The Opening Drive 5/11: Ranking Ohio State's Alternate Uniforms
OSU might not be Oregon, but their alternate game still brings it.
OSU released a graphic on Sunday teasing something uniform related. The announcement is conveniently slated for 6:14pm on Monday the 11th. We’ve hinted that we suspect the gray “heritage” stripes are making a comeback. While still not confirmed, there is some sort of uniform change on the horizon. Could it be the addition of a sponsor patch? Sure, but I don’t think the athletic department would hype that up like this. So, that got me thinking about the different uniforms the Buckeyes have worn, starting with the OG “Pro Combat” in 2009 versus the team up north. I’ll be ranking fifteen different uniforms, with one borderline combination being included. That combination is deemed the 1968 throwback which combined the “cannonball” helmet with the black numbers on the sleeves and the gray sleeves. With that, I give you my alternate uniform rankings.
#15 All White “ Color Rush”
An all-white version of the standard road uniform worn against Michigan State in 2020.
#14 1916 Throwback aka The Cannonball Uni
The flat black helmet made it’s debut with this uniform worn against Nebraska in 2016, and would late be part of another unique combination. The red jersey with gray stripes and white number paid homage to the Chic Harley led squad, and the uniform was capped off by solid gray pants.
#13 1961 Throwback vs Wisconsin in 2011
The 2009 and 2010 alternate uniforms both cooked, but the 2011 rendition was interesting. The helmet was by far the star of this uniform. The helmet striped popped more than expected, and the black numbers on the side were a true ode to the 1961 team.
#12 1942 Throwback vs The Team Up North in 2010
The solid red jersey, combined with an almost candy apple red helmet made this uniform almost bland. But, the number font and the American flag were enough to overcome the helmet and jersey being very plain.
#11 All Red “Color Rush”
The 2021 season marked the first time the Buckeyes would wear scarlet pants since the 1950’s. The color rush red’s would also reappear during the 2024 CFP title run against Tennessee.
#10 1954 Throwback Pro Combat vs The Team Up North in 2009.
I think the fanbase nearly melted down when it was announced a different uniform would be worn for the 2009 version of “The Game.” However, the combination worked well. A white helmet with black numbers on the side, and a darker than normal gray pant made up this combination.
#9 2012 “Rivalry” vs The Team Up North
If these rankings were based on helmet alone, this would probably be top 5. The chrome helmet debuted with this often worn, and sometimes modified combo. This combination was worn in multiple games and did see occasional modifications, mostly unnoticeable to the casual observer.
#8 The “Blackout” Uni
Another combination that would be ranked higher, if based solely on the helmet! There have been two different combinations of the blackout kit, but the primary difference is tied to the material of the jersey itself.
#7 The Land of Wolves Away vs The Team Up North in 2017
This would undoubtedly be the number one uniform, if based on helmet alone. The camouflage helmet with the reflective buckeye leaves is my favorite alternate helmet ever.
#6 The Land of Wolves Home vs Penn State in 2017.
One of the best games I’ve ever witnessed, combined with JT Barrett putting the team on his shoulders make this uniform combo one most fans will never forget.
LATEST PODCASTS:
LATEST ARTICLES:
LATEST FILM ROOM:
#5 1968 Throwback vs The Team Up North in 2016.
The “cannonball” helmet was worn with the home red throwback gray stripe jersey with black numbers on the shoulders. This was the “First Down Harbaugh” game, in which JT Barrett was able to eek out a first down in overtime that allowed Curtis Samuel to score the game winning td. Side note: he did get the first down, and it happened right in front of me and Jerry Springer who was 2 rows behind me.
#4 All Gray “Color Rush” vs MIchigan State in 2023 and Iowa in 2024.
This might be a surprise given how low I have the other color rush kits. However, the gray jersey with the red numbers is a slick combination. Jeremiah Smith making a one-handed touchdown might have also helped shoot this one to the top.
#3 2014 CFP White Heritage Stripes vs Alabama
The gray stripes, white jersey, and silver helmet were a perfect combination to shock the world and roll the tide in New Orleans. Another jersey that has been worn numerous times with modifications. However, I think the bulk of us associate it with that night in NOLA.
#2 2014 CFP Red Heritage Stripes vs Oregon
Much like the white version of this combination, it has been worn numerous times. However, the natty win over the Ducks is by far the most significant.
#1 The “Cocaine White” Rivalry Edition vs The Team Up North in 2013 and Penn State in 2014.
It’s only fitting that we started the countdown with an all-white uniform and ended it with one too! The all white version of the “rivalry” uniform just hit different. It’s criminal that these only got worn twice, honestly.
How does the list look to you guys? Let me know in the comments which uniforms rank too high or too low!
Buckeye Film Breakdown will return soon with some fresh content.
