Back to the College Football Uniforms
Like the hallowed turf at Tiger Stadium under the lights, LSU’s classic purple and gold garb has been rarely challenged by outfitters over the years. Nike has perfected the Tigers’ current get up with well-placed stripes and piping and the subtle “LSU” wordmark across the crest of jerseys.
The Tigers are one of college football’s only teams to prefer white jerseys at home, making the switch in 1958 under coach Paul Dietzel. LSU went on to win the national championship that season. In 1982, LSU was forced to go back to purple at home after the NCAA imposed a ban on white tops at home. That decision was lifted 13 years later and the Tigers have preferred white tops at Tiger Stadium since.
At night in Baton Rouge however, LSU moves to its eye-popping purple top-gold pants combo – one of the best looks in all of college football.
In 2007, LSU went against the norm of gold helmets and donned a white shell with purple lettering and a yellow stripe against Tulane to honor the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Two years later is when the Tigers made a small change to their current style, adding a small “LSU” plate across the middle.
On Nov. 28, 2009, Nike debuted a bronze and white Pro Combat combination in a home night game against Arkansas. LSU’s bronze helmets were an unpleasant change from the norm and the white top-white pants with purple accent look hasn’t been worn since.
LSU’s current deal with Nike has two years remaining. Les Miles’ signature white stretch-fix swoosh hat and jacket is prominently displayed to a nation of fans every weekend — vital for Nike from a marketing standpoint.
