Ohio State football is renowned for its rich tradition, on-field excellence, and, notably, its striking uniforms. While the classic scarlet and gray remains iconic, the Buckeyes have a history of occasionally introducing new uniform designs to celebrate special occasions, honor past legends, or simply add a modern twist to their look. This visual journey explores some of the most memorable “new uniforms” Ohio State has sported over the years, showcasing the evolution of their alternate jerseys and the stories behind them.
Michigan – Nov. 21, 2009
Michigan Stadium – Ann Arbor, MI
#9 Buckeyes 21, Wolverines 10
In 2009, Ohio State unveiled its first Nike Pro Combat uniform against arch-rival Michigan. This marked a significant moment as the “Ohio State New Uniforms” were designed as a tribute to the 1954 national championship team. Quarterback Terrelle Pryor led the Buckeyes to victory while sporting these unique jerseys. Adding a poignant touch, the team wore a pink Buckeye Leaf decal in memory of Stefanie Spielman, highlighting the emotional connection woven into these special uniforms.
Ohio State Pro Combat 2009 Uniforms vs Michigan
Spring Game – April 24, 2010
Ohio Stadium – Columbus, OH
Gray 17, Scarlet 14
The following spring game in 2010 offered fans a glimpse of “ohio state new uniforms” in a different context. Both the Gray and Scarlet teams wore practice jerseys featuring pink numbers. This wasn’t about game-day aesthetics, but rather a charitable initiative. These jerseys were auctioned to raise funds for the Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research, demonstrating how even practice uniforms could carry a meaningful purpose. Kenny Guiton led the Gray team to victory in this scrimmage.
Michigan – Nov. 27, 2010
Ohio Stadium – Columbus, OH
#8 Buckeyes 37, Wolverines 7
The Pro Combat uniforms returned in 2010 for another clash against Michigan, further establishing the “ohio state new uniforms” concept for rivalry games. This iteration honored the 1942 national championship team. A unique detail was the Bronze Star decal on the scarlet helmet, a tribute to former team captain Charles Csuri’s heroism in World War II. Terrelle Pryor again led the charge, securing a decisive win and a share of the Big Ten title.
Ohio State Pro Combat 2010 Uniforms vs Michigan
Spring Game – April 23, 2011
Ohio Stadium – Columbus, OH
Scarlet 59, Gray 12
The 2011 spring game showcased another set of “ohio state new uniforms,” this time with a camouflage helmet design. These helmets, adorned with an American flag sticker, were part of a broader theme of remembrance. Decals honoring track star Jesse Owens, Jake Nickle, and Colleen Dobbins were also featured, turning the spring scrimmage into an event of both football and tribute. Braxton Miller provided a preview of his talent, leading the Scarlet team to a dominant victory.
Ohio State Camouflage Spring Game Helmets 2011
Wisconsin – Oct. 29, 2011
Ohio Stadium – Columbus, OH
Buckeyes 33, #12 Badgers 29
The Pro Combat series continued in 2011 against Wisconsin, with “ohio state new uniforms” celebrating the 1961 national championship. This game, decided by a last-second touchdown pass from Braxton Miller, showcased the dramatic potential of both the team and their alternate attire. The uniforms served as a visual link to the program’s storied past while the current team forged its own memorable moments.
Ohio State Pro Combat 2011 Uniforms vs Wisconsin
Michigan – Nov. 24, 2012
Ohio Stadium – Columbus, OH
#4 Buckeyes 26, #20 Wolverines 21
In 2012, the “ohio state new uniforms” took on a “Rivalry” theme, specifically for “The Game” against Michigan. These uniforms featured a striking chrome helmet with oversized stripes and reflective helmet stickers. Despite pregame scuffles and off-field sanctions, the Buckeyes completed an undefeated season in these eye-catching alternate uniforms, underscoring the intensity and importance of this rivalry.
Ohio State Rivalry Chrome Helmets 2012 vs Michigan
Wisconsin – Sept. 28, 2013
Ohio Stadium – Columbus, OH
#4 Buckeyes 31, #23 Badgers 24
The Rivalry uniforms made a return in 2013 against Wisconsin, demonstrating a recurring theme of using “ohio state new uniforms” for significant home games. While largely similar to the 2012 version, subtle changes like the collar logo and number font (especially on the No. 1) indicated a continuous refinement in uniform design. Braxton Miller’s four touchdown passes led the Buckeyes to another victory in these updated alternate jerseys.
Ohio State Updated Rivalry Uniforms 2013 vs Wisconsin
Penn State – Oct. 26, 2013
Ohio Stadium – Columbus, OH
#4 Buckeyes 63, Nittany Lions 14
While not strictly “new uniforms” in the alternate jersey sense, the 2013 game against Penn State saw “ohio state new uniforms” elements in the form of pink accessories and a ribbon decal for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This subtle yet impactful change highlights how even minor uniform adjustments can serve a greater cause. Corey “Philly” Brown’s performance contributed to a dominant Buckeye win in this game with a cause.
Ohio State Breast Cancer Awareness Uniform Accents 2013 vs Penn State
Michigan – Nov. 30, 2013
Michigan Stadium – Ann Arbor, MI
#3 Buckeyes 42, Wolverines 41
The 2013 Michigan game featured arguably the most controversial “ohio state new uniforms” – the all-white Rivalry uniforms, quickly nicknamed “Cocaine Whites.” Intended as a nod to the 1950 Snow Bowl, these all-white jerseys sparked debate among fans. Despite the uniform controversy, the game itself was a classic, with Tyvis Powell’s interception sealing a narrow Buckeye victory in Ann Arbor.
Ohio State All-White Rivalry Uniforms 2013 vs Michigan
Discover Orange Bowl vs Clemson – Jan. 3, 2014
Sun Life Stadium – Miami Gardens, FL
#12 Tigers 40, #7 Buckeyes 35
The 2014 Orange Bowl saw Ohio State debut special Nike Diamond Quest uniforms, though both teams participating in the bowl wore these themed jerseys. These “ohio state new uniforms” for the postseason gave a nod to the 1968 national championship team. Despite Braxton Miller’s valiant effort while injured, Clemson’s Sammy Watkins stole the show, and the Buckeyes fell short in this high-scoring bowl game.
Ohio State Diamond Quest Orange Bowl Uniforms 2014 vs Clemson
Virginia Tech – Sept. 6, 2014
Ohio Stadium – Columbus, OH
Hokies 35, #8 Buckeyes 21
The 2014 season opener against Virginia Tech didn’t introduce drastically “ohio state new uniforms,” but it marked a game where the Buckeyes wore their standard home uniforms in a surprising loss. Eli Apple’s interception was a highlight, but Virginia Tech ultimately handed Urban Meyer his first regular-season loss in Columbus, proving that even classic uniforms couldn’t guarantee victory.
Ohio State Standard Home Uniforms in Upset Loss 2014 vs Virginia Tech
Penn State – Oct. 25, 2014
Beaver Stadium – University Park, PA
#13 Buckeyes 31, Nittany Lions 24 (OT)
The road game against Penn State in 2014 featured Ohio State in their standard away white uniforms. Joey Bosa’s dominant performance, including a game-winning sack in overtime, became the storyline, overshadowing the uniform choice. This game demonstrated that regardless of “ohio state new uniforms” or classic looks, player performance dictates the outcome.
Ohio State Standard Away Uniforms in OT Win 2014 vs Penn State
Illinois – Nov. 1, 2014
Ohio Stadium – Columbus, OH
#13 Buckeyes 55, Fighting Illini 14
Back home against Illinois in 2014, the Buckeyes again sported their regular home scarlet uniforms. Curtis Samuel’s early touchdowns set the tone for a dominant victory. This game, in standard “ohio state new uniforms” context (or lack thereof), emphasized the team’s focus on performance over alternate aesthetics during their championship run.
Allstate Sugar Bowl vs Alabama – Jan. 1, 2015
Mercedes-Benz Superdome – New Orleans, LA
#4 Buckeyes 42, #1 Crimson Tide 35
The 2015 Sugar Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal saw the return of the Nike Diamond Quest uniforms. These “ohio state new uniforms,” slightly modified from the Orange Bowl version, again honored the 1968 national championship. A playoff trophy decal on the helmet distinguished this iteration. Ezekiel Elliott’s legendary performance against Alabama, in these special uniforms, cemented their place in Buckeye lore.
CFP National Championship vs Oregon – Jan. 12, 2015
AT&T Stadium – Arlington, TX
#4 Buckeyes 42, #2 Ducks 20
For the 2015 National Championship, Ohio State remarkably wore the home version of their Diamond Quest alternate uniforms, despite being the lower-ranked team. These “ohio state new uniforms” became synonymous with Buckeye triumph as Ezekiel Elliott continued his dominant streak, leading Ohio State to a national title over Oregon. The choice to wear home alternates in the championship game was a bold statement in uniform strategy.
Virginia Tech – Sept. 7, 2015
Lane Stadium – Blacksburg, VA
#1 Buckeyes 42, Hokies 24
The 2015 rematch against Virginia Tech saw the introduction of “ohio state new uniforms” in the form of helmet decals honoring journalists Alison Parker and Adam Ward. Additionally, a decal for injured teammate Noah Brown was worn. On the field, now-receiver Braxton Miller’s electrifying spin move touchdown became the highlight, demonstrating a blend of team spirit and remembrance within the uniform design.
Ohio State Memorial Helmet Decals 2015 vs Virginia Tech
Hawai’i – Sept. 12, 2015
Ohio Stadium – Columbus, OH
#1 Buckeyes 38, Rainbow Warriors 0
Against Hawai’i in 2015, Ohio State wore their standard home uniforms. While Michael Thomas delivered a memorable stiff arm, the game itself was less about “ohio state new uniforms” and more about a solid, if unspectacular, victory. This game served as a reminder that the core uniform set remains a strong and consistent visual identity for the program.
Ohio State Standard Home Uniforms 2015 vs Hawaii
Penn State – Oct. 17, 2015
Ohio Stadium – Columbus, OH
#1 Buckeyes 38, Nittany Lions 10
The “Dark Night in the Shoe” game against Penn State in 2015 unveiled perhaps the most radical “ohio state new uniforms” to date: all-black uniforms. These included “Blood on the Leaves” scarlet helmet stickers, creating a dramatic and modern look. J.T. Barrett’s performance and the overall dominant win ensured these black uniforms became instantly iconic and highly popular among fans.
Ohio State All-Black Uniforms "Dark Night in the Shoe" 2015 vs Penn State
Michigan State – Nov. 21, 2015
Ohio Stadium – Columbus, OH
#9 Spartans 17, #3 Buckeyes 14
In a game with significant emotional weight, Ohio State and Michigan State both wore helmet decals honoring Chad Carr in 2015. This instance of “ohio state new uniforms” elements focused on unity and remembrance rather than aesthetics. Despite the shared decal, Michigan State snapped Ohio State’s winning streak in a tough loss for the Buckeyes.
Ohio State Memorial Helmet Decals for Chad Carr 2015 vs Michigan State
Michigan – Nov. 28, 2015
Michigan Stadium – Ann Arbor, MI
#8 Buckeyes 42, #10 Wolverines 13
The Chad Carr decal remained on Ohio State’s helmets for the 2015 Michigan game, again showcasing “ohio state new uniforms” details used for commemorative purposes. Ezekiel Elliott’s dominant rushing performance led the Buckeyes to a decisive victory in Ann Arbor, providing a positive ending to a season of varied uniform styles and emotional moments.
Ohio State Memorial Helmet Decals and Standard Away Uniforms 2015 vs Michigan
Oklahoma – Sept. 17, 2016
Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium – Norman, OK
#3 Buckeyes 45, #14 Sooners 24
The 2016 game against Oklahoma didn’t feature “ohio state new uniforms” in the sense of alternates, but Corey Brown tied a school record for touchdown receptions in a dominant road win while wearing the standard away whites. This game highlighted the consistent brand identity of the Buckeyes, even when not in special attire.
Ohio State Standard Away Uniforms in Road Win 2016 vs Oklahoma
Penn State – Oct. 22, 2016
Beaver Stadium – University Park, PA
Nittany Lions 24, #2 Buckeyes 21
Another road game in 2016 against Penn State saw the Buckeyes in their regular away uniforms. Despite Curtis Samuel’s long touchdown run, Penn State upset Ohio State. This game underscored that even the most consistent “ohio state new uniforms” (the standard set) couldn’t guarantee victory against a determined opponent.
Ohio State Standard Away Uniforms in Upset Loss 2016 vs Penn State
Nebraska – Nov. 5, 2016
Ohio Stadium – Columbus, OH
#6 Buckeyes 62, #10 Cornhuskers 3
The 2016 Nebraska game brought forth “ohio state new uniforms” celebrating the 100th anniversary of the program’s first undefeated season. These throwback uniforms featured a unique “cannonball” helmet and references to Chic Harley. J.T. Barrett’s strong performance in these commemorative uniforms added to the historical significance of the occasion. Helmet decals honoring John Hicks were also worn, blending celebration with remembrance.
Michigan – Nov. 26, 2016
Ohio Stadium – Columbus, OH
#2 Buckeyes 30, #3 Wolverines 27 (OT)
The 2016 Michigan game saw a continuation of the 1916 throwback “ohio state new uniforms,” including the cannonball helmet, paired with 1968 throwback jerseys and exclusive LeBron James cleats. This combination of throwback elements and modern footwear made for a visually distinctive uniform set for “The Game.” J.T. Barrett’s clutch performance and Samuel’s game-winning run in double overtime made these uniforms instantly iconic in rivalry history.
PlayStation Fiesta Bowl vs Clemson – Dec. 31
University of Phoenix Stadium – Glendale, AZ
#2 Tigers 31, #3 Buckeyes 0
The 2016 Fiesta Bowl against Clemson saw a return of the Nike Diamond Quest uniforms, similar to previous postseason appearances. However, these “ohio state new uniforms” couldn’t bring the same magic as before, as Clemson shut out Ohio State. Despite the uniform connection to past successes, the game itself was a disappointment for the Buckeyes.
Ohio State Diamond Quest Fiesta Bowl Uniforms 2016 vs Clemson
Penn State – Oct. 28, 2017
Ohio Stadium – Columbus, OH
#6 Buckeyes 39, #2 Nittany Lions 38
In 2017 against Penn State, Ohio State debuted all-gray “Land of the Wolves” uniforms. These “ohio state new uniforms” featured a wolf-fur pattern, creating a unique and modern aesthetic. J.T. Barrett’s fourth-quarter heroics, leading a comeback victory, made these gray uniforms memorable, associating them with resilience and triumph.
Ohio State All-Gray "Land of the Wolves" Uniforms 2017 vs Penn State
Michigan – Nov. 25, 2017
Michigan Stadium – Ann Arbor, MI
#9 Buckeyes 31, Wolverines 20
The “Land of the Wolves” theme continued for the 2017 Michigan game, with Ohio State wearing the road version of these all-gray “ohio state new uniforms.” Dwayne Haskins stepped in for an injured J.T. Barrett and led the Buckeyes to a comeback win in Ann Arbor, further cementing the association of these gray uniforms with grit and victory in rivalry matchups.
Ohio State All-Gray "Land of the Wolves" Away Uniforms 2017 vs Michigan
Nebraska – Nov. 3, 2018
Ohio Stadium – Columbus, OH
#10 Buckeyes 36, Cornhuskers 31
The all-black uniforms made a return in 2018 against Nebraska, marking only the second time these “ohio state new uniforms” had been worn. J.K. Dobbins’ strong rushing performance in these black jerseys helped secure a win for the Buckeyes. The re-emergence of the black uniforms signaled their potential to become a recurring alternate option.
Ohio State All-Black Uniforms Return 2018 vs Nebraska
Michigan State – Oct. 5, 2019
Memorial Stadium – Columbus, OH
#4 Buckeyes 34, #25 Spartans 10
In 2019 against Michigan State, the all-black “ohio state new uniforms” made their third appearance. A slight helmet bumper change differentiated this iteration. J.K. Dobbins again excelled in these uniforms, contributing to a decisive victory. The consistent use of the black uniforms for prime-time home games solidified their place in the alternate uniform rotation.
Ohio State Updated All-Black Uniforms 2019 vs Michigan State
PlayStation Fiesta Bowl vs Clemson – Dec. 28
State Farm Stadium – Glendale, AZ
#3 Tigers 29, #2 Buckeyes 23
The 2019 Fiesta Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal saw Ohio State in their standard home uniforms. Despite J.K. Dobbins’ record-breaking performance, controversial calls and a Clemson comeback resulted in a tough loss for the Buckeyes. This game, in regular “ohio state new uniforms” context, showed that even exceptional individual performances and classic uniforms couldn’t overcome all obstacles.
Ohio State Standard Home Uniforms Fiesta Bowl 2019 vs Clemson
Michigan State – Dec. 5, 2020
Spartan Stadium – East Lansing, MI
#4 Buckeyes 52, Spartans 12
A historic moment in “ohio state new uniforms” history occurred in 2020 against Michigan State. For the first time, Ohio State paired white pants with their standard helmets and jerseys. Haskell Garrett’s emotional touchdown in this game with the new white pants combination added to the unique nature of this uniform choice.
Allstate Sugar Bowl vs Clemson – Jan. 1, 2021
Mercedes-Benz Superdome – New Orleans, LA
#3 Buckeyes 49, #3 Tigers 28
The 2021 Sugar Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal saw a modified version of the 1968 throwback “ohio state new uniforms.” The Block “O” on the collar was replaced with the athletics logo, making them resemble the 2002 national championship uniforms. Justin Fields’ record-setting performance in these updated throwbacks led to a resounding victory over Clemson, showcasing the program’s cyclical uniform tributes.
CFP National Championship vs Alabama – Jan. 11
Hard Rock Stadium – Miami Gardens, FL
#1 Crimson Tide 52, #3 Buckeyes 24
The 2021 National Championship against Alabama saw Ohio State in their modified 1968 throwback “ohio state new uniforms” again. Despite Master Teague’s performance, DeVonta Smith and Alabama proved too strong. This game, in the context of recent uniform history, emphasized that while “ohio state new uniforms” can celebrate the past and inspire fans, on-field execution remains paramount.
Penn State – Oct. 30, 2021
Ohio Stadium – Columbus, OH
#5 Buckeyes 33, #20 Nittany Lions 24
The “Color Rush” promotion in 2021 against Penn State brought back scarlet pants for the first time since the 1950s, representing another instance of “ohio state new uniforms” variations. Jerron Cage’s fumble return touchdown became the highlight play in this game featuring the throwback scarlet pants. This demonstrated the program’s willingness to revisit and modernize uniform elements from different eras.
This visual history of “ohio state new uniforms” demonstrates the Buckeyes’ commitment to tradition while embracing innovation and special occasions. From Pro Combat designs to throwback tributes and modern alternates, Ohio State’s uniform evolution continues to be a captivating aspect of their storied football program, eagerly anticipated by fans each season.
