While many college football programs have long embraced bold and experimental uniform designs, the South Carolina Gamecocks have traditionally been more conservative. Under the legendary Steve Spurrier, deviations from the classic garnet and black were rare. Known for his superstitions, certain uniform combinations were retired after losses, while others became mainstays during winning seasons. Following Spurrier’s departure in 2015, interim coach Shawn Elliott and subsequently head coach Will Muschamp ushered in an era of greater uniform flexibility, allowing players to choose their game-day attire in 2016. This newfound freedom resulted in the most diverse and creative uniform presentations South Carolina fans had witnessed in years, albeit with varying degrees of success.
As we look back, it’s time to rank the best and, well, less-than-best uniform combinations the Gamecocks sported in the 2016 season. Let’s dive into the gridiron fashion of that year and identify the truly Sickest Football Uniforms.
THE GOOD
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Combo: Black Helmet / Black Jersey / Black Pants
Games Worn & Results: East Carolina (W), Tennessee (W), USF (L – Bowl)
The undisputed MVP of the 2016 uniform lineup, this all-black ensemble was the only combination worn multiple times – a testament to its popularity and visual impact. Finally, South Carolina delivered a true all-black uniform, ditching the often-criticized white helmet that had previously marred similar attempts. The matte black helmet is a modern and sophisticated touch that was long overdue. What truly elevates this set is its authentic use of a school color. Unlike many other college football teams that adopt black uniforms simply as a trendy alternate, black is a core part of the Gamecocks’ color palette. This uniform resonated with fans and players alike, becoming a symbol of intensity and modern style.
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Combo: Garnet Helmet / White Jersey / Garnet Pants
Games Worn & Results: at Mississippi State (L)
This combination stands out as the best road uniform of the 2016 season. The visual harmony of matching helmet and pants is a classic football uniform principle, and the use of garnet in these elements perfectly complements the crisp white jersey. It’s a sophisticated and understated look that manages to be both modern and timeless. This uniform presents a clean, powerful image on the road, projecting confidence and tradition without being overly flashy. It’s a strong contender for the default away uniform for the Gamecocks.
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Combo: White Helmet / Garnet Jersey / Garnet Pants
Games Worn & Results: Georgia (L)
Ah, the “big game garnet” look, a throwback to the Steve Spurrier era. While the white helmet is still a point of contention for some, the combination of the garnet jersey and pants is undeniably strong. It’s a powerful block of color that is instantly recognizable as South Carolina. This uniform carries a legacy, evoking memories of past victories and significant games. While a garnet helmet would elevate this set to an even higher level, its historical significance and overall aesthetic earn it a spot among the “good” uniforms.
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Combo: White Helmet / Garnet Jersey / White Pants
Games Worn & Results: UMass (W)
Another classic from the Spurrier years, this combination was often deployed for home games against less formidable opponents. It’s a clean and traditional look, distinctly South Carolina without being overly attention-grabbing. This uniform represents the core identity of the Gamecocks, reliable and recognizable. While not the most exciting, it’s a solid and respectable option that deserves to remain in the uniform rotation as a nod to tradition.
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Combo: Garnet Helmet / White Jersey / White Pants
Games Worn & Results: at Florida (L)
This uniform serves as a good compromise, appealing to both fans of the all-white “Stormtrooper” look and those who prefer more color. It’s a balanced combination where each element complements the others without being overwhelming. The garnet helmet provides a visual anchor, leading into the clean white jersey and pants. It’s a well-considered away option that offers a touch more personality than a full monochrome white set.
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Combo: Black Helmet / Garnet Jersey / Black Pants
Games Worn & Results: Missouri (W)
This might be a somewhat controversial opinion, but this set is surprisingly effective. While unconventional in its pairing of dark elements, it works. It takes a moment to adjust to, as football uniforms often rely on contrasting light and dark pieces. However, this combination creates a unique and cohesive look that prominently features both garnet and black, the team’s primary colors. Similar to the Vanderbilt uniform in its departure from the norm, this set is more visually unified and ultimately more successful.
THE MEDIOCRE
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Combo: White Helmet / White Jersey / White Pants
Games Worn & Results: at Kentucky (L)
Here’s where opinions might diverge. While the all-white “Stormtrooper” uniform is popular among some Gamecocks fans, it’s undeniably bland. It lacks distinguishing features, a significant drawback considering almost every college football program has an all-white option. Its popularity likely stems from its association with successful periods during the Spurrier era and the fact that it was a monochrome look where the helmet finally matched. However, aesthetically, it doesn’t offer much visual interest. After a loss to Kentucky in this uniform, perhaps it’s time for a hiatus.
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Combo: White Helmet / Black Jersey / White Pants
Games Worn & Results: Western Carolina (W)
This is a decent, if somewhat uninspired, combination that had been infrequently used since the early Spurrier years. It’s more subtle than the white/garnet/white, but now that a truly excellent all-black uniform exists, this set feels somewhat redundant. If the team is already incorporating black into the uniform, the superior all-black option is readily available. However, for games against non-Power 5 opponents, it’s an acceptable, if unremarkable, choice.
THE UGLY
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Combo: Garnet Helmet / Black Jersey / White Pants
Games Worn & Results: at Vanderbilt (W)
This uniform was undoubtedly a bold departure, signaling a willingness to break from traditional uniform conventions. The concept of experimentation is appreciated, but the execution falls short. For a team with a history of simple, classic uniforms, this combination feels like a bit too much, too soon. While Oregon and Maryland might push uniform boundaries to the extreme, for South Carolina, this attempt at unorthodox design doesn’t quite land.
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Combo: Black Helmet / Black Jersey / White Pants
Games Worn & Results: at Texas A&M (L)
While individual elements of this uniform are appealing, they don’t harmonize as a complete set. The principle of matching helmet and pants for visual flow is often effective in football uniform design. Here, the top half of the uniform – the black helmet and jersey – is strong, but the white pants create a jarring visual break, disrupting the overall cohesiveness. It’s a case where disparate elements clash rather than complement each other.
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Combo: Black Helmet / White Jersey / White Pants
Games Worn & Results: at Clemson (L)
Unlike the garnet/white/white combination, this black and white set simply misses the mark. Black and white combinations can easily appear too grayscale and uninspired, and that’s precisely the issue here. It lacks visual dynamism and personality. Had the team opted for black pants with the white jersey – a combination rarely seen since 2010 – it might have been a slight improvement. However, as it stands, this uniform is largely forgettable and represents a missed opportunity for a more impactful design.
