A streak of fire, a breath of flame. Eluding all who reach and clutch, a gray ghost thrown into the game.
— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) August 8, 2024
As a program that always remembers who came before us, we will honor Red Grange and his incredible impact on football during our Memorial Stadium Rededication Game on Oct.… pic.twitter.com/FjUSjZmJ3x
Illinois Football is set to turn back the clock to honor a historic moment in their program's legacy. On October 19, 2024, exactly 100 years and one day after Red Grange's legendary six-touchdown performance against Michigan during the Memorial Stadium Dedication Game in 1924, the Fighting Illini will take the field in 1920s-themed uniforms to celebrate the centennial of that iconic game.
The commemorative uniforms are a nod to the early days of Illinois football, designed to mirror the attire worn by Grange and his teammates during the program's formative years. The ensemble includes helmets, jerseys, and pants that meticulously replicate the classic look of the 1924 team, bringing a piece of history back to life on the field.
"The program has done some throwbacks in the past, but it was really important to be more accurate to the time the stadium opened," said Jake Rosch, the Director of Football Equipment Operations. "We ultimately settled on recreating Red Grange's uniform from 1924, and the end product came out just as good, if not better, than what we envisioned."
The jerseys feature a blue base with tannish-gold stripes forming a pyramid shape, running from the bottom of the shirt to the top of the white numbers outlined in blue. The only hint of orange is the Memorial Stadium 100th Anniversary patch, a tribute that will be worn on all Illini uniforms this season. The pants, in the same tannish-gold hue, are paired with blue socks, completing the vintage aesthetic.
"The jerseys are pretty simplistic," Rosch noted. "They were designed 100 years ago, so they were limited in their manufacturing capabilities at that time. We wanted to be as historically accurate as possible, and I think we succeeded."
While the jerseys were relatively straightforward to recreate, the helmets posed a greater challenge. The team was committed to replicating the look of leather helmets, which required a specialized approach. They partnered with Armando Villarreal, one of only two artists in the nation who specialize in airbrushing football helmets, to hand-paint each helmet.
The process was intricate: helmets were first sanded and sealed before a base coat was applied. Villarreal then airbrushed layers of dark brown, using stencils to create an authentic leather texture. He meticulously added details like straps, stitching, and holes, all of which contributed to the helmet's period-accurate appearance. The helmets were then finished with a clear coat for a matte look, with each helmet taking one to two hours to complete.
"100 years ago, the jerseys all had very similar designs, so we knew what would set us apart was the leather helmet look," Rosch explained. "Armando has done a really great job and been a really good partner in this whole process."
The uniform design process began nearly two years ago, with extensive collaboration between the Illinois football program, Nike, and the Big Ten Conference. Director of Athletics Josh Whitman played a crucial role, bringing his experience as both an administrator and an alum to the project, ensuring the final design was a fitting tribute to Illinois football's rich history.
"He has a little extra tie to the project as a whole because it represents something really personal to him," Rosch said. "We tweaked a lot of small things to make sure everything fell in line with his vision and how we think we can tie that together."
As the Illini prepare to take the field in these throwback uniforms, they not only honor a legendary game but also celebrate the enduring legacy of Illinois football. Fans can look forward to a visually stunning tribute to one of the program's most iconic moments, as the past and present come together in a special way on October 19.
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As the 2024 New York Jets reported for training camp, the organization paid tribute to its storied past with the unveiling of "The Classic" uniform. This new addition to their lineup is a nod to the look the team wore during their 1968 championship season and mirrors the familiar design of the uniform used from 1998 to 2018.
On Monday, October 14th, the Jets will debut "The Classic" when they host the Bills at MetLife Stadium. Filling the fourth available spot in the team's uniform "closet," this classic look is part of a larger NFL initiative. The white jerseys and white pants pay homage to the attire the team sported during their Super Bowl III victory over the Baltimore Colts. Keeping true to the original design, "The Classic" features a clean front without a patch, mirroring the '68 jersey, and uses the same number and letter fonts.
The helmet has been updated with a gray facemask to replicate the 1968 headgear, featuring the same white shell and logo used from 1998 to 2018. The green in the decal and stripes matches the team's current "Legacy Green," which is a shade between the 1968 Kelly Green and the 1998-2018 Hunter Green.
During the Jets' April rebrand, they introduced three "Legacy Collection" uniform versions, including the legacy black uniform and helmet as their alternate uniform. The Jets will don their black uniform on Halloween when they play host to the Houston Texans for a Thursday night clash.
With the reintroduction of the "Legacy" and "Classic" ensembles over the past four months, the Jets are bringing their two most iconic identities back to the field. "The Classic" uniform, worn during one of the most significant moments in pro football history, provides the franchise an opportunity to highlight a uniform donned by 15 of its 19 players in its Ring of Honor. On October 14th, against the Bills, the Jets will revive a familiar sight, celebrating a timeless tradition and reconnecting with their storied past.
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Welcome to the UNISWAG Weekly Countdown for the 2024 College Football Season, presented by Big Game USA!
Each week, UNISWAG showcases the most eye-catching and innovative college football uniforms, building up to the coveted #1 spot.
Join us as we kick off with the Week 7 Uniform of the Week Countdown, celebrating the standout designs that made a statement on the field!
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A Statement for The District. 🏛️
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) June 21, 2024
Introducing our 2024-25 Statement Edition Uniform. pic.twitter.com/FUsS5Qs9JS
The Washington Wizards have revealed their Statement uniforms for the 2024-25 season, and they are a tribute to the District of Columbia. Falling in line with the Wizards' tradition of honoring their home city through alternate jerseys, these new uniforms offer a fresh and dynamic update to the previous Statement design.
The 2024-25 Statement uniforms feature a more eye-catching remix of the prior design. The addition of three stars and a second red stripe to the jersey not only enhances its visual appeal but also ties back to the iconic elements of the D.C. flag. The Wizards have also opted for more striking shades of red and blue, making the uniforms stand out even more on the court.
These new uniforms are a special homage to the District of Columbia, echoing the spirit and pride of the nation's capital. The design elements, such as the stars and stripes, are deliberate choices that symbolize the city's heritage and the team's deep connection to its community.
Serving as alternates to their standard home and away jerseys, the Statement uniforms will be worn during rivalry games and other significant matchups. This strategic use ensures that the bold design gets maximum exposure during high-stakes contests, adding an extra layer of excitement for fans and players alike.
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The UNISWAG Uniform of the Week Countdown is back for college football! Check out the teams making a splash with their Week 7 uniform combinations.
The official Top 10 countdown will be revealed on Monday, leading to the Week 7 Uniform of the Week winner.
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UNC
Throwbacks for Saturday 🐏#CarolinaFootball 🏈 @UniFirst_Corp pic.twitter.com/mjPNqxfLfu
— Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) October 10, 2024
nc state
We want everything BLACK 😤
— NC State Football (@PackFootball) October 9, 2024
⚫️⚫️⚫️#1Pack1Goal | #PackinBlack pic.twitter.com/ObbZaQ9RBp
ORegon
Disrupt the darkness.
— GoDucks (@GoDucks) October 10, 2024
Game 6 uniform combo for @OregonFootball. #GoDucks pic.twitter.com/Uf3HaweJiV
West Virginia
The alternate Coal Rush threads for @WVUfootball will be worn on 10/12.#uniswag pic.twitter.com/6O2iubr51P
— UNISWAG (@UNISWAG) October 8, 2024
liberty
⚪️🔴⚪️ for week six pic.twitter.com/JI1JtjyYas
— Liberty Football (@LibertyFootball) October 7, 2024
maryland
Friday Night, Under the Lights. It's time to Dominate.
— Maryland Football (@TerpsFootball) October 9, 2024
Game 6 Trailer is here 📽️🔥 pic.twitter.com/jHEhdfCVK9
wku
Big Red 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘴 all 👀 pic.twitter.com/jsztJjJTzQ
— WKU Football (@WKUFootball) October 3, 2024
utah
Road trip fit ⚪️⚪️⚪️#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/MUq2F73IH2
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) October 7, 2024
arizona State
Into the night 😈#ForksUp /// #ActivateTheValley pic.twitter.com/twqkRbAZp3
— Sun Devil Football (@ASUFootball) October 9, 2024
northwestern
Friday Night Fitted ⚫️⚪️⚫️ pic.twitter.com/Clu4emGm7I
— Northwestern Football (@NUFBFamily) October 9, 2024
la tech
Take notes 📝📚
— LA Tech Football 🏈 (@LATechFB) October 9, 2024
Rocking the new blue lids for education night 🔵🔵⚪️#BarkLouder | #HBTD pic.twitter.com/pewnLHlxKp
Rice
𝐆𝐀𝐌𝐄 𝐒𝐈𝐗 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐒 🧵 #𝐆𝐨𝐎𝐰𝐥𝐬👐 𝐱 #𝐑𝐅𝐍𝐃 pic.twitter.com/X2TJtjoKfL
— Rice Football (@RiceFootball) October 10, 2024
sac state
𝘽𝘼𝘾𝙆 𝙄𝙉 𝘽𝙇𝘼𝘾𝙆 ⚫️
— Sac State Football (@SacHornetsFB) October 11, 2024
Threads for Game 6 🪡 #StingersUp | #GreenSwarm pic.twitter.com/FgN3Rvs2jm
Cornell
Well worth the wait… All black everything 🥷#YellCornell pic.twitter.com/WijHLgC70m
— Cornell Football (@BigRed_Football) October 10, 2024
unlv
Into the mountains we go➡️@kballungay19 | @shookstonelaw pic.twitter.com/hiIvexI7IJ
— UNLV Football (@unlvfootball) October 9, 2024
louisville
This week’s battle armor 🤝#GoCards pic.twitter.com/MuAvrsqMlM
— Louisville Football (@LouisvilleFB) October 10, 2024
Vanderbilt
Game 6⃣ Fit pic.twitter.com/4Kgbr2gUJI
— Vanderbilt Football (@VandyFootball) October 11, 2024
Georgia southern
Details matter. #HailSouthern pic.twitter.com/R5oJyBQpgA
— Georgia Southern Football (@GSAthletics_FB) October 11, 2024
Arizona
All White this week for Provo ❄️ pic.twitter.com/xSsBcOkUmR
— Arizona Football (@ArizonaFBall) October 11, 2024
illinois
All blue against Purdue.#Illini // #HTTO // #famILLy pic.twitter.com/ShtzKuyy0W
— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) October 10, 2024
Bowling Green
KIDƧ DΛY ... ᄂΣƬ'Ƨ GӨ!!!
— BGSU Football (@BG_Football) October 11, 2024
🟠⚪️⚪️#ToTheMoon 🟠🟤 pic.twitter.com/8yi1Sd5zUz
oregon state
iced out 🧊 pic.twitter.com/bNxSQpmvUc
— Oregon State Football (@BeaverFootball) October 11, 2024
odu
Georgia’s very own! 🦿🦿🦿
— ODU Football (@ODUFootball) October 11, 2024
Game 6 Threads x @e10_sanchez #ReignOn | #RFG pic.twitter.com/pnxe4S9k6k
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The @PatrickMahomes Galvanized uniform.
— Texas Tech Football (@TexasTechFB) October 10, 2024
Debuting 11•09•24#WreckEm | #TeamAdidas pic.twitter.com/vBWJWD199U
In a groundbreaking move adidas and Patrick Mahomes have unveiled a stunning new football uniform for Texas Tech University. This exciting collaboration features Mahomes’ signature “Gladiator” logo, marking one of the rare occasions in history where an athlete’s personal brand has been incorporated into official on-field Uniform.
The new uniform, aptly named the Mahomes Strategy uniform, boasts a sleek Dark Grey tackle twill with striking Power Red accents. Its design is inspired by the 45-degree bevel found across Texas Tech’s campus, as well as the angular nature of Mahomes’ logo. The helmet, logos, and numbers are adorned with a metallic film that features galvanized finishes, creating a modern and dynamic look. Texas Tech’s football team is set to debut this innovative uniform at home against Colorado on November 9.
Mahomes, a Texas Tech alum and three-time Super Bowl champion, expressed his pride in this unique achievement: “Seeing my own logo on the Texas Tech uniform I put so much blood, sweat, and tears into is one of the most meaningful off-field accomplishments of my career. I want to thank the three-stripe family for giving me this one-of-a-kind opportunity.”
The partnership between adidas and Mahomes has consistently pushed the envelope in athlete-brand collaborations. This relationship began back in 2019, when Mahomes famously taped a handwritten adidas logo over a competitor brand while cheering for Texas Tech basketball. The Mahomes Strategy uniform is just the latest milestone in their ongoing partnership, which has already established numerous firsts in collegiate athletics and NIL initiatives.
“The unveil of the adidas Strategy uniform by Patrick Mahomes further amplifies the power of this partnership,” said Kirby Hocutt, Director of Athletics at Texas Tech University. “We are proud to be the first collegiate adidas partner to utilize an athlete partner’s logo. There is no more powerful brand in sports than Patrick Mahomes. We look forward to debuting this uniform in front of a sold-out Jones AT&T Stadium on November 9 against Colorado.”
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all 𝘦𝘺𝘦𝘴 on us next Thursday 👀 pic.twitter.com/F5Q4ZNRQzT
— WKU Football (@WKUFootball) October 3, 2024
Western Kentucky University Football continues to keep fans excited with their latest uniform announcement. On Thursday, the Hilltoppers revealed a special edition Big Red helmet, set to be worn for their Red Out game against UTEP on October 10. This highly anticipated game will not only showcase WKU’s prowess on the field but also their unique connection to their beloved Hall of Fame mascot, Big Red.
The special edition uniform pays homage to Big Red with a full red ensemble, featuring red helmets, red jerseys, and red pants. The standout feature of the helmets is their design, complete with decals mimicking Big Red's iconic eyes. The black facemask symbolizes Big Red's mouth, giving the helmets a character-filled touch that fans are sure to love.
This marks the triumphant return of WKU’s red helmets, which were last seen in the mid-2000s. The reintroduction of the red helmet into the Hilltoppers’ rotation was initially announced on July 25, building excitement for its debut during this pivotal matchup.
The Oct. 10 game against UTEP is set to be a full-on Red Out, and fans are encouraged to show up decked out in red to match their team. To enhance the fan experience, 5,000 red towels will be given away to those in attendance at Houchens-Smith Stadium, creating a sea of red in the stands.
This is not the first time WKU has leaned into Big Red-themed helmets, but it’s certainly one of the most anticipated versions yet. WKU first introduced the Big Red helmets on Nov. 12, 2022, in a dominant 45-10 victory over Rice. That game featured only the Big Red quarterback decal, which was worn on black helmets. The program then took it up a notch for the Oct. 24 game against Liberty last season, unveiling helmets that sported seven different Big Red logos based on player position groups, which once again adorned black helmets.
Most recently, for their Sept. 21 game against Toledo, the Hilltoppers wore Big Red quarterback decals on white helmets, continuing to evolve the Big Red uniform tradition.
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Welcome to the UNISWAG Weekly Countdown for the 2024 College Football Season, presented by Big Game USA!
Each week, UNISWAG showcases the most eye-catching and innovative college football uniforms, building up to the coveted #1 spot.
Join us as we kick off with the Week 6 Uniform of the Week Countdown, celebrating the standout designs that made a statement on the field!
Shop College Football Gear Here
See What Else Is New
Related Articles
West Virginia Mined.
— West Virginia Football (@WVUfootball) May 2, 2024
Built on Bravery.@GoMartStores | #HailWV ⛏️ pic.twitter.com/pslQQfb8S2