The Ohio State football program has announced that it will wear the road version of its “Heritage Stripes” throwback uniforms during the CFP National Championship Game against Notre Dame. This marks another chapter in the storied legacy of these iconic uniforms, which pay tribute to the Buckeyes’ rich football history and their 1968 national championship team.
Introduced as an homage to the 1968 national championship team, Ohio State first debuted the throwback uniforms during their historic run to the inaugural College Football Playoff National Championship. The Buckeyes wore the road version in their thrilling 2015 Sugar Bowl victory over Alabama and the home version in their decisive win against Oregon in the title game. Since then, these uniforms have been a staple in Ohio State’s playoff appearances, adding a sense of tradition and nostalgia to the modern game.
The “Heritage Stripes” uniforms combine Ohio State’s traditional silver helmets with scarlet or white jerseys featuring modified Northwestern stripes on the sleeves and traditional silver pants. This design stands in contrast to the Buckeyes’ standard uniforms, where the stripes on the helmets, jerseys, and pants all match.
The “Heritage Stripes” have been a defining feature of Ohio State’s uniforms during several key eras, including 1944-56, 1967-78, and 1988-2005. These periods notably include the Buckeyes’ national championship seasons in 1954, 1968, 1970, and 2002. However, the program moved away from this design in 2006.
Ohio State has since reintroduced the throwback uniforms for select games, ensuring they remain a cherished part of the program’s visual identity. Notably, subtle changes have been made to the uniforms in recent years. In 2020, the Buckeyes replaced the Block “O” on the collar with their current primary logo and swapped the black TV numbers on the home version for white. These updates inspired the program to adopt the term “Heritage Stripes,” signifying the design’s connection to multiple eras rather than exclusively the 1968 team.
Ohio State’s decision to wear the “Heritage Stripes” throwback uniforms in the national championship game underscores the deep connection between the program’s history and its present-day success. These uniforms, steeped in tradition, serve as a visual reminder of the Buckeyes’ legacy of excellence and their continued pursuit of greatness. As the Buckeyes take the field against Notre Dame, they’ll do so wearing more than just a uniform—they’ll be carrying forward a tradition that unites generations of players and fans alike.
The Baltimore Ravens introduced a significant uniform change for the playoffs, breaking tradition with the addition of captain patches on select players' jerseys for the first time in team history. The Ravens' six captains, voted on by the team, include quarterback Lamar Jackson, tight end Mark Andrews, running back Derrick Henry, inside linebacker Roquan Smith, cornerback Marlon Humphrey, and inside linebacker Chris Board. Additionally, the Ravens designated center Tyler Linderbaum and safety Kyle Hamilton as game captains for the wild-card playoff matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The NFL first implemented captain patches in 2007, allowing teams to assign up to six players to wear the "C" on their jerseys. Under Head Coach John Harbaugh, the Ravens have traditionally rotated their captains on a game-by-game basis, often selecting players with unique connections to specific matchups. Harbaugh praised the team's leadership this season, noting that the players' commitment and focus have been exceptional. "The leadership has been really outstanding," Harbaugh said. "It's been really something they've been locked in, in a real special way. It was just an opportunity to acknowledge that."
Harbaugh emphasized the importance of recognizing the leadership of players like Jackson, Smith, and Andrews. Smith expressed deep gratitude for the honor, explaining, "That's an honor, truth be told. To have your teammates and peers view you as a captain and a leader, that's big time. I have a lot of respect for the guys, and I'll never sell the guys short. I'll always lay it on the line for those guys – not just talk, but actually go out and do it – so when you're a guy like that, guys tend to follow, and guys get behind you."
For Henry, receiving the captain patch in his first year with the team was a surprising and humbling experience. "I was a little shocked," Henry admitted. "I voted for Lamar and Mark, and I definitely appreciate my teammates for seeing me as somebody – as a leader and as a captain of this team, being in my first year here. That's all I wanted to do when I came and signed [was] just earn my teammates' respect, and I really appreciate them, and I'm going to continue to do that."
Big Game is bringing fans closer to the action with the official 2025 College Football Playoff team footballs. These meticulously handcrafted footballs are the result of Big Game’s collaboration with each participating team, delivering a product that combines innovative design with unmatched authenticity.
The Nike schools each RECEIVED a distinctive design, featuring the fractal swoosh—a first-of-its-kind element that adds a sleek, modern touch. Each football is further customized with team-colored laces and logos, ensuring a unique representation of every team in the playoff. The iconic CFP 2025 logo is also prominently displayed, solidifying these footballs as a must-have for any dedicated college football fan.
But these aren’t just collector’s items—they’re crafted to give fans the ultimate connection to the game. Made from the same premium leather used on the field, these footballs provide an authentic game-day feel, putting you right in the heart of the action. Whether you’re tossing it around at a tailgate or displaying it in your collection, this exclusive football lets you experience the playoffs in a whole new way.
Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of college football history. These official 2025 CFP footballs are more than just a keepsake—they’re a symbol of your passion for the game and a way to feel truly connected to the excitement of the College Football Playoff.
The Army-Navy Game stands as a tradition unlike any other—a timeless rivalry that transcends sports. This iconic matchup, dating back to 1890, is more than just a game; it’s a celebration of service, sacrifice, and honor. As the only college football game on the calendar this week, it commands the nation's attention and exemplifies one of the greatest rivalries in sports history.
In recent years, the Army-Navy Game has added a new layer of excitement with the introduction of special uniforms, turning the field into a showcase of history and pride. Each team unveils a unique design that pays tribute to their heritage, accomplishments, and military traditions.
Take a look below to explore the incredible uniforms that have graced this historic rivalry over the years, showcasing the creativity and storytelling that make this game a must-watch event.
Navy Football unveiled the 2024 Army-Navy game uniform, paying tribute to the legendary Jolly Rogers squadron of Naval Aviation. The Midshipmen will debut the striking design during the 125th Army-Navy Game on December 14, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland.
The Jolly Rogers, established in 1943, are celebrated as the most lethal and storied squadron in Naval Aviation history. Renowned for their Skull and Crossbones insignia, known worldwide, the squadron symbolizes precision, professionalism, and fearlessness. Their tagline, Fear the Bones, and callsign, Victory, underscore a legacy that spans decades. Since their inception, the Jolly Rogers have flown nine types of fighter aircraft, starting with the F4U Corsair during World War II and continuing to today’s F/A-18F Super Hornet. Their accomplishments include over 150 kills in WWII, groundbreaking night operations during Vietnam, and critical missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedomand Operation Iraqi Freedom. The squadron has set records and continues to embody the traditions of Naval excellence.
The 2024 uniform is a masterful tribute to the Jolly Rogers, integrating elements inspired by their aircraft and storied history. The dark navy hues reflect the iconic color of the squadron’s planes, while the neck design prominently features the Skull and Crossbones insignia, echoing the squadron’s tail fin. The collar striping mirrors the classic markings found on their aircraft, and the Navy wordmark and numbers draw inspiration from the aircraft side markings and fuselage identifiers. Sleeves and pants feature angled chevrons, with nine on each side to symbolize the nine aircraft flown throughout the squadron’s history. Inside the collar, the phrase "Fear the Bones" serves as a reminder of the squadron’s indomitable spirit, and the locker tag design honors the VF-84 tail fin with a distinctive “JR” composition. The side panels of the pants include microtext that pays homage to the six Jolly Rogers squadrons that have upheld the Skull and Crossbones legacy.
The helmet is a culmination of past and present aviator helmet designs, blending tradition with innovation. It prominently displays the Skull and Crossbones on the sides, with chevrons integrated into the striping to reflect the squadron's aircraft history. A reflective white base coat mirrors the appearance of the VFA-103 aviator helmets used today. The iconic tagline "Fear the Bones" is emblazoned on the bumper, completing the homage to the squadron's rich heritage.
This is not the first time the Navy football team has honored the Jolly Rogers. In 1962, Roger Staubach and the Midshipmen donned Jolly Rogers-inspired helmets in a resounding 34-14 victory over Army at Philadelphia's Municipal Stadium. This year’s uniform once again highlights the deep connection between Navy football and the traditions of Naval Aviation.
As the Midshipmen take the field on December 14, they will carry with them a uniform that embodies the legacy of the most feared and respected squadron in Naval history. The Army-Navy game has always been a showcase of pride, service, and tradition, and this year’s design further elevates the significance of this storied rivalry. Fans can witness history in the making as Navy honors the Jolly Rogers while battling Army for gridiron supremacy.
The Army West Point Football Team’s special uniforms for the Army-Navy Game this season are a heartfelt homage to the 101st Airborne Division, capturing the spirit, history, and sacrifice of the “Screaming Eagles” during World War II. this year’s Army-Navy uniform honors the brave soldiers of the 101st Airborne, particularly their pivotal role in the Ardennes Campaign and the Siege of Bastogne. Every detail has been carefully crafted to reflect the iconic imagery and historical significance of this legendary division.
The uniform’s color palette mirrors the foggy, snow-covered terrain of the Ardennes, where the 101st Airborne valiantly defended their positions against overwhelming odds. The muted tones symbolize the shadows beneath the snow-covered pine forests, a visual reminder of the soldiers’ resilience despite the harsh conditions and lack of air support.
The helmet design incorporates two key elements: the Screaming Eagles patch and card suit markings. The “Old Abe” insignia, a bald eagle symbolizing the 101st since its inception, recalls the mascot of the 8th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment during the Civil War, representing courage and legacy. Complementing this is the use of card suits, which were markings employed by paratroopers and glider troops to identify their unit affiliations during the Normandy invasion and across Europe. These card suits are assigned randomly across the team, evoking the camaraderie and tactical ingenuity of the 101st.
On the jersey, several meaningful symbols pay tribute to the division’s heroic efforts. The Invasion Star, a familiar symbol from American vehicles and aircraft during WWII, features seven gaps in its outer ring to represent the seven roads converging at Bastogne, a focal point of the 101st’s defense. The “Bastogne” lettering replicates the style of the road sign held by General Anthony McAuliffe after the siege, reminding viewers of the division’s unyielding resolve. Additionally, the weathered, coppered appearance of the Army West Point Athena Shield nods to the brass “Cricket,” a simple recognition device carried by paratroopers during the Normandy jump.
Further historical elements are woven into the uniform’s design. The Screaming Eagle patch connects the modern-day division to its roots in Wisconsin’s 8th Volunteer Infantry Regiment, reinforcing its proud lineage. The paratrooper’s flag appears in its authentic proportions, just as it did on their jumpsuits in 1944. Meanwhile, the unique “A R M Y !” typography reflects General McAuliffe’s typewritten reply, “Nuts!”—a declaration of defiance when faced with Nazi demands for surrender.
This year’s Army West Point uniform is more than just a striking design; it’s a storytelling masterpiece that pays homage to the bravery, ingenuity, and enduring legacy of the 101st Airborne Division. From the snowy landscapes of the Ardennes to the iconic symbols of resistance, every detail embodies the indomitable spirit of the Screaming Eagles. As the Army Football Team takes the field in these commemorative uniforms, they carry not only the pride of West Point but also the legacy of one of America’s most storied divisions.
Another look at the absolute HEAT we’re bringing to this week’s MACtion showdown. Catch the game for yourself on ESPN tomorrow at 8 p.m.#RiseUpRedHawks | 🎓🏆 pic.twitter.com/BnPr6shKkN
Utah football has once again captivated fans with its annual tradition of hand-painted helmets, this year celebrating the rich Polynesian culture embedded in the program. The 2024 design, titled Malama Lahaina, honors the resilience and spirit of Maui in the wake of the devastating Lahaina fires of 2023.
The Malama Lahaina helmet is a masterpiece of Hawaiian tattoo artistry, a design that symbolizes strength, unity, and cultural pride. The intricate patterns reflect the Polynesian roots of many players and pay tribute to the program’s diverse heritage.
A standout feature of the helmet is the outline of Lahaina’s historic Front Street, a poignant reminder of the town’s destruction during the 2023 wildfires. The fires claimed much of the iconic area, leaving behind scars that Hawaii continues to heal.
The phrase Malama Lahaina graces one side of the helmet, serving as a call to nurture and care for the land and its people. Malama, a Hawaiian word, encapsulates the ethos of preservation and recovery. On the other side, the interlocking U’s are adorned with Hawaiian tattoo patterns, tying the design to both the program’s identity and the cultural homage.
The Utes will complete the look by pairing the helmets with their black throwback uniforms, a bold and nostalgic nod to the program’s history.
Utah football has embraced the art of hand-painted helmets since 2016, creating annual designs that highlight unique aspects of the program’s culture and identity. From tributes to the state’s natural beauty to honoring military service, each helmet tells a story that resonates with the team and its fans.
This tradition has become a cornerstone of the Utes’ brand, demonstrating a commitment to celebrating diversity and heritage. The 2024 Malama Lahaina helmet continues that legacy, blending artistic innovation with cultural significance.
The Malama Lahaina helmet is more than a striking design; it is a symbol of solidarity with Maui and the broader Polynesian community. As Utah takes the field against Iowa State, the players will carry with them a reminder of resilience, unity, and the power of remembrance.
