Back to the College Football Uniforms
In recent years, Cincinnati has been one of Adidas’ cutting-edge programs for apparel, outfitted with multiple TechFit uniforms and impressive helmets.
When the Bearcats signed a four-year extension with the three stripes in 2008 under then-head coach Brian Kelly, classic uniforms were overhauled to include “Cat Scratch” graphics and exclusive color schemes and numerals. Cincinnati’s rich red and black was incorporated into each look with red being used as a primary alternate.
The Bearcats currently have six one-of-kind combinations of red, white and black jerseys with white and black pants. Black on black and red on black are popular home combinations. Adidas’ innovative TechFit fabric allows for a tighter fit and less grab for opposing players. Four claw marks adorn each thigh and Cincinnati’s trademark “C-Paw” logo is stuck to black, white, matte red or carbon-fiber metallic red shells — a look the Bearcats unleashed in the 2012 Belk Bowl against Duke.
A white shell re-emerged after a nearly 50-year absence for the Sugar Bowl against Florida in 2010. The “Cincinnati” wordmark featuring a bear claw above the second C is splashed across each top.
Before moving to the current white and red “C-Paw” logo on black shells in 2005, the Bearcats had varying graphics on black helmets since 1983. The last full-season red Cincinnati helmet was worn during the 1982 season with a “UC” sticker that hung around for eight years. Before moving to Adidas, Cincinnati’s Russell Athletic uniforms had very little flavor, indicative of the Bearcats’ time in the Conference-USA before moving to the Big East.
Jerseys had awkward contrasting piping that ended in on the side of game pants near the knee. Adidas has helped the Bearcats establish their brand over the last few seasons with one of the Big East’s most unique on-field looks.
