one of the best road Ole Miss uniform options. There’s something about the navy helmet paired with the mono-white that creates a very sharp and impactful visual.
5. Game 12 at Mississippi State – Navy/White/Gray
Simply put, it’s challenging to surpass a classic, and this Ole Miss uniform is the quintessential road look that immediately comes to mind when envisioning the Rebels away from home. This combination is a timeless representation of Ole Miss uniforms on the road.
4. Game 3 vs. Georgia Tech – Navy/Navy/Gray
This Ole Miss uniform combination (and its variation with a red jersey instead of navy) is truly synonymous with Ole Miss football tradition. It possesses an incredible presence, especially under the vibrant atmosphere of a night game.
3. Game 13 vs. Penn State – Powder/White/White
Placing a combination featuring white pants this high might seem unexpected, but I’ve reached a point where I consider this Ole Miss uniform as the second-best road option. It’s truly an elite look within the broader spectrum of Ole Miss uniforms.
2. Game 4 at Alabama – Powder/White/Gray
Without a doubt, this is the strongest road Ole Miss uniform combination. It could even be argued that it’s tied for the top overall spot. However, since I opted against ties for this ranking, it secures the No. 2 position due to its primary use as an away uniform.
1. Game 8 vs. Vanderbilt – Powder/Red/Gray
You’d be hard-pressed to find a more visually appealing uniform in all of college football than this Ole Miss uniform combination. Some fans might express reservations about the powder blue helmets paired with navy stripes on the gray pants, but that detail is inconsequential.
For many years, this exact look was synonymous with Ole Miss football, color contrast and all. It commands attention both on the field and on television, solidifying its place as one of the premier Ole Miss uniforms and in college football today.
