Back to the College Football Uniforms
Michigan has arguably the most iconic helmet in all of college football and only recently have the Wolverines let Adidas make subtle changes to their uniforms and lids.
In a 2011 night game against Notre Dame, the Wolverines debuted shoulder stripes on their jerseys with the number being removed in the center and placed on the left shoulder. Replacing the numerals was a large “M” on the chest. Players numbers appeared on the shells for the first time since the 1960s.
For the 2012 opener at Cowboys Stadium against Alabama, the Wolverines donned maize pants with a white Adidas TechFit top featuring yellow shoulders and navy numerals. The TechFit mock up are lighter, more aerodynamic uniforms and essentially Adidas’ answer to Nike’s Pro Combats. Reduced seams and restrictive-free fabric gives players a wider range of motion with increased agility and speed.
At the end of the 2012 season, Michigan brought out a similar TechFit uniform for the Outback Bowl against South Carolina, this time with everything inverted – white jersey with navy shoulders and maize numerals. The maize pants stayed unchanged. The Wolverines’ classic navy shell however was updated with a matte finish.
Since 1975, the Wolverines have worn their current helmet, a classic navy shell with maize “horns” accompanied by a navy facemask. Prior to that, a gray facemask was used and occasionally players numbers on the lids.
Maize pants and solid navy tops at home have been a staple throughout the program history. Contrasting piping has only been added recently to the uniform.
Before Michigan’s sweet deal with the three stripes, the Wolverines were outfitted by Nike. The Wolverines’ current contract with Adidas runs through 2017 with an estimated $7.5 million payout each season.
