The Michigan Wolverines, a team steeped in tradition, haven’t often strayed from their classic maize and blue uniforms, particularly in recent years under Coach Jim Harbaugh. For the most part, Michigan has maintained a fairly traditional approach to their game day attire.
However, there have been moments where the Wolverines have donned alternate uniforms, creating both excitement and controversy among fans. The most recent instance was in the 2017 season opener against Florida, where Michigan sported an all-Maize uniform. Prior to that, during the Adidas era, the program experimented more frequently with different uniform combinations, with varying degrees of success in the eyes of fans and critics alike.
This article will delve into the alternate uniforms worn by the Michigan Wolverines over the past decade or so, covering both the Adidas and Nike eras. We’ll rank these unique looks, considering their design, reception, and overall impact. Let’s explore the Wolverines’ ventures beyond their iconic traditional wear.
7. 2011 vs. Michigan State: The Infamous “Bumblebee”
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Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images
Widely regarded as the least favorite Michigan alternate uniform of all time, the 2011 uniform worn against Michigan State instantly became known as the “bumblebee” design. The overwhelming negative reaction from fans stemmed from the thick, non-traditional stripes that dominated the jersey. These stripes, intended to be a modern take on classic football aesthetics, were perceived as clunky and distracting, moving far away from the clean and iconic look Michigan is known for. While the numbers were indeed legible, offering a small degree of functionality, this minor positive aspect was heavily overshadowed by the overall design. This “bumblebee” experiment serves as a cautionary tale in the realm of college football uniform design, highlighting the risks of drastically altering a beloved and established visual identity.
6. 2013 Outback Bowl vs. South Carolina: White and Maize Misstep
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Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images
Moving slightly up the ranking, the 2013 uniform worn in the Outback Bowl against South Carolina represents a marginal improvement over the “bumblebee,” primarily due to its relative simplicity. However, this design still missed the mark for many Michigan fans. The core issue lies in the choice of maize numbers on a white jersey. This color combination simply doesn’t provide enough contrast, making the numbers difficult to read, especially from a distance in the stadium or on television broadcasts. The addition of a blue outline around the maize numbers was intended to improve visibility, but it proved insufficient to overcome the inherent legibility problem. The overall impression was that of a generic or low-quality imitation of a Michigan jersey, something you might find in discount retail stores rather than on the field representing a storied program.
5. 2014 vs. Penn State: All Blue with Tire Tracks?
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Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
The 2014 all-blue uniform worn against Penn State occupies a middle ground in the ranking. While initially met with mixed reactions, this uniform has arguably aged somewhat better than some of the other Adidas-era alternates. The solid blue color scheme, in itself, isn’t necessarily a bad look, and an all-blue combination could potentially be revisited in the future. However, the defining and most criticized feature of this uniform was the number design. The numbers featured a stylized pattern that resembled tire tracks, a design element that felt out of place and detracted from the overall aesthetic. Without the unusual number font, this all-blue look might have been significantly more well-received, hinting at the potential of a future, cleaner all-blue Michigan alternate.
4. 2012 Cowboys Classic vs. Alabama: Clean but Bland
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Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
The uniform worn in the 2012 Cowboys Classic against Alabama is described as “boring” but also “clean,” placing it squarely in the middle of these rankings. In contrast to some of the more adventurous Adidas designs, this uniform opted for a safer approach. While lacking any truly distinctive or exciting elements, it avoided major design flaws. The white jersey with blue numbers, while somewhat generic, presented a reasonably presentable look. It foreshadowed a trend that would become more common for Michigan – the use of blue numbers on white jerseys. This game marked an early instance of a combination that, while not particularly inspiring, was certainly more palatable than some of the more experimental alternates.
3. 2012 Sugar Bowl vs. Virginia Tech: Solid Road Alternate
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These uniforms, worn as a road alternate during the Adidas era, are considered among the best of that period. They represent a more subtle departure from Michigan’s traditional uniforms, avoiding the more drastic changes seen in some other alternates. The design maintained a recognizable Michigan aesthetic while incorporating unique elements. The stripes on the shoulders, unlike the overwhelming stripes of the “bumblebee” uniform, were less intrusive and did not detract significantly from the overall look. Often overlooked in discussions of Michigan Alternate Uniforms, this Sugar Bowl look was a solid and well-executed variation that balanced tradition with a touch of novelty.
2. 2011 vs. Notre Dame: Throwback Charm
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This uniform choice might seem surprising given the negative reception of the “bumblebee” design from the same year. However, the 2011 uniform worn against Notre Dame stands in stark contrast. While also featuring stripes, this design successfully captured a “throwback” aesthetic. Instead of appearing as a modern, overly stylized concept, this uniform genuinely evoked classic football jerseys of the past. It felt like a legitimate tribute to Michigan’s football history rather than a forced or trendy alternate. The positive perception of this uniform has arguably grown over time, possibly fueled by nostalgia associated with the memorable game itself, adding a layer of sentimentality to the visual appeal.
1. 2017 vs. Florida: All-Maize Modern Look
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Photo by Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Taking the top spot is the all-Maize uniform worn against Florida in 2017. Despite initial skepticism based on concept photos, this uniform proved to be a hit when seen in game action. The monochromatic Maize look was bold and distinctive, yet still undeniably Michigan. It represented a modern take on the team’s colors without straying too far from their core identity. The positive reception to this uniform has sparked discussions about future possibilities, including the potential return of this all-Maize combination, perhaps even paired with blue pants for a different variation. The success of the 2017 all-Maize uniform suggests that Michigan can explore alternate uniform options while still honoring its rich tradition and pleasing its fanbase.
