Something of a dark horse coming into last weekend, the Ohio State Buckeyes used a drubbing of Wisconsin in the Big 10 Championship Game, along with a bit of selection committee cowardice regarding the Big 12, as a springboard into the inaugural College Football Playoff. To celebrate the occasion, new Ohio State playoff uniforms? In a manner of speaking. . . .
The Buckeyes will wear their traditional scarlet-and-gray Mach Speed uniforms in the Sugar Bowl, with a unique, on-theme update. The Swoosh positioned on the chest features a fractal diamond-color finish, reconciling the uniform with the trophy the Buckeyes are eyeing.
While that change is the definition of subtle, the team’s new Nike Pro Combat Hypercool baselayer boasts a radically distinct aesthetic. Paying homage to the team’s legendary head coach, Woody Hayes, the baselayer is emblazoned with Hayes’s actual handwritten notes from one of his famous chalkboard sessions.
That same print is utilized on the new Nike Vapor Jet Knit gloves, offsetting the block “O” logo on the palms and a scarlet underlay, which will be paired with a team-colored Nike Vapor Untouchable cleat, highlighted in scarlet accents.
Look for Ohio State to debut its new gear in the Sugar Bowl on January 1, the same day we’ll see similar updates from Alabama and Florida State, and an entirely new uniform for Oregon (of course).