There are few better ways to get fans excited for a new season than by showing off some new threads. Uniforms are an integral part of college football’s swagger. Teams with nicer uniforms go off the, “look good, feel good, play good” model, while others relish in what could’ve been. Over the past three years, college athletics have seen some truly awe inspiring uniforms, but this season stands out among the rest. These are the top 10 college football uniforms of 2023.
10. Michigan State University – All-Green Throwback Sparta
The green out look is killer for a team that, thus far, has been unable to produce similar results. Michigan State chose to rock their best uniforms this century in a year where their team is lackluster at best. Despite this, the all-green throwback look pays homage to the Spartan’s Greek roots with the side paneling and inlay. The deep green primary with white secondary combo is an excellent look and should be done more often by this school’s teams.
9. Notre Dame – Kelly Green Alternate
The Fighting Irish Kelly Green look isn’t a great look in the literal sense. It’s different from the all-green Michigan State uniform in that it’s mostly rooted in history rather than looking good in the modern era. Most, outside the Notre Dame fandom, might even consider these to be ugly uniforms. Despite this, the green pops in a similar fashion to the NFL’s color rush uniforms of the late 2010’s. It’s an incredibly Irish choice with a lot of history behind the scheme. Paired with the gold helmets, it’s a look you hate to love, but wouldn’t dare think about trading for anything else.
8. Western Kentucky University – All-White
WKU’s whiteouts are sick. The chrome red inlay on the helmets to match the red and white are intimidating, especially for a Conference USA team. With the Tops script on the side of the helmet to match, these uniforms may not stay clean through four quarters, but they’ll always be a clean choice at any point in the season.
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7. Florida State University – New Burgundy on Bronze
When I think Florida State, I think Jameis Winston and that just makes my heart happy, but the burgundy and bronze color combination is truly one of a kind in sport. The look is regal, but modern — conservative, but flashy. These uniforms rock the Atlantic Coastal Conference week in and week out, which is why they deserve a place here.
6. Oklahoma State University – Orange on Black
These uniforms are enough to make Pistol Pete fire away. The OSU orange and black uniform combination is similar to another installment on this list, but don’t have quite the same pop in the brightest of lights. Regardless, these neon orange blackouts are a good look. It’s a shame there won’t be more annual Bedlams to rock these in.
5. Rice University – Baby Blue Alternate
The Houston Oilers homage, or as I’m going to refer to them “the cease and desist uni”, takes pride in its Houston roots. The uniforms are clearly inspired by the Oilers of a bygone era and are a flashy introduction into the American Athletic Conference. These would be perfect had the NFL had not sent a cease and desist mandate to the team, claiming they’re too similar to the Houston Oilers uniforms, which the Tennessee Titans still wear today.
4. University of Texas at El Paso – 1988 Throwback
UTEP’S 1988 throwbacks are just absolute classics in the making. Along with the navy blues, these uniforms are a bold introduction into the American Athletic Conference that should be celebrated. The orange, blue and white combination reflect the Miners’ commitment to celebrating their history while relishing in a new era in the program’s history.
3. Ohio State University – Gray Alternate
What is sure to be the most controversial installment on this list, “The” Ohio State grey alternates are a very divisive uniform — you either love them or you hate them, and for most people, they hate them. Something about the grey pops with the Ohio State red, however, and makes me think of the program’s recent “glory days” with star NFL players behind the line of scrimmage, such as Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields, Seattle Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and New Orleans Saints receiver Chris Olave.
2. East Carolina University – Modern Throwback
The Pirates’ purple and gold modern throwback speaks to a legacy of success from the program. The purple jersey and white pants combination takes elements from eras of ECU football from the 1970s through the 1990s. The earliest inspiration, the curved Pirates script logo on the helmet, was derived from the team’s logo of that era. The block numbers on the front of the jersey are a nod to the 1980s design and the purple and gold stripes along with the 1990s logo are on full display on the uniform’s helmet. Last season, ECU had their greatest success in a decade in these threads and they still pop today.
1. University of Tennessee – All-Black
The spooky combination of black and orange is something that should be saved for truly special occasions, but the University of Tennessee’s blackout uniforms make for a stellar combo anytime. Hendon Hooker made these uniforms special last season with huge wins for the program in the blackout look. The best time to wear these, though, is a nighttime game. Joe Milton is the next in a long line of Volunteers to make this look pop, but no matter who’s under center, these uniforms are golden.
