Texas A&M’s move to the SEC in 2012 was marked by a significant uniform redesign, aligning with the rising trend of alternate uniforms in college football. Under Kevin Sumlin and with the electrifying Johnny Manziel, the Aggies embraced this fresh identity, showcasing a variety of unique uniform combinations throughout the decade, boasting an impressive 11 different jerseys.
In celebration of SB Nation’s Jersey Week, we delve into ranking every jersey the Texas A&M Aggies have sported since 2012. From the celebrated to the less favored, including the chrome experiments, we’re covering them all in this Texas A&M football uniforms review.
11. “Bright Lights”
vs. Mississippi State (2017)
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While a maroon uniform holds a cherished spot for many Texas A&M fans, the “Bright Lights” iteration against Mississippi State in 2017, unfortunately, missed the mark. Adidas’s choice to amplify their cheetah print pattern, a feature of their primeknit jerseys, with a starkly contrasting color, resulted in a look that resembled a less-than-intimidating predator from a science fiction film. Although the reflective numbers were a notable and innovative detail, they were almost overshadowed by the overall design of this Texas A&M football uniform. This particular alternate uniform served as the final one during the Kevin Sumlin era.
10. “Iced Out”
at Mississippi State (2015)
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The concept behind the “Iced Out” Texas A&M football uniforms, debuted at Mississippi State in 2015, showed initial promise. An all-white ensemble for a game in Starkville provided a distinctive contrast to the all-black uniform from prior years. However, the execution fell short; the chrome detailing on the fabric jersey gave an unintended “duct tape” appearance. Adding to the visual challenges, the bright sunlight of an 11 a.m. kickoff rendered the numbers nearly impossible to read on the field. Despite these issues, the helmet design for this uniform set is widely considered a standout and one of the best Texas A&M has ever presented.
9. “Aggie Nights” (in the daytime)
vs. South Carolina, at LSU (2015)
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The “Aggie Nights” Texas A&M football uniforms, unfortunately known for their daytime debut, were introduced with the idea of “glow in the dark uniforms for an 11 a.m. kickoff.” Clarification is needed: only the helmet logo was designed to be reflective, not glow-in-the-dark. Regardless of the nighttime concept, the uniform’s aesthetic didn’t translate well to the field. The maroon on black color scheme lacked legibility, and the overall design failed to recapture the appeal of the all-black uniform from previous seasons. Interestingly, this uniform holds the unique distinction of being the only alternate uniform Texas A&M has worn on two separate occasions.
8. “Dark Onyx”
at LSU (2013)
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There’s a common saying in sports: “look good, play good.” Perhaps there’s a correlation, as three of the lower-ranked Texas A&M football uniforms in this list coincided with game losses. Number eight, the “Dark Onyx” uniforms, were worn during a game at LSU in 2013, which resulted in a significant defeat during the Johnny Manziel era. The gray, or “dark onyx,” uniforms again suffered from the Adidas primeknit pattern, which didn’t enhance the design, compounded by gloomy weather conditions. While the dark gray and maroon combination held potential, the monochromatic nature of the uniform may have contributed to its less favorable reception.
7. 1998 Throwbacks
vs Kentucky (2018)
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Ranking the 1998 throwback Texas A&M football uniforms at number seven might be controversial. Many fans advocate for this style to become the standard uniform for the Aggies. However, there are reasons for placing this 1998 throwback lower in the rankings:
- A Step Back from Current Uniforms: While the current Texas A&M uniform set could use refinement, the 1990s uniforms bear a striking resemblance to those worn by other teams like Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and numerous high schools of that era. Despite nostalgic appeal for some Aggies, they lack unique or particularly distinguishing features. The design primarily features the school name and block numbers, which, while appreciated by some, doesn’t offer a standout aesthetic.
- Execution Imperfections: Although Adidas aimed to capture the essence of the 1998 jerseys, several details could have been better executed, especially considering the relatively recent vintage of the throwback. Notably, the number font was incorrect, utilizing a generic block font instead of the original. This is particularly evident in the number “2,” which lacks the serif detail from the 1998 font. Additionally, the back nameplate font and size were inaccurately rendered, appearing smaller and in a different font compared to the [1998 jerseys](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mqKocyF6Y8QiLMWPEpR55UePR0g=/0x0:3072×2040/1200×0/filters:focal(0x0:3072×2040):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13102231/396834.jpg.jpg) versus the throwback version. Even the faux mesh detailing, while a nostalgic touch, wasn’t historically accurate, as late 90s jerseys typically didn’t feature visible mesh holes in the numbers.
Despite potential fan disagreement, these Texas A&M throwback uniforms could have achieved a higher standard of execution.
6. “Aggie Ice”
at Vanderbilt (2015)
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The “Aggie Ice” Texas A&M football uniforms made their appearance during a somewhat unremarkable victory in Nashville. While the concept of Texas A&M in white playing against Vanderbilt in light gray seemed questionable, the Aggies’ jersey design itself was commendable when viewed independently. The “Aggie Ice” uniform was undeniably stylish and marked a significant improvement over the previous attempt at a white and silver uniform just a year prior. The absence of maroon might make it unsuitable as a full-time home uniform, but as a one-off alternate, it was exceptionally well-received. The desire for those mini helmets to be available for retail further underscores the uniform’s popularity.
5. Standard Away Jersey
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It’s challenging to find fault with a white jersey, even considering previous criticisms on this list. The standard white away Texas A&M football jersey is a strong design. The maroon accents stand out effectively, and the vertical stripes on the shoulders contribute to a distinctive look that’s instantly recognizable on television. The only minor drawback is the gray bevel on the maroon numbers, which can appear slightly too prominent. Despite this small detail, the jersey is generally well-designed, especially when paired with white pants, creating a consistently solid visual.
4. 1939 Throwback
vs. Louisiana Monroe (2014)
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In contrast to the 1998 throwbacks, the 1939 throwback Texas A&M football uniform embodies beauty in simplicity. This maroon jersey design is clean and classic, featuring no player names, only numbers. The choice to use cream/off-white for the white accents effectively ages the look, harmonizing beautifully with the helmet design. The only element preventing absolute perfection is, again, the Adidas primeknit pattern, this time in a tire tread variation.
The game in which these uniforms were worn, against Louisiana Monroe, mirrored the uniform’s vintage feel, resulting in a low-scoring, less-than-thrilling victory for the Aggies, marking Kyle Allen’s first college start.
3. Standard Home Jersey
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Similar to the away jersey, the standard home Texas A&M football jersey is just a few tweaks away from perfection. While it presents a slightly busy design with some elements that feel disproportionate, it has become a defining symbol of Aggie football. Its recognizable look is nationally identifiable, holding significant brand value. The Jimbo Fisher era has seen a welcome streamlining of Texas A&M uniforms, with a reduction in alternate color combinations and a greater reliance on the standard home uniform, highlighting its inherent appeal.
2. “Junction Made” 1956 Throwback
at South Carolina (2016)
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The “Junction Made” 1956 throwback Texas A&M football uniform is marked by its crisp, minimalist design and the distinctive northwestern stripes on the sleeves. This uniform was undeniably striking. Among alternate jerseys, few possess the appeal to transition to a full-time uniform, but this design is a strong contender. Free of significant criticisms, this jersey is nearly flawless in its execution and aesthetic.
1. The OG All Black Uniform
at Mississippi State (2012)
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The original all-black Texas A&M football uniform from 2012 holds the top spot, perfectly encapsulating the excitement of that season. As Texas A&M’s first true alternate uniform, it mirrored the unexpected rise of Johnny Manziel and the team. Its unveiling on game day morning against Mississippi State was a complete surprise. This reveal was particularly impactful as Mississippi State had heavily promoted their “Snow Bowl” uniforms, commemorating a past victory against A&M, even painting #SnowBowl in their end zones. Texas A&M countering with an all-black uniform made a bold statement.
This uniform represented a significant departure from Texas A&M’s traditional look, creating a memorable shock factor. Remarkably, the design remains timeless. Avoiding excessive or trendy elements, it simply exuded a “bad ass” aesthetic. While the era of frequent alternate uniforms for Texas A&M may seem to be over, a revival of these all-black uniforms would be enthusiastically welcomed by many fans.
What are your opinions? Are there any rankings you disagree with? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Poll
Which Texas A&M Jersey is the Best?
This poll is closed
-
9%
Standard Home
(81 votes)
-
4%
Standard Away
(39 votes)
-
19%
All Black (2012)
(159 votes)
-
3%
Dark Onyx (2013)
(31 votes)
-
3%
Iced Out (2014)
(25 votes)
-
7%
1939 Throwback (2014)
(64 votes)
-
1%
Aggie Nights (2015)
(11 votes)
-
3%
Aggie Ice (2015)
(31 votes)
-
18%
1956 Throwback (2016)
(155 votes)
-
0%
Bright Lights (2017)
(6 votes)
-
27%
1998 Throwback (2018)
(229 votes)
831 votes total Vote Now
