As the college football regular season concludes, and the excitement of rivalry week fills the air, teams are not only competing for College Football Playoff spots but also showcasing some of the most innovative alternate uniforms of the year. With bowl berths and conference championships on the line, the stakes are high, and the uniforms are adding an extra layer of visual interest to the gridiron battles.
One of the most anticipated games for uniform enthusiasts is the annual Army-Navy Game. This historic matchup, set to take place at Gillette Stadium for the first time on December 9th, is more than just a spirited contest between two service academies; it has become a prominent stage for unveiling the season’s best Alternate College Football Uniforms. This year, Army will honor the 3rd Infantry Division soldiers from Operation Iraqi Freedom with their uniforms, while Navy will pay tribute to the Silent Service, the U.S. Submarine Force.
Both uniforms have been released for the Army-Navy Game presented by @USAA!
Who ya got? ⚔️ or ⚓️?#ArmyNavy pic.twitter.com/EtdRIo7e7X
— Army-Navy Game (@ArmyNavyGame) November 22, 2023
Throughout the 2023 college football season, we’ve witnessed a plethora of outstanding alternate uniforms. To celebrate the creativity and style on display, Jason Jones, David Ubben, and Chris Kamrani from The Athletic collaborated to rank their top 10 alternate uniforms. Using a points system, with 10 points for their top pick down to one point for their least favorite, they compiled a definitive list. We’re presenting their ranking, starting from the honorable mentions and counting down to the number one spot, offering insights into why these uniforms stood out. Remember, a lower ranking doesn’t necessarily mean dislike; it simply reflects that others were even more impressive in this competitive field of alternate college football uniforms.
Let’s dive into the rankings and explore the best alternate college football uniforms of 2023, as selected by The Athletic‘s experts.
Honorable Mentions
Notre Dame Fighting Irish/Navy Midshipmen: Gaelic (Aer Lingus College Football Series)
Notre Dame and Navy will wear alternate uniforms that feature Gaelic-style striping patterns on the sleeves or shoulders during their Aug. 26 game in Ireland: https://t.co/sjwwBYDbr5 pic.twitter.com/ZuyUBXUmGU
— Andrew Lind (@AndrewMLind) August 7, 2023
While subtle, the Gaelic-inspired details on the Notre Dame and Navy alternate uniforms for their game in Ireland were a tasteful nod to the host country. These Gaelic striping patterns, incorporated into the sleeves and shoulders, offered a unique storyline and a respectful tribute to Irish culture, even if the nuances might have been missed by the casual viewer. It’s a testament to how even small design elements can enhance the narrative around alternate college football uniforms.
Nebraska Cornhuskers: Blue Outline
Soon…#GBR x #WhatsNExt! pic.twitter.com/eIbwJ2eUMH
— Nebraska Football (@HuskerFootball) October 21, 2023
Nebraska’s alternate uniforms featuring a blue outline served as a historical reference, harking back to a tradition from a century prior and commemorating a rivalry impacted by conference realignment. However, the visual impact on television was minimal. The subtle blue outline didn’t significantly differentiate these uniforms from Nebraska’s standard home attire. The writers mused about the bolder impact of fully blue uniforms, suggesting that a more dramatic color shift could have amplified the throwback concept and created a more memorable alternate college football uniform.
10. (Tie) Ohio State Buckeyes: All Gray (3 points)
Scary Hours 😈 pic.twitter.com/piy5rHctma
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) November 12, 2023
Kamrani (2): Kamrani noted that this iteration of Ohio State’s all-gray uniform was an improvement over previous versions, thanks to the more prominent Buckeye red accents. While acknowledging it as a decent alternate, he felt that stronger options overshadowed it this year.
Jones (1): Jones found the all-gray look underwhelming, describing it as “meh” and too similar to the helmet. Despite appreciating the gloves, he ranked it low, humorously anticipating disapproval from his Ohio relatives.
Ubben (0): Ubben pointed out the trend of gray uniforms in college football over the past decade, with varying degrees of success. He conceded that the red accents elevated Ohio State’s version, making it more visually appealing than some other gray alternate college football uniforms.
Florida Gators: Saluting Those Who Serve (3 points)
#SalutingThoseWhoServe 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/nJyeAkjG8v
— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) November 4, 2023
Ubben (2): Ubben humorously advocated for black uniforms in college football, stating there’s no constitutional restriction against them. He appreciated Florida embracing the dark side.
Kamrani (1): Kamrani praised the striking contrast of white numbers on the all-black jerseys, enhancing visibility both in photos and on high-definition broadcasts. He emphasized the importance of helmet design in all-black or all-white uniform sets and liked the cursive “Gators” script.
Jones (0): Jones drew a parallel to the 1990s trend of black alternate jerseys being sold but rarely worn in games, suggesting these Florida uniforms evoked a similar vibe, lacking a truly game-changing impact compared to other alternate college football uniforms.
9. Notre Dame Fighting Irish: Irish Wear Green (7 points)
Game Week
🆚 Ohio State📆 Saturday, Sept. 23rd🕝 7:30 pm ET📺 NBC#GoIrish☘️ pic.twitter.com/ynYQN0tKNv
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) September 18, 2023
Kamrani (3): Kamrani suggested Notre Dame should reserve deviations from their classic look for rare occasions, considering their rich jersey color history. He viewed the all-green as a straightforward, almost default, alternate option.
Jones (3): Jones felt the green pants were excessive but appreciated the gold accents on the jersey. He expressed a desire to see Notre Dame experiment with a gold jersey in the future, hinting at the potential for more adventurous alternate college football uniforms.
Ubben (1): Ubben humorously questioned the emphasis on green for the “Fighting Irish,” given their official colors are blue and gold. He noted the recurring tradition of Notre Dame wearing full green uniforms a few times annually, despite the color disconnect, making it a somewhat predictable alternate college football uniform choice.
7. (Tie) UCF Knights: Mission VII/Space U (13 points)
Mission VII: Reaching New Horizons pic.twitter.com/8UjDnUYpl7
— UCF Football (@UCF_Football) October 11, 2023
Ubben (7): Ubben enjoyed the playful rivalry between UCF and Houston over space-themed branding but acknowledged UCF’s stronger commitment to the concept. He highlighted the “Canaveral blue” color as a timeless and successful choice for alternate college football uniforms.
Jones (6): Jones echoed the praise for “Canaveral blue,” emphasizing its standout quality. He appreciated the space-related details, deeming it a fun and broadly appealing alternate jersey—one that could attract fans even without UCF affiliation.
Kamrani (0): Kamrani affirmed the appeal of this shade of blue, combined with the white helmet and UCF gold accents, creating a “tremendously clean look.” He lauded the “Space U” chest lettering and the emerging “galactic rivalry” within the Big 12, positioning these as top-tier alternate college football uniforms.
FAU Owls: Sand-Colored Uniforms (13 points)
South Florida swagger + Boca Raton elegance = 🏝🛥👑
Repping our culture Saturday night with these sand-colored uniforms 👀#TriCountyTakeover#WinningInParadise pic.twitter.com/CF9HB6Y2bT
— Florida Atlantic Football (@FAUFootball) October 16, 2023
Kamrani (6): Kamrani lauded FAU’s use of an all-white jersey combo, reminiscent of custom designs in classic Madden video games. He especially liked the palm tree shadows on the shoulder pads, adding unique detail to these alternate college football uniforms.
Jones (4): Jones found the “Owls” mascot incongruous with the palm tree-themed uniform, suggesting a disconnect between the visual theme and the team name. He felt “Owls” across the chest didn’t quite match the tropical aesthetic.
Ubben (3): Ubben appreciated the “Owls” script and the thick red helmet stripe. He also humorously advocated for more college football photoshoots on yachts, enhancing the “South Florida swagger” of these alternate college football uniforms.
6. Tennessee Volunteers: Condredge Holloway Tribute (17 points)
Paying tribute to a Tennessee legend.@SportsCenter#GBO 🍊 pic.twitter.com/8wsNNZ7EuU
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) September 9, 2023
Kamrani (9): Kamrani strongly supported honoring legendary players like Condredge Holloway, the SEC’s first Black starting quarterback in 1972. He highlighted Holloway’s nickname, “The Artful Dodger,” and the symbolic gesture of current Vols quarterback Joe Milton wearing Holloway’s number.
Ubben (8): Ubben emphasized the emotional impact beyond the uniform itself. He described a poignant moment in the reveal video where Holloway and Milton connected, creating a powerful, emotional narrative around these alternate college football uniforms and their historical significance.
Jones (0): Jones appreciated the tribute’s sentiment but disliked the uniform’s aesthetic. He felt the gray and orange combination didn’t work and suggested an updated version of Holloway’s original orange and white jersey would have been more effective. He did, however, acknowledge the helmet’s subtle Smoky Mountain silhouette as a positive detail, though it required close attention.
5. Air Force Falcons: Doolittle Raiders (18 points)
Air Force set to debut the Doolittle Raiders uniform against Navy this weekend. pic.twitter.com/8zxX49gkRl
— NFL Fashion Advice (@fashion_nfl) October 17, 2023
Jones (9): Jones declared the helmet the “best alternate helmet,” praising its unique design. He admitted his general aversion to white-on-white uniforms but made an exception for Air Force due to the lettering on the pants and the detailed jersey, recognizing them as well-executed alternate college football uniforms.
Kamrani (5): Kamrani focused on the helmet’s significance, highlighting the crest of the WWII Air Force unit, the Doolittle Raiders, and the planes used in the Tokyo raid. He appreciated the armed forces academies honoring their history and executing it flawlessly through these alternate college football uniforms.
Ubben (4): Ubben acknowledged the service academies’ rich historical resources for alternate uniforms. While noting they’ve had even stronger designs previously, he considered these Doolittle Raid tribute uniforms a fitting homage to a pivotal moment in American history—America’s first response to Pearl Harbor.
3. (Tie) Iowa State Cyclones: Jack Trice Legacy (19 points)
These Iowa State Jack Trice Legacy Uniforms are 🔥 pic.twitter.com/U7VnvXH6WN
— Kenny Mossman (@Kenny_Mossman) October 8, 2023
Kamrani (8): Kamrani connected the uniforms to the tragic story of Jack Trice, Iowa State’s first Black athlete, who died from game-related injuries in 1923. He praised the uniforms for evoking the black-and-white era of early football, effectively capturing a historical aesthetic and serving as powerful alternate college football uniforms.
Ubben (6): Ubben emphasized the storytelling aspect, highlighting the uniforms as a reminder of the sport’s complex history. He lauded the “I will!” detail from Trice’s letter—handwritten on the collar and helmet—as the “single-best detail” on any uniform in the ranking, giving these alternate college football uniforms profound depth.
Jones (5): Jones appreciated Iowa State’s commitment to nostalgia, noting the uniforms’ success in conveying the look of 100-year-old jerseys. He specifically liked the “Ames” and “I will!” details, recognizing them as a great old-school tribute and impactful alternate college football uniforms.
Boston College Eagles: Red Bandanna (19 points)
Boston College is taking on No. 3 Florida State wearing ‘Red Bandanna’ jerseys.
The Red Bandanna Game honors the memory of Welles Crowther, a volunteer firefighter who lost his life rescuing people stuck in the south tower of the World Trade Center on 9/11.
H/T @BCFootball pic.twitter.com/hikRG36Jgm
— The Athletic CFB (@TheAthleticCFB) September 16, 2023
Kamrani (7): Kamrani linked the uniforms to the heroic story of Welles Crowther, “The Man in the Red Bandana,” a Boston College lacrosse player who saved lives during the 9/11 attacks. He praised the uniforms for embodying Crowther’s legacy and heroism, making them meaningful alternate college football uniforms.
Jones (7): Jones, despite not typically wearing red, expressed a willingness to wear this jersey. He lauded the bandanna accents on the helmet, the bandanna print on the numbers, and the gloves with red bandanna palms—declaring Boston College achieved a “home run” with these alternate college football uniforms.
Ubben (5): Ubben highlighted the well-known story of Welles Crowther and Boston College’s annual tribute game. He emphasized the uniforms’ role in honoring an American hero, stating that “the best uniforms tell a story,” and these challenge everyone to aspire to higher ideals, making them deeply resonant alternate college football uniforms.
2. FIU Panthers: Vice Theme (21 points)
We’re on for tonight 💯 #ViceU
7:30pm / ESPN2 pic.twitter.com/SAn1rzteOY
— FIU Football (@FIUFootball) October 11, 2023
Ubben (9): Ubben praised the “Miami Vice” aesthetic, encompassing the look, vibe, and color scheme. He deemed it both quintessentially 1980s and timeless, appreciating the stylistic confidence of these alternate college football uniforms.
Jones (8): Jones confessed his fondness for “Miami Vice” references, drawing parallels to the Miami Heat’s City Edition uniforms. He approved of the palm tree motif on a football jersey and envisioned wearing an 80s linen suit to an FIU game, fully embracing the theme of these alternate college football uniforms.
Kamrani (4): Kamrani, like Jones, liked the palm tree detail, crediting FIU for fully embracing the “Miami Vice” concept. He specifically pointed out the neon coral pink and blue on the all-black uniform as creating strong “Vice City vibes,” solidifying these as stylish and thematic alternate college football uniforms.
1. Houston Cougars: Luv Ya Blue (30 points)
Love you, Houston. This one is for you. #GoCoogs | #TEAM pic.twitter.com/X2Ul4SWwf5
— Houston Football (@UHCougarFB) August 31, 2023
Ubben (10): Ubben declared these the best alternate uniforms of the season, even noting the NFL’s cease-and-desist letter due to their resemblance to Houston Oilers throwbacks. He criticized the Tennessee Titans wearing similar uniforms, arguing these “Luv Ya Blue” uniforms rightfully belong to Houston, not the Titans’ franchise, highlighting their cultural significance as alternate college football uniforms.
Kamrani (10): Kamrani boldly suggested these powder blue uniforms should become Houston’s primary set, overshadowing their traditional red. He connected the powder blue to memories of Warren Moon and the Oilers, lamenting the NFL’s “No Fun League” reaction to their revival as alternate college football uniforms.
Jones (10): Jones agreed these uniforms were “well worth upsetting the NFL.” He emphasized that the Titans left Houston, making it fitting for the Cougars to reclaim these Columbia blue jerseys evoking memories of the run-and-shoot offense and Earl Campbell. He championed Houston owning this uniform identity, envisioning local icons like Bun B and Paul Wall proudly wearing them, solidifying these as the top alternate college football uniforms of the year.
(Photos: Robin Alam and Leslie Plaza Johnson / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images, and David K. Purdy / Getty Images)
