I have descended the mountain after many hours of quarantine study of uniforms and I’m here to give the people what they want. Pure unadulterated alternate uniform judgement.
There are several I wanted to give respect to before breaking into the top 12.
Honorable Mention:
The Cavaliers recent update is a great combination between modern sharpness and a throwback feel. This orange jersey and white helmet is so smooth.
There are a lot, and I mean a lot, of alternates for Oklahoma State who have been the Big 12 version of Oregon in many ways. This all-black is my favorite.
Is this all that different from Penn State’s normal uniform? Not really, yet that’s part of the charm.
Colorado State 2017 Colorado Pride
If you look at this from one angle it’s like the Rams are wearing Tulsa uniforms. Those Colorado state flag logos, though? They should be worn with pride.
USF wore a couple different version of this “SoFlo” uniform in the past. This is the best offering.
Everyone prefers the royal blue for BYU of course. These helmets add an even better touch.
Top 12 Alternate Uniforms
#12 Purdue 2019 Moon Uniform
We’re starting in space. Purdue has really increased the alternates in recent years to mixed success. There have been some really interesting ones and some duds which is pretty much true for anyone who is mixing in 3 or 4 different sets every year.
The Boilers played the moon card last year, though.
Okay, so these don’t look too much different from their regular set but there are moon boot marks on the helmet. I repeat, moon boot marks. Throw an awesome patch on the jersey and I’m sold.
#11 UCF 2019 Space Uniform
We continue in space.
UCF wore a similar all-black version of this in 2019 which is plenty nice in its own right but doesn’t pop quite like this all-white uniform.
#10 SMU 2019 Dallas Uniform
Quietly, SMU has been dressing quite well in recent years.
Then they go and do something like this and take it up several notches.
#9 Army 2012 vs. Navy
Only one program made this list twice.
This was consistently rated as one of the best uniforms of 2012.
#8 LSU 2018 Purple Helmets
I’m always saying LSU needs to embrace the purple more. They wear their purple jersey but once a year if we’re lucky and otherwise it’s all home white.
The next best thing is to take all that white and splash in more purple.
#7 Notre Dame 2013 Shamrock Series
Our one last favor from Adidas before we ended that long-time relationship.
I would love to see this uniform without the extremely metallic and contorted Adidas iron-on numbers.
#6 Tulane Baby Blue
Tulane has introduced several variations of alternates, including some amazing new helmets.
Nothing tops this baby blue set in combiination the white helmet adorned with the angry green wave logo.
#5 Air Force 2016 Airpower Legacy
Speaking of helmets, Air Force took the cake in that department in 2016.
Honestly, this uniform on its own is just okay. But that sharktooth helmet is forever endearing.
#4 Army 2019 vs. Navy
I won’t blame anyone who thinks the 2012 Army alternate above is better, especially as it more closely represents their school colors.
However, this just screams modern Army football to me and looks so, so good.
#3 Oregon 2016 vs. Colorado
Out of the approximately 9,293 alternate uniforms Oregon has worn this century their best came in a game a few years ago against Colorado.
Not only is this a flawless example of mimicking the Oregon Duck mascot it’s probably one of the most stunning color schemes I’ve ever seen on a football field.
#2 Navy 2014 vs. Ohio State
Navy has never topped this alternate uniform when they nearly toppled Ohio State in Columbus.
I am shocked the Middies haven’t made this their regular uniform in recent years.
#1 Miami early 2000’s
This uniform is painfully 1990’s inspired with its excessive piping and futuristic numbers. Yet, to this day it exudes winning at a dominant level.
Despite its bells and whistles, it’s still the best overall look for a modern alternate uniform.
Hard pass
I like all these unis to varying extents but wanted to shout out your love for that Duck uniform. It was delightfully ridiculous and actually looked pretty good.
Between the Miami video game cover photo and this #1 ranking, do we need to have a Miami intervention?
It was a good uniform for its time but has not aged particularly well. We’re here for you and we can weather this hurricane together.
Like the NBA retro jerseys making a comeback it has aged wonderfully.
Interesting, I will try to put my dislike for the team aside and look at the uniform objectively.
Pros: Orange, green, and white colors are used well in the jersey, pants and helmet. Appropriately placed and sized Swoosh.
Cons: Shoulder piping is too thick. Looks like they are all wearing over sized orange and white necklaces with the 360 wrap around on the shoulders.
It’s a good jersey for it’s time but putting it above the Tulane or Army efforts hurts me.
I don’t like the collar either, tbh.
Not sure where to stick this, but I made a mashup of the Victory March and TI’s Whatever You Like, and I’m quite proud of it.
https://rave.dj/nLH35oPMSFGtHA
this sounds incredible but link didnt work for me
OT: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29022736/drew-brees-join-nbc-football-lined-next-snf-analyst
Hopefully this means Flutie is on his way out. I’d imagine Brees would be great (doesn’t take much to be better than Flutie) if this comes to pass. How long does Chris Collinsworth have left? Hopefully Brees would do ND games for a decade.
Wow, wrong. 😉
The SMU Dallas jerseys are #1 (though those Oregon uniforms are a close #2), and the best ND uniforms were sadly in the 2011 loss to Michigan.
I didn’t include throwback uniforms.
(except BYU).
Guess I’m wrong then 🙁
Surprised the UTL’s didn’t make it on this list, also. Also surprised they didn’t win OFD’s “Best Alternate Uni” poll, which the all whites did win. (The all whites would have been 300% better with green shamrocks on the helmet)