The Ohio State Buckeyes are renowned for their iconic football uniforms, a classic and consistent look that is instantly recognizable. However, over the years, the Buckeyes have occasionally donned alternate uniforms, creating memorable moments and paying homage to their rich history. This article delves into the history of Ohio State Alternate Uniforms, showcasing each special edition design and the games in which they were worn.
From paying tribute to national championship teams to honoring legends and supporting important causes, these alternate uniforms offer a unique glimpse into the Buckeyes’ storied past and their connection to the wider community. Let’s explore the timeline of Ohio State alternate uniforms, celebrating these special designs.
2009 vs. Michigan: Nike Pro Combat – 1954 National Championship Tribute
The first foray into alternate uniforms for Ohio State in the modern era came on November 21, 2009, against their arch-rivals, the Michigan Wolverines. For this highly anticipated matchup in Ann Arbor, the #9 Buckeyes debuted Nike Pro Combat uniforms. These special uniforms were designed as a tribute to the 1954 national championship team, incorporating elements reminiscent of that era’s gear. Quarterback Terrelle Pryor led the Buckeyes to a 21-10 victory while sporting this unique look. Adding a poignant touch, the team wore a pink Buckeye Leaf decal on their helmets in memory of Stefanie Spielman, highlighting the program’s commitment to causes beyond the game.
Terrelle Pryor in 2009 Michigan Game Alternate Uniform
2010 Spring Game: Pink Practice Jerseys – Stefanie Spielman Fundraiser
The 2010 Spring Game saw a different kind of alternate uniform, this time for a charitable cause. Both the Gray and Scarlet teams wore practice jerseys featuring pink numbers. These jerseys were auctioned off after the game to raise money for the Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research, further demonstrating the Buckeyes’ support for breast cancer awareness and research. Backup quarterback Kenny Guiton led the Gray team to a 17-14 win over Pryor’s Scarlet squad in this game with a purpose.
2010 vs. Michigan: Nike Pro Combat – 1942 National Championship Tribute
Ohio State once again broke out the Pro Combat uniforms for the 2010 edition of “The Game” against Michigan. This iteration, worn on November 27, 2010, in Columbus, honored the 1942 national championship team. The uniforms featured design cues from the 1942 era, and the scarlet helmets were adorned with a Bronze Star decal. This decal paid tribute to former team captain Charles Csuri, recognizing his bravery and service in the Battle of the Bulge during World War II. Pryor again led the #8 Buckeyes to victory, this time a dominant 37-7 win.
Ohio State Buckeyes 2010 Michigan Game Alternate Uniforms
2011 Spring Game: Camouflage Helmets and Decals – Honoring Legends and Causes
The 2011 Spring Game showcased perhaps the most unique helmet design in Ohio State alternate uniform history. The Buckeyes sported camouflage helmets with an American flag sticker on the front bumper. These helmets also featured decals honoring track and field legend Jesse Owens, Jake Nickle, and Colleen Dobbins, displaying a wide range of tributes. On the field, Braxton Miller provided a glimpse of his future stardom, leading the Scarlet team to a decisive 59-12 victory over the Gray.
Braxton Miller in Camouflage Helmet at 2011 Spring Game
2011 vs. Wisconsin: Nike Pro Combat – 1961 National Championship Tribute
For a crucial game against #12 Wisconsin on October 29, 2011, the Buckeyes donned Pro Combat uniforms for the third time. This design commemorated the 1961 national championship team. In a dramatic finish, Braxton Miller connected with Devin Smith for a game-winning touchdown pass in the final seconds, securing a 33-29 upset victory while wearing these throwback-inspired uniforms.
Ohio State Buckeyes 2011 Wisconsin Game Alternate Uniforms
2012 vs. Michigan: “Rivalry” Uniforms – Chrome Helmets
The 2012 edition of The Game saw the debut of the “Rivalry” uniform series. These uniforms, worn against #20 Michigan on November 24, 2012, featured a striking chrome helmet with oversized stripes and reflective helmet stickers, a departure from the traditional scarlet helmet. Despite pregame scuffles, the #4 Buckeyes defeated the Wolverines 26-21 to complete an undefeated season, albeit one without postseason eligibility due to prior sanctions.
Bradley Roby in Chrome Helmet 2012 Michigan Game Rivalry Uniform
2013 vs. Wisconsin & Penn State: “Rivalry” Uniforms – Refined Design
The “Rivalry” uniforms returned in 2013 for two home games. Against #23 Wisconsin on September 28, 2013, and against Penn State on October 26, 2013, the Buckeyes wore a slightly modified version of the 2012 design. The key changes were a different collar logo and a revised number font, most noticeably on the number 1. Against Penn State, the team also wore pink accessories and a ribbon decal for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The #4 Buckeyes won both games decisively, 31-24 against Wisconsin and a dominant 63-14 against Penn State.
Ohio State Buckeyes 2013 Wisconsin Game Rivalry Uniforms
Ohio State Buckeyes 2013 Penn State Game Breast Cancer Awareness Uniform Details
2013 vs. Michigan: “Rivalry” Uniforms – “Cocaine Whites”
For the 2013 game at Michigan, Ohio State unveiled the all-white version of their “Rivalry” uniforms. These uniforms, worn on November 30, 2013, were dubbed “Cocaine Whites” by some fans, though they were officially considered a nod to the 1950 Snow Bowl. In a thrilling game, the #3 Buckeyes held off Michigan 42-41, with Tyvis Powell intercepting a potential game-winning two-point conversion attempt while sporting these stark white alternate uniforms.
Ohio State Buckeyes 2013 Michigan Game All-White Rivalry Uniforms
2015 vs. Penn State: “Dark Night in the Shoe” – All-Black Uniforms
A significant moment in Ohio State alternate uniform history arrived on October 17, 2015. For a primetime game against Penn State, the #1 ranked Buckeyes debuted all-black uniforms for the first time. Dubbed “Dark Night in the Shoe,” this bold departure from tradition included “Blood on the Leaves” scarlet helmet stickers. J.T. Barrett led the Buckeyes to a 38-10 victory in this memorable “blackout” game.
Ohio State Buckeyes All-Black Uniforms 2015 Penn State Game
2016 vs. Nebraska & Michigan: 1916 Throwback Uniforms – 100th Anniversary
In 2016, Ohio State celebrated the 100th anniversary of their first undefeated season and conference title in 1916 with special throwback uniforms. Worn against #10 Nebraska on November 5, 2016, and again against #3 Michigan on November 26, 2016, these uniforms were a direct homage to the 1916 Buckeyes. The helmet was designed to resemble a cannonball, and details throughout the uniform referenced the “music and cannon fire” description of Chic Harley, a legendary player from that era. The Buckeyes defeated both Nebraska (62-3) and Michigan (30-27 OT) while wearing these historical throwbacks. For the Michigan game, they also paired the uniforms with exclusive Nike LeBron James cleats.
2017 vs. Penn State & Michigan: “Land of the Wolves” – All-Gray Uniforms
The 2017 season introduced the “Land of the Wolves” all-gray alternate uniforms. These striking uniforms, worn against #2 Penn State on October 28, 2017, and the road version against Michigan on November 25, 2017, featured a unique wolf-fur pattern on the helmet, base layer, numbers, and socks. J.T. Barrett led a remarkable comeback against Penn State (39-38), while Dwayne Haskins stepped in for an injured Barrett to secure a win against Michigan (31-20), both in these distinctive gray uniforms.
Ohio State Buckeyes All-Gray "Land of the Wolves" Uniforms 2017 Penn State Game
Ohio State Buckeyes Road Gray "Land of the Wolves" Uniforms 2017 Michigan Game
2018 vs. Nebraska & 2019 vs. Michigan State: All-Black Uniforms Return
All-black uniforms made a return in subsequent seasons. On November 3, 2018, against Nebraska, and again on October 5, 2019, against Michigan State, the Buckeyes sported the all-black look for the second and third times in program history, respectively. The 2019 version included a slight modification to the front helmet bumper. Ohio State won both games while wearing these modern blackout uniforms, 36-31 against Nebraska and 34-10 against Michigan State.
Ohio State Buckeyes All-Black Uniforms 2018 Nebraska Game
Ohio State Buckeyes All-Black Uniforms 2019 Michigan State Game
2020 vs. Michigan State: White Pants Debut
A subtle but notable alternate uniform variation occurred on December 5, 2020, against Michigan State. For the first time in school history, the Buckeyes paired white pants with their standard helmets and jerseys. This created a slightly different look while maintaining the core elements of the traditional uniform. Ohio State dominated Michigan State 52-12 in this game featuring the white pants.
2021 vs. Penn State: “Color Rush” Scarlet Pants
The most recent alternate uniform game to date was on October 30, 2021, against Penn State. For a “Color Rush” promotion, the Buckeyes wore scarlet pants for the first time since the 1950s, creating a monochromatic scarlet look. Noah Ruggles’ field goals and a defensive touchdown secured a 33-24 victory over the Nittany Lions in these vibrant red uniforms.
Conclusion
Ohio State alternate uniforms have become a fascinating aspect of the program’s visual identity. From throwback designs honoring legendary teams to modern interpretations like the all-black and all-gray sets, these special uniforms provide a unique way to celebrate Buckeye history and create excitement for fans. While the traditional scarlet and gray remains the core identity, these alternate uniform moments offer a welcomed change of pace and a chance to appreciate the evolution of the Ohio State Buckeyes’ iconic look.
