Nike has released the company's Pro Combat uniforms in new designs for ten elite college programs that reflect the teams’ traditions, character and culture.


According to Nike, each team will benefit from the lightweight innovation and flexible protection of the Nike Pro Combat System of Dress, but the similarities end there. Rendered in vivid color palettes and rich in cultural and historical motifs specific to the individual programs, each custom design tells a different story.


“The Nike Pro Combat System of Dress merges innovation and inspiration to deliver the lightest and most innovative uniform in the industry,” said Kris Aman, Global VP and GM of Nike Athletic Training and Field Sports. “The designs incorporate cultural cues emblematic of each team’s identity and heritage. They’re more than uniforms, they’re expressions of pride.”


Nike designers studied each team’s past, present and vision for the future. They immersed themselves in the community and culture of the universities. As a result, the special-edition uniforms capture the soul and spirit of each program.


Key design details from the uniforms include:



  • Alabama: Houndstooth check pattern incorporated into the uniform in tribute to legendary coach Paul “Bear” Bryant.

  • Boise State: Reflective, Game Royal Bronco head on the uniform echoes the famed blue turf of Bronco stadium.

  • Florida: Alligator-skin motif used in the jersey numbers, pant, gloves and footwear inspired by menacing Gator mascot.

  • Miami: Tonal Fir palm-frond print emblematic of South Florida incorporated into the jersey numbers, pant and footwear.

  • Ohio State: Stylized script numbers, a replica U.S. flag on the jersey sleeve and the camouflage-print base layer honor the WWII-bound Buckeyes, National Champions of 1942.

  • Oregon State: Retro design revives a look worn by the victorious 1967 “Giant Killers.”

  • Pittsburgh: Notched Team Gold jersey numbers and stencil stripe on the helmet evoke steel I-beams in reference to Pittsburgh’s steel industry.

  • TCU: Icy lizard-skin pattern used throughout the uniform inspired by the scaly body armor of TCU’s horned frog mascot and a memorable quote from celebrated coach Leo “Dutch” Meyer.

  • Virginia Tech: All-black uniform references the cadet gray-and-black regalia worn by Virginia Tech’s original football team and honors the school’s current Corps of Cadets.

  • West Virginia: A headlamp-like line running front-to-back on the helmet and smudged Black pattern on the uniform pay respect to the region’s coal mining industry.

Ultra lightweight, fully protective


In addition to the uniforms’ visual appeal, the Nike Pro Combat System of Dress offers what Nike believes to be the ultimate in lightweight protection. The uniforms were designed from the inside out, beginning with the padded base layer. The Nike Pro Combat base layer allows for specific pad placement to suit every position, providing a highly customized solution. The base layer also delivers protection and greater mobility than traditional pads for unencumbered speed.


With padding integrated into the base layer, the outer uniform becomes a lightweight, breathable sheath with a fitted, superhero look. The sleek jersey and pant are constructed from a four-way stretch twill that sheds sweat and water, ensuring that even when wet, these uniforms are lighter than their standard-issue counterparts when completely dry. Overall, the uniform is 37% lighter than current designs.