The Oklahoma State University Cowboys football team boasts a rich and visually striking uniform history. From classic designs to modern innovations, their on-field apparel has evolved significantly over the decades, reflecting trends in sportswear and the team’s own identity. This article explores the Oklahoma State University Uniforms history from 1980 to 2014, showcasing the variety and changes that have defined the Cowboys’ look.
1980-1989: The Early Years and Russell Athletic Era
The 1980s marked a period of consistent evolution for Oklahoma State uniforms. In 1980, the Cowboys sported home, road, and home alternate uniforms.
In 1981, similar home, road, and home alternate styles were maintained, with slight variations. The road uniform of 1981 is particularly notable for being worn against Texas A&M in the Independence Bowl.
By 1982, the uniform set streamlined to home and road versions. This basic set continued into 1983, but with the addition of a special “Bluebonnet Bowl” uniform worn against Baylor.
1984 saw the introduction of a “Gator Bowl” uniform, worn against South Carolina, alongside the standard home and road kits. The Gator Bowl uniform also appeared in 1985, this time worn against Florida State, again accompanying the home and road uniforms.
In 1986, the uniform selection returned to a simpler home and road combination. 1987 marked a manufacturer change, with Russell Athletic taking over. That year also included a “Sun Bowl” uniform worn against West Virginia.
1988 was a year of variety, featuring home, road, home alternate, and road alternate uniforms, all manufactured by Russell Athletic. Two additional special uniforms were also introduced: a “Coca-Cola Bowl” uniform for a game against Texas Tech in Tokyo, Japan, and a “Holiday Bowl” uniform worn against Wyoming.
The 1989 season maintained the home, road, home alternate, and road alternate uniform styles from Russell Athletic.
1990-1999: Centennial and Sports Belle Era
The 1990s began with a special celebration. 1990 uniforms included an “OSU 1890-1990 Centennial patch” on the home, road, and home alternate versions, all still manufactured by Russell Athletic.
1991 and 1992 saw continued use of home, road, and home alternate uniforms by Russell Athletic. In 1992, a “Road Alternate” uniform and a “Bedlam” alternate uniform worn against Oklahoma were added to the rotation.
From 1993 to 1995, the Cowboys primarily utilized home, road, and road alternate uniforms, all still under the Russell Athletic brand.
1996 brought another manufacturer change as Sports Belle became the uniform provider. Home, road, and road alternate uniforms were featured that year. This continued into 1997, which also saw an “Alamo Bowl” uniform worn against Purdue. 1997 also included home alternate and road alternate uniforms.
1998 and 1999 under Sports Belle saw a variety of options, including home, road, home alternate, and multiple road alternate uniforms.
2000-2014: The Nike Era and Modern Designs
The new millennium ushered in the Nike era for Oklahoma State uniforms. 2000 and 2001 featured home, road, and road alternate uniforms manufactured by Nike.
In 2002, Nike introduced home, road, home alternate, and road alternate uniforms. A “Houston Bowl” uniform, worn against Southern Miss, was also part of the lineup.
2003 included home, road, and a “Cotton Bowl” uniform worn in 2004 against Ole Miss. 2004 featured home, road, and an “Alamo Bowl” uniform against Ohio State.
2005 uniforms, made by Nike, included a “Vernon Grant memorial helmet decal” on the home, road, and road alternate versions. 2006 offered home, road, home alternate, and road alternate uniforms, plus an “Independence Bowl” uniform worn against Alabama.
2007 continued with home, road, home alternate, and road alternate uniforms by Nike, along with an “Insight Bowl” uniform against Indiana. 2008 mirrored this pattern, including a “Holiday Bowl” uniform worn against Oregon.
2009 saw home, road, and home alternate uniforms, and a “Cotton Bowl” uniform worn in 2010 against Ole Miss, featuring a team captain patch. 2010 uniforms included a “Bob Fenimore memorial helmet decal” across home, road, and multiple home and road alternate versions, as well as an “Alamo Bowl” uniform against Arizona.
2011 was a year of significant variety, showcasing numerous combinations of white, gray, and black helmets, jerseys, and pants. These included uniforms worn for specific games like the Fiesta Bowl against Stanford, and memorial decals for Angela Spencer.
2012 continued the trend of diverse combinations, including “Carbon Fiber,” “Pistol Pete,” and “Brand” themed uniforms. A “Heart of Dallas Bowl” uniform against Purdue concluded the year.
2013 introduced striped helmet designs and further variations in jersey and pant colors, culminating in a “Cotton Bowl Classic” uniform against Missouri.
Finally, 2014 began with a striking black-on-black uniform worn against Florida State, setting the stage for the evolving Oklahoma State uniform tradition.
Conclusion
Oklahoma State University’s football uniforms have undergone numerous transformations from 1980 to 2014. From the Russell Athletic era to the innovative designs of Nike, the Cowboys’ on-field look has consistently adapted while maintaining a strong visual identity. This history showcases the evolution of college football uniforms and the enduring spirit of Oklahoma State Athletics.
