Football season is king where I come from. Whether it be a Friday night high school football game, Saturday morning tailgates in a college town, or lazy Sunday’s watching the pro’s. From late August to February there is always a game to watch. With the National Championship being played tonight, I couldn’t help but think “What will Oregon wear?” and when did college football uniforms become fashionable? Here’s a look back from the traditional uniforms of the 20th century to today’s college football players hi-tech attire.

Beginning in the late 19th Century players would dress in heavier fabrics that could withstand the nature of the game, such as wool.

 

Before 1943, when helmets became mandatory, some athletes chose to wear soft leather helmets that offered little to no cushion from hard hits. It wasn’t until the 1950’s that plastic helmets were sustainable enough to not shatter on the field or injure players not wearing a helmet. We’ve come a long way in technology when it comes to safety!!

The 60’s, 70’s and 80’s brought more color to the mix of college and professional football uniforms. Helmets also became much more resilient and padded. Teams, like Alabama, OU, Nebraska, and Penn State, that haven’t strayed from their traditional uniforms still wear the styles from these decades.

Beginning with a Cotton Bowl loss in 1996, Oregon’s athletic director paired with alum Phil Knight and Nike to start the overhaul on Oregon’s image. Igniting the ever changing uniform combination trend that has trickled down to universities all over the country.

What do you think of what Ohio State and Oregon are wearing for tonight’s big game? I would say, no matter what they are wearing, both teams are going out in style as the top two (unexpected) teams in the country for the 2014 college football season. Until next year college football and as always Go Pokes!

Tonight’s Uniforms Combinations: