Ohio State Buckeyes football is synonymous with tradition, excellence, and a passionate fanbase. Part of that tradition, especially in the modern era, includes the anticipation and excitement surrounding new uniform reveals. Beyond the standard home and away jerseys, Ohio State has a rich history of alternate uniforms that pay homage to the program’s storied past, celebrate special occasions, or simply add a fresh aesthetic to game day. This article explores the alternate uniforms worn by the Buckeyes from 2009 to 2021, examining the design elements, the games in which they were featured, and the on-field results.
The alternate uniform era for Ohio State took off in the late 2000s, coinciding with the rise of social media and the increasing importance of program branding. These special uniforms quickly became collector’s items and talking points for fans, adding another layer of engagement to the Ohio State football experience. Let’s delve into the visual journey of these unique Buckeye uniforms.
2009: Nike Pro Combat Debut vs. Michigan
The 2009 season marked the introduction of Nike’s Pro Combat uniforms for Ohio State. For “The Game” against Michigan in Ann Arbor, the #9 Buckeyes donned these innovative uniforms, a departure from their traditional look. This design paid tribute to the 1954 national championship team, featuring a retro-inspired block number font and a clean, classic feel.
Despite the uniform change, the result remained the same for the Buckeyes against their rivals. Quarterback Terrelle Pryor led Ohio State to a 21-10 victory, securing an outright Big Ten title. Adding a poignant touch to the game, the team sported a pink Buckeye Leaf decal on their helmets in memory of Stefanie Spielman, highlighting the program’s community spirit.
Terrelle Pryor in 2009 Nike Pro Combat Ohio State uniform against Michigan
2010: Pink Practice Jerseys for Spring Game
The following spring, the annual Ohio State spring game took on a special meaning. Both the Gray and Scarlet teams wore practice jerseys with pink numbers. This wasn’t a game-day alternate uniform, but rather a meaningful gesture. These jerseys were auctioned off after the game to raise funds for the Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research, continuing the program’s support for a cause close to the Buckeye family.
2010: Pro Combat Returns for Michigan Game
Nike Pro Combat uniforms made a return in 2010 for another matchup against Michigan, this time in Columbus. This iteration honored the 1942 national championship team. The scarlet helmet featured a unique Bronze Star decal, commemorating former team captain Charles Csuri’s heroism during World War II. The design was another nod to Ohio State’s rich history woven into a modern uniform style.
On the field, the #8 Buckeyes dominated the Wolverines, securing a 37-7 victory and a share of a record-tying sixth straight Big Ten title. Terrelle Pryor again led the charge, throwing two touchdown passes in a decisive win.
Ohio State player in 2010 Pro Combat uniform against Michigan with Bronze Star helmet decal
2011: Camo Helmets and Memorial Decals for Spring Game
The 2011 Spring Game showcased a unique helmet design. The Buckeyes sported camouflage helmets adorned with an American flag sticker. Beyond the military-inspired design, these helmets carried multiple memorial decals, honoring track star Jesse Owens, volunteer assistant Jake Nickle, and Colleen Dobbins. This helmet design made a strong visual statement while paying tribute to significant figures connected to Ohio State.
Braxton Miller in camouflage helmet during 2011 Spring Game
2011: Pro Combat Honors 1961 Champions vs. Wisconsin
The Pro Combat uniform made its third appearance in 2011 for a crucial game against #12 Wisconsin. This time, the uniform celebrated the 1961 national championship team. In a thrilling game at Ohio Stadium, Braxton Miller connected with Devin Smith for a game-winning touchdown pass in the final seconds, securing a 33-29 upset victory while wearing the throwback-inspired uniforms.
Ohio State player in 2011 Pro Combat uniform against Wisconsin
2012 & 2013: Rivalry Uniforms – Chrome Helmets for Michigan and Wisconsin
2012 saw the introduction of “Rivalry” uniforms, debuting against #20 Michigan. The most striking feature was the chrome helmet with oversized stripes and reflective helmet stickers, a bold and modern take on the classic Buckeye helmet. Despite pregame drama, the #4 Buckeyes defeated Michigan 26-21, completing an undefeated season, albeit one marred by postseason sanctions.
The Rivalry uniforms returned in 2013 against #23 Wisconsin, with slight variations in the collar logo and number font. Braxton Miller’s four touchdown passes led the #4 Buckeyes to a 31-24 victory. These Rivalry uniforms, especially the chrome helmets, became instantly recognizable and popular among fans.
Bradley Roby in 2012 Rivalry uniform against Michigan with chrome helmet
Ohio State player in 2013 Rivalry uniform against Wisconsin with updated collar and number font
2013: Breast Cancer Awareness vs. Penn State
In October 2013, for a game against Penn State, the Buckeyes incorporated pink accessories and a ribbon decal into their standard uniforms for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This subtle yet impactful addition showed support for a vital cause. On the field, the #4 Buckeyes delivered a dominant performance, defeating Penn State 63-14.
Corey "Philly" Brown wearing pink accessories for Breast Cancer Awareness Month against Penn State in 2013
2013: “Cocaine Whites” Rivalry Uniforms at Michigan
The 2013 game at Michigan saw the debut of all-white Rivalry uniforms. These uniforms, quickly dubbed “Cocaine Whites” by some fans, were considered a nod to the 1950 Snow Bowl. The clean, all-white look provided a striking contrast to the usual scarlet and gray. In a high-scoring affair, #3 Ohio State held off Michigan 42-41, with Tyvis Powell’s interception sealing the victory while sporting the distinctive white uniforms.
Ohio State player in all-white "Cocaine Whites" Rivalry uniform against Michigan in 2013
2015: Diamond Quest Uniforms in Sugar Bowl and National Championship
The 2015 postseason run saw the introduction of Nike Diamond Quest uniforms. For the Sugar Bowl against #1 Alabama and the National Championship against #2 Oregon, the Buckeyes wore these special uniforms. The Sugar Bowl version gave a nod to the 1968 national championship team, while the National Championship version was the home version of the Diamond Quest alternates. These uniforms also featured a playoff trophy decal on the helmet.
Ezekiel Elliott’s dominant performances in both games, including 230 yards against Alabama and 246 yards against Oregon, became iconic moments associated with these Diamond Quest uniforms, culminating in a national championship victory.
Ezekiel Elliott in Diamond Quest uniform against Alabama in 2015 Sugar Bowl
2015: Helmet Decal for Virginia Tech Game
For the 2015 game at Virginia Tech, both teams honored journalists Alison Parker and Adam Ward with a helmet decal, a somber tribute after their tragic deaths. Ohio State also wore a sticker for injured teammate Noah Brown. In this game, now playing wide receiver, Braxton Miller had a standout performance, scoring two touchdowns in a 42-24 victory.
Braxton Miller with memorial helmet decal against Virginia Tech in 2015
2015: All-Black “Dark Night in the Shoe” Uniforms vs. Penn State
The 2015 game against Penn State marked the debut of all-black uniforms, dubbed “Dark Night in the Shoe.” This striking, modern look also featured “Blood on the Leaves” scarlet helmet stickers. J.T. Barrett’s performance, and the overall team dominance in a 38-10 win, solidified the “Dark Night” uniforms as a memorable alternate look.
J.T. Barrett in all-black "Dark Night in the Shoe" uniform against Penn State in 2015
2015: Chad Carr Memorial Helmet Decals
Following the passing of Chad Carr, teams across college football honored his memory. For games against Michigan State and Michigan in November 2015, Ohio State wore helmet decals in honor of Chad Carr. These decals served as a reminder of the broader football community and shared humanity, even amidst intense rivalries.
Ohio State helmet with Chad Carr memorial decal in 2015 game against Michigan State
2016: 1916 Throwback Uniforms vs. Nebraska
2016 marked the 100th anniversary of Ohio State’s first undefeated season and conference title in 1916. To commemorate this milestone, the Buckeyes wore throwback uniforms against Nebraska. The helmet was designed to resemble a cannonball, and the uniform included details referencing Chic Harley, a legendary player from that era. Ohio State dominated #10 Nebraska 62-3 while sporting these historical uniforms.
2016: 1968 Throwback Jersey with Cannonball Helmet for Michigan Game
The 2016 Michigan game saw a unique uniform combination. The Buckeyes paired 1968 throwback jerseys with the cannonball helmet from the Nebraska game. This game also featured exclusive Nike LeBron James cleats. In a double-overtime thriller, #2 Ohio State defeated #3 Michigan 30-27 while wearing this mix-and-match throwback look.
2016: Diamond Quest Uniforms Return for Fiesta Bowl
The Diamond Quest uniforms made a reappearance in the 2016 Fiesta Bowl against Clemson. Both teams wore these uniforms, marking the second time Ohio State utilized this design. However, the game result was not in Ohio State’s favor, as Clemson shut out the Buckeyes 31-0.
Curtis Samuel in Diamond Quest uniform against Clemson in 2016 Fiesta Bowl
2017: All-Gray “Land of the Wolves” Uniforms vs. Penn State
2017 brought the all-gray “Land of the Wolves” uniforms for a primetime game against #2 Penn State. These uniforms featured a wolf-fur pattern on the helmet, base layer, numbers, and socks, creating a distinctive and modern aesthetic. In a dramatic comeback victory, #6 Ohio State rallied to defeat Penn State 39-38 while wearing these unique gray uniforms.
J.T. Barrett in all-gray "Land of the Wolves" uniform against Penn State in 2017
2017: Gray “Land of the Wolves” Road Uniforms at Michigan
The “Land of the Wolves” theme continued for the 2017 Michigan game, with the Buckeyes wearing what was essentially the road version of the all-gray alternates. Dwayne Haskins stepped in for an injured J.T. Barrett and led Ohio State to a 31-20 victory over Michigan while sporting these gray road uniforms.
Dwayne Haskins in gray "Land of the Wolves" road uniform against Michigan in 2017
2018: All-Black Uniforms Return vs. Nebraska
All-black uniforms returned in 2018 for a game against Nebraska. This marked the second time Ohio State had worn all-black, though with a slightly different design from the 2015 version. J.K. Dobbins’ strong performance helped #10 Ohio State secure a 36-31 victory over Nebraska while sporting these sleek black uniforms.
J.K. Dobbins in all-black uniform against Nebraska in 2018
2019: Updated All-Black Uniforms vs. Michigan State
The all-black uniform made its third appearance in 2019 against Michigan State, with a slight update to the helmet bumper. J.K. Dobbins again had a standout game, leading #4 Ohio State to a 34-10 victory over #25 Michigan State while wearing the updated black uniforms.
J.K. Dobbins in updated all-black uniform against Michigan State in 2019
2019: Fiesta Bowl and CFP Semifinal vs. Clemson
For the 2019 Fiesta Bowl and College Football Playoff semifinal against Clemson, Ohio State wore their standard home uniforms. While not an alternate, this game is notable as J.K. Dobbins broke Eddie George’s single-season rushing record while wearing the classic Buckeye uniform. However, the game ended in a controversial loss for #2 Ohio State against #3 Clemson.
J.K. Dobbins in standard home uniform against Clemson in 2019 Fiesta Bowl
2020: White Pants Debut at Michigan State
A subtle but significant uniform change occurred in 2020 against Michigan State. For the first time in school history, Ohio State paired white pants with their standard helmets and jerseys. This created a slightly different visual on the road. #4 Ohio State dominated Michigan State 52-12 in this game, where Haskell Garrett also scored a memorable touchdown.
Haskell Garrett in standard jersey and helmet with white pants against Michigan State in 2020
2021: Modified 1968 Throwbacks for Sugar Bowl and CFP Semifinal
The 2021 Sugar Bowl and College Football Playoff semifinal against Clemson saw a return to throwback uniforms, this time slightly modified 1968 throwbacks. The Block “O” on the collar was replaced with the athletics logo, reminiscent of the 2002 national championship team’s uniforms. Ohio State also wore a CFP logo on their helmet. Justin Fields’ record-setting performance led #3 Ohio State to a decisive 49-28 victory over #3 Clemson while wearing these modified throwbacks.
Justin Fields in modified 1968 Throwback uniform against Clemson in 2021 Sugar Bowl
2021: CFP National Championship vs. Alabama
For the 2021 National Championship game against Alabama, Ohio State wore their standard home uniforms. Despite Master Teague’s efforts, #3 Ohio State fell to #1 Alabama 52-24. This game marked the end of the 2009-2021 period of alternate uniform evolution.
Master Teague in standard home uniform against Alabama in 2021 National Championship
2021: Scarlet Pants “Color Rush” vs. Penn State
The final alternate uniform of this period was the “Color Rush” scarlet pants, worn in a 2021 game against Penn State. This marked the first time since the 1950s that Ohio State had worn scarlet pants. Noah Ruggles’ field goals and Jerron Cage’s fumble return touchdown highlighted the #5 Buckeyes’ 33-24 victory over #20 Penn State while sporting this bold, monochromatic look.
Jerron Cage in scarlet pants "Color Rush" uniform against Penn State in 2021
Conclusion: The Evolution of Ohio State Football Uniforms
From 2009 to 2021, Ohio State football embraced alternate uniforms, creating a diverse visual history that resonated with fans and celebrated the program’s heritage. These new uniform designs, ranging from throwback classics to modern, bold statements, became an integral part of the Buckeye gameday experience. Whether paying homage to past legends, supporting important causes, or simply injecting fresh energy, Ohio State’s alternate uniforms added another layer of excitement and tradition to one of college football’s most iconic programs. As fans eagerly anticipate future uniform reveals, this visual journey through the recent past highlights the impact and legacy of Ohio State’s new uniforms.
