What’s the one defining characteristic of a team? Is it a legendary coach, the color of the stadium’s artificial turf, or the hide of the animal the team’s named after? Nike introduced its Nike Pro Combat Uniform to 10 college football teams that rank in the preseason top 25, and each have unique designs to their uniforms. The design of the uniforms also got a revamp.
Teams will have an advantage with a lighter uniform. The padded base layer allows for specific pad placement to suit each position, which adds a customized element to the new cloth. The base layer’s fabric and padding also allows for critical protection and greater mobility over traditional pads for unencumbered speed.
Integrated padding in the base layer lightens the load and the outer uniform continues with that trend. The top clothing is a lightweight, breathable fitted sheath. The jersey and pant are constructed from a four-way stretch twill. That fabric sheds water and sweat, and even wet is still lighter than standard-issue uniforms when completely dry. The uniform, in total, is 37 percent lighter than what’s currently available.
While the construction is the same for each team, Nike delved into each team’s history past, present, and visions for the future to design the look for each school.
These design elements include:
- Alabama: Houndstooth check pattern incorporated into the uniform in tribute to legendary coach Paul “Bear” Bryant.
- Boise State: Reflective, Game Royal Bronco head on the uniform echoes the famed blue turf of Bronco stadium.
- Florida: Alligator-skin motif used in the jersey numbers, pant, gloves and footwear inspired by menacing Gator mascot.
- Miami: Tonal Fir palm-frond print emblematic of South Florida incorporated into the jersey numbers, pant and footwear.
- Ohio State: Stylized script numbers, a replica U.S. flag on the jersey sleeve and the camouflage-print base layer honor the WWII-bound Buckeyes, National Champions of 1942.
- Oregon State: Retro design revives a look worn by the victorious 1967 “Giant Killers.”
- Pittsburgh: Notched Team Gold jersey numbers and stencil stripe on the helmet evoke steel I-beams in reference to Pittsburgh’s steel industry.
- TCU: Icy lizard-skin pattern used throughout the uniform inspired by the scaly body armor of TCU’s horned frog mascot and a memorable quote from celebrated coach Leo “Dutch” Meyer.
- Virginia Tech: All-black uniform references the cadet gray-and-black regalia worn by Virginia Tech’s original football team and honors the school’s current Corps of Cadets.
- West Virginia: A headlamp-like line running front-to-back on the helmet and smudged Black pattern on the uniform pay respect to the region’s coal mining industry.
Teams plan to wear their uniforms for select games including the University of Alabama (Nov. 13), Boise State University (Sept. 6), University of Florida (Oct. 30), University of Miami (Nov. 20), The Ohio State University (Nov. 27), Oregon State University (Dec. 4), University of Pittsburgh (Nov. 26), TCU (Sept. 4), Virginia Tech (Sept. 6) and West Virginia University (Nov. 26). Additional games may be added as the season progresses.