College football uniform enthusiasts are always eager to see the latest gridiron gear. Just like tracking player stats, keeping up with uniform changes and designs is a passion for many fans. While a comprehensive “Nfl Uniform Database” might be a dream for pro football gearheads, let’s dive into the world of college football uniforms and explore the updates from the 2013 season. This review, initially shared on AUFamily.com, compiles uniform news from across various NCAA conferences.
Before we get into team-specific updates, it’s worth noting a couple of NCAA rule changes that impact uniforms. Firstly, the “USC rule” now prevents players from switching jersey numbers mid-game without notifying the referee, primarily to manage players changing positions (as numbers are position-specific, e.g., 50-79 for linemen). Secondly, and perhaps more visually relevant, uniform numbers must now have complete contrast with the jersey color. This effectively bans gradient numbers, a style previously favored by Nike in their Pro Combat series and even seen in some Oregon designs.
Conference by Conference Breakdown of 2013 Uniform Updates
Let’s explore the uniform updates across different conferences, offering a snapshot of the changing aesthetics in college football for the 2013 season.
SEC Updates
Mississippi State: Adidas delivered new Egg Bowl uniforms for Mississippi State. While considered decent, they bear a strong resemblance to a set worn in the same game a few years prior.
Alt text: A side-by-side comparison of Mississippi State’s Egg Bowl uniforms from a few years prior, highlighting the design similarities with the 2013 version.
Tennessee: The Volunteers unveiled a “Smokey Grey” alternate uniform. Featuring grey tops and bottoms, these uniforms are considered reasonably appealing, especially the pants striping. The return of the “tread marks” design element is noted. However, the absence of an alternate helmet is seen as a missed opportunity to fully commit to the alternate look.
Alt text: Close-up of the Tennessee Volunteers’ new “Smokey Grey” alternate jersey, showcasing the fabric and design details.
Alt text: Detailed view of the pants striping on the Tennessee “Smokey Grey” alternate uniform, emphasizing the design and color contrast.
Alt text: A comprehensive display of Tennessee Volunteers’ base uniform combinations for the 2013 season, illustrating the variety of looks.
Grade for Tennessee Smokey Grey Uniforms: B
PAC 12
(No specific updates mentioned in the original article)
Big Ten Updates
Northwestern: Northwestern introduced a striking matte white helmet to complement their white pants and tops. This helmet is praised for its visual appeal, standing out from their traditional purple and previous black helmets.
Alt text: Image showcasing the Northwestern Wildcats’ new matte white helmet paired with their all-white uniforms, emphasizing the clean and modern aesthetic.
Grade for Northwestern Matte White Helmet: A
Big 12
(No specific uniform updates mentioned, only the conference logo shown)
Alt text: The official logo of the Big 12 Conference, representing the teams within this athletic division.
ACC Updates
Georgia Tech: To commemorate 100 years at Grant Field at Bobby Dodd Stadium, Georgia Tech initially released a logo.
Alt text: Georgia Tech’s commemorative logo celebrating 100 years of football at Grant Field at Bobby Dodd Stadium, marking a significant milestone.
Wake Forest: Initial reports and images of Wake Forest’s helmets were inaccurate prototypes. The actual helmets revealed include new matte black and white lids. The new helmets are considered an improvement, but jersey updates are still desired.
Alt text: A collection of Wake Forest Demon Deacons’ officially revealed helmets for the 2013 season, showcasing the updated designs.
Alt text: Close-up view of Wake Forest’s new matte black helmet, highlighting the finish and logo details.
Alt text: Standalone image of Wake Forest’s new white helmet, emphasizing its design and features.
New Grade for Wake Forest Helmets: B+
American Athletic Conference
Alt text: The official logo for the American Athletic Conference, representing the universities competing within this athletic conference.
1. Cincinnati: Cincinnati’s uniform updates include the new AAC conference logo and the return of “tread marks”. Limited visuals are available, but further developments are expected.
Alt text: First glimpse of Cincinnati Bearcats’ new uniforms, showing the updated design and conference logo.
Alt text: Another view of Cincinnati’s updated uniforms, providing a different angle and highlighting additional design elements.
Grade for Cincinnati Uniforms: B
2. Houston: Houston showcased a range of equipment, including a white UH helmet praised for its appearance. However, opinions are divided on helmets featuring the redesigned Cougar Head logo. Diamond plate UH helmets are particularly criticized. New jerseys with number outlining and striping are also introduced, but shoulder design elements are disliked.
Alt text: Showcase of Houston Cougars’ prototype uniform designs, displaying various helmet and jersey combinations under consideration.
Alt text: Detailed image of Houston’s new jerseys, focusing on the number outlining and striping details.
Alt text: Close-up on the shoulder design of Houston’s new uniforms, highlighting the specific styling and elements.
Grade for Houston Uniforms: C+
3. Louisville: Louisville updated their uniforms with the AAC patch and Adidas “treadmarks.” New black alternate pants and a matte white helmet are highlights. The matte white helmet is particularly well-received.
Alt text: Louisville Cardinals’ uniform update featuring Adidas “treadmarks” and the new conference patch.
Alt text: Louisville’s new black alternate pants, showing the design and how they pair with a white top.
Alt text: Stunning matte white helmet introduced by the Louisville Cardinals, showcasing its sleek and modern look.
Grade for Louisville Uniforms: B+
4. Memphis: Memphis presented mock-ups to alumni and moved forward with grey (and possibly white) pants and jerseys with faint black stripes. The main update is three new helmets featuring chrome elements. Chrome blue and silver chrome helmets are noted, with some reservations about tiger stripes within decals on the silver chrome helmet.
Alt text: Memphis Tigers’ uniform mock-ups from 2012, presented to alumni for feedback and consideration.
Alt text: Memphis’ traditional blue helmet with chrome accents, blending classic design with modern flair.
Alt text: New silver chrome helmet for Memphis, highlighting its reflective finish and unique striping details.
Grade for Memphis Uniforms: B
5. UCF: UCF’s uniform reveal was unconventional, using templates and season ticket holder dinners. The final product is considered good, particularly the helmet with a metallic gold portion.
Alt text: UCF’s initial uniform design presented on a template, showcasing the proposed look before final production.
Alt text: UCF’s uniform reveal at a season ticket holder dinner, an unconventional approach to unveiling the new designs.
Alt text: Side-by-side comparison showing UCF helmet design and color options, illustrating the development process.
Alt text: UCF’s final uniform product as worn by a person, showcasing the complete look and fit.
Alt text: Close-up of UCF’s unique helmet, emphasizing the metallic gold portion and distinctive design.
Grade for UCF Uniforms: B, Reveal Grade: F
6. UConn: UConn rebranded with a new husky head logo and updated uniforms by Nike. Uniforms are described as clean and bold, with unique striping. However, the initial helmet design featuring “tiger/husky/dog/cat/snake eyes” was heavily criticized and later revised to include a contrasting outline around the stripe.
Alt text: UConn’s newly rebranded husky head logo, marking a fresh visual identity for the university’s athletic teams.
Alt text: A timeline showcasing the history of UConn husky logos, tracing the evolution of their mascot’s visual representation.
Alt text: UConn’s bold blue uniforms, highlighting the clean design and strong color presence.
Alt text: Detail of the piping or striping on UConn’s white uniforms, pointing out the unique design element.
Alt text: UConn white uniform pants stripe, showing the simple and new design.
Alt text: UConn’s initially revealed helmet design, featuring the controversial “tiger/husky/dog/cat/snake eyes” graphic.
Alt text: A close-up of the “tiger/husky/dog/cat/snake eyes” graphic, which was met with criticism when featured on UConn’s helmets.
Alt text: UConn’s traditional block C logo, a design element missed by some fans in the new uniform update.
Alt text: UConn’s revised helmet design with a contrasting outline, addressing initial criticisms and improving the overall look.
Grade for UConn Uniforms: C+
Conference USA Updates
1. FAU: Florida Atlantic’s uniforms are seen as declining from previous “wonderful” designs. A new helmet was introduced, deviating slightly from prototypes. The existing uniforms from the previous year are still in use and criticized.
Alt text: Image of FAU’s older uniforms, considered more appealing compared to recent designs.
Alt text: FAU helmet prototypes considered during the design process, showing different design directions.
Alt text: FAU’s new helmet design, which was ultimately chosen and implemented for the 2013 season.
Alt text: Model showcasing FAU’s current uniforms, which have been subject to criticism and are considered a downgrade by some.
Alt text: FAU’s 2012 uniforms, presented as a point of comparison to highlight the perceived decline in design quality.
Alt text: Detail of the pants stripe on FAU’s 2013 uniforms, noting a design element that could be improved.
Grade for FAU Uniforms: C-
2. Louisiana Tech: Louisiana Tech made minor helmet changes, switching the “T” logo color from white to red. This change is considered a downgrade in readability. A special decal for a game against Army is noted positively.
Alt text: Louisiana Tech’s helmet update, changing the “T” logo color from white to red, a design alteration that impacts visibility.
Alt text: Louisiana Tech’s special USA decal for their game against Army on September 28th, a commemorative addition to their helmets.
Grade for Louisiana Tech Decal Change: B
3. Middle Tennessee: Middle Tennessee State added a matte black helmet and a white helmet to their options, alongside traditional silver. New Stars and Stripes decals are also introduced. The matte black helmet is criticized for the “negative space” effect on the logo decal.
Alt text: Middle Tennessee State’s new matte black and white helmets, expanding their helmet collection for the 2013 season.
Alt text: Middle Tennessee State’s Stars and Stripes decals, added as a patriotic element to their uniform options.
Alt text: Close-up of Middle Tennessee’s matte black helmet, highlighting the logo decal and the “negative space” issue.
Grade for Middle Tennessee Uniforms: B
4. Southern Miss: Southern Miss switched from Nike to Russell as their uniform provider. The new Russell uniforms are considered a downgrade from Nike, appearing bulky and less appealing. A new helmet chosen by fan vote is also introduced, but not favored. Throwback uniforms are unlikely to be used.
Alt text: Southern Miss’ old Nike uniforms, remembered favorably before the switch to Russell.
Alt text: Southern Miss’ new Russell uniforms, the first look after the provider change, showing the new design direction.
Alt text: Another view of Southern Miss’ new Russell uniforms, emphasizing the bulkier fit and different aesthetic.
Alt text: Detail of Southern Miss’ new Russell uniforms, highlighting the “cracking” effect inside the numbers.
Alt text: Southern Miss’ new helmets, chosen through a fan vote, showcasing the selected design.
Alt text: Southern Miss’ throwback uniforms, which are unlikely to be seen again after the provider switch.
Grade for Southern Miss Uniforms: C
5. Tulane: Tulane continues their “equipment arms race” with multiple helmet styles for the season. A baby blue helmet is highlighted positively. A grey alternate uniform is potentially in development.
Alt text: Tulane’s diverse helmet collection, showcasing multiple styles and colors for the 2013 season.
Alt text: More Tulane helmets, with uncertainty around their official status or game usage.
Alt text: Potential grey alternate uniform for Tulane, as seen in a recruit’s photo, suggesting a new design direction.
Grade for Tulane Uniforms: Incomplete
6. Tulsa: Tulsa updated their uniforms to Nike’s newest template, resulting in a cleaner, simpler design. A golden plated helmet prototype is also introduced and well-received.
Alt text: Tulsa Golden Hurricanes’ updated uniforms, showcasing the cleaner Nike template design.
Alt text: Close-up of Tulsa’s jersey template, highlighting the Flywire, sweat box, and other Nike technology features.
Alt text: Tulsa’s golden plated helmet prototype, a striking and potentially game-changing design.
Grade for Tulsa Uniforms: B+
Mountain West Updates
1. Colorado State: Colorado State switched to Under Armour after issues with Russell. The Under Armour uniforms are seen as a significant improvement, with a liked shoulder design and classic helmet retained.
Alt text: Colorado State’s old Russell uniforms, considered unfavorable before the switch to Under Armour.
Alt text: Colorado State’s new Under Armour uniforms, a significant upgrade praised for design and quality.
Alt text: Detail of the pants stripe on Colorado State’s Under Armour uniforms, noting the stitching design similarity to Auburn.
Grade for Colorado State Uniforms: A-
2. Fresno State: Fresno State added a white helmet, a 1996 throwback helmet, and full black uniforms for a “Black Out” game. The black uniforms are well-received.
Alt text: Fresno State’s new uniforms reveal from two years prior, setting the stage for the 2013 updates.
Alt text: Fresno State’s white helmet prototype, revealed earlier by a recruit, showcasing a new color option.
Alt text: Fresno State’s 1996 throwback helmet, celebrating a historical uniform design.
Alt text: Fresno State’s black uniforms for a “Black Out” game, creating a dramatic and unified stadium look.
Alt text: Fresno State’s matte black helmet, part of the black uniform set, featuring TV numbers and a bulldog head.
Alt text: Side view of Fresno State’s all-black uniforms, showing the complete design and fit.
Grade for Fresno State Black Uniforms: B+, Overall Grade: C
3. Nevada: Nevada’s new uniform ideas were leaked by recruits. Simplified uniforms with shoulder piping, a new white helmet, and grey uniforms are introduced. Shortened pant stripes due to Nike’s template are noted.
Alt text: Nevada Wolfpack’s white helmets, leaked by recruits, offering an early glimpse of the new designs.
Alt text: Colin Kaepernick in Nevada’s older uniforms, providing a comparison point to the updated designs.
Alt text: Nevada’s new uniforms showcasing all three color variations, highlighting the updated designs.
Alt text: Detail of Nevada’s new white helmet, emphasizing the design elements and color.
Alt text: Side view of Nevada’s grey uniforms, showing the design and fit.
Alt text: Nevada’s new uniforms in all color options, presenting a comprehensive view of the updated looks.
Grade for Nevada Uniforms: B
4. San Diego State: San Diego State unveiled new football uniforms and an updated logo. The logo change is subtle. The uniforms feature UCLA stripes on the shoulder and pants, considered traditional and well-liked.
Alt text: Graphic comparing San Diego State’s new and old logos, highlighting the subtle updates.
Alt text: San Diego State’s new uniforms reveal, showcasing the updated designs for the 2013 season.
Alt text: Side view of San Diego State’s new uniforms, emphasizing the UCLA stripes on the shoulder and pants.
Alt text: San Diego State’s old uniforms, providing a contrast to the new designs and highlighting the changes.
Grade for San Diego State Uniforms: A
5. Wyoming: Wyoming replaced their turf field with a unique design. The turf design is liked.
Alt text: Wyoming’s new turf field with a unique design, showcasing the visual upgrade to the playing surface.
Alt text: Wyoming’s new turf field after installation, demonstrating the completed look and field markings.
Alt text: A general image depicting a turf field, used in the context of a discussion about turf field designs.
Sun Belt Updates
Alt text: The official logo of the Sun Belt Conference, representing the athletic programs within this conference.
1. Arkansas State: Arkansas State may have a new white helmet. A UConn-style helmet circulated online, but its authenticity is unconfirmed.
Alt text: Arkansas State’s possible new white helmet, a potential addition to their uniform options.
Alt text: Arkansas State fan-made UConn-style helmet, circulating online with uncertain official status.
Grade for Arkansas State Uniforms: B+
2. Georgia State: Georgia State revealed new Nike uniforms and helmets. The uniforms are considered plain, with a preference for stripes from older designs.
Alt text: Georgia State’s new Nike uniforms, marking their first year in D1 with updated gear.
Alt text: Georgia State’s new helmet design, part of the uniform update by Nike for their D1 debut.
Alt text: Georgia State’s old uniforms with stripes, preferred by some over the plainer new designs.
Grade for Georgia State Uniforms: B-
3. Louisiana-Lafayette: Louisiana-Lafayette released new Russell uniforms that are considered clean and bold, though chest piping is disliked. These are an improvement over previous sets. Two-sided helmets with wordmark and logo are liked.
Alt text: Louisiana-Lafayette’s new Russell uniforms, praised for a clean and bold aesthetic.
Alt text: Louisiana-Lafayette’s old uniform set, providing a comparison point to highlight the improvements in the new Russell designs.
Grade for Louisiana-Lafayette Uniforms: A-
4. Louisiana-Monroe: Louisiana-Monroe updated their Adidas uniforms to plainer, single-color designs, removing stripes. Adidas logo placement under the collar is criticized.
Grade for Louisiana-Monroe Uniforms: B-
5. South Alabama: South Alabama, playing their first full D1 season, received new Nike uniforms. These are considered decent but not exceptional. Typeface is disliked, and helmet stripe and large helmet number are noted.
Grade for South Alabama Uniforms: B-
6. Texas State: Texas State, a new D-1 team in the Sun Belt, has “odd looking helmets.” Last year’s uniforms are shown, with uncertainty about new reveals. Stadium is liked.
7. Western Kentucky: Western Kentucky has a new coach and a “wonderful looking chrome white helmet.” Uniforms updated by Petrino are a downgrade from previous sets, with disliked chest piping and pant leg text. Conference patch placement is also noted negatively.
Grade for Western Kentucky Helmet: B+, Uniforms: C
Mid-American Conference Updates
1. Buffalo: Buffalo added a chest plate reading “State University of NEW YORK Buffalo,” considered “awful” and “hilarious.” Matte blue helmet is liked, but black armpits on uniforms are disliked.
Grade for Buffalo Uniforms: C-
2. Kent State: Kent State updated uniforms, removing “high school stripes,” resulting in a cleaner design. Base layer is noted but not considered a major issue.
3. Massachusetts: UMass, in their second D1 season, may have a new helmet. Spring game uniforms with Boston Marathon bombing victim names are praised.
Grade for UMass Helmet: A-, Spring Game Uniforms: A+++
4. Miami (OH): Miami (OH) has “wild” Adidas uniforms with “MIAMI” across shoulders and helmet back, chrome helmet, feathered patterns, and large “M” on pants. Considered bold and different, with a wait-and-see approach.
Grade for Miami (OH) Uniforms: B for Bold
5. Western Michigan: Western Michigan received new helmet prototypes similar to Idaho’s Broncos. A darker brown matte helmet and matte white lid are introduced. Uniforms are plain. 75th stadium year logo noted.
Grade for Western Michigan Uniforms: B
Independents Updates
1. BYU: BYU plans to throwback to royal blue uniforms from the 1970s-1999. Homecoming uniforms will have player names replaced with “Tradition,” “Spirit,” and “Honor.” Royal blue throwback is liked; gimmicky NOBs are less so.
Grade for BYU Throwback: A, Gimmicky NOBs: B-
2. Notre Dame: Notre Dame updated to Adidas “tread marks” template, disliked. “Shamrock series” uniforms are shiny and glittery, with an Irish-style number font. Shiny elements liked by younger fans. Green helmet decal preferred over previous 40/60 design.
Grade for Notre Dame Uniforms: B-
3. Old Dominion: Old Dominion, soon to be FBS, has new uniforms not significantly different from before. A matte and chrome helmet is praised as “gorgeous.”
Grade for Old Dominion Helmet: A
Lower Level Teams Updates
(Southern Conference, Ohio Valley, Big South, Independent, D2)
Updates for Appalachian State, Citadel, East Tennessee State, UT-Chattanooga, Tennessee Tech, Coastal Carolina, Charlotte, and Findlay are briefly mentioned with grades for some. Findlay is noted for player names on helmets.
Conclusion: The Ever-Evolving World of College Football Uniforms
The 2013 college football season brought a fresh wave of uniform updates, showcasing a mix of traditional and modern designs. From bold new helmets to subtle jersey tweaks, teams across conferences aimed to refresh their on-field aesthetics. While opinions vary on each design, the passion for college football uniforms remains a strong element of fan culture. As we look forward, the “nfl uniform database” concept, while not directly applicable to college, reflects the desire for a comprehensive resource to track and appreciate the visual history of football gear at all levels. The updates from 2013 provide just a snapshot into this ongoing evolution.
War Eagle!
