Back to the College Football Uniforms
The Cavaliers have been with Nike since 2001, but the swoosh waited nearly 10 years to incorporate orange as an alternate color that contrasted well with the Cavaliers’ navy and white. Orange alternates debuted in 2010 and were followed by “Pearl Orange” shells the following season in the Chick-fil-A Bowl against Auburn — the first time Virginia donned orange shells since 1978.
In 2012, Nike provided throwback uniforms with a traditional helmet for the Cavaliers to wear against Louisiana Tech honoring the 1968 squad. Virginia sported orange helmets often in the 1960s and 70s before moving to white shells for a 15-year span.
Since 1994, Virginia’s go-to shell has been navy with the large “V-Sabres” decal. The Cavaliers added a solid orange stripe to the helmet in 2001 that lasted eight years.
From 1996 to 2000, Reebok was Virginia’s official supplier and utilized the popular drop-shadow numerals of the 90s on all jerseys. Necklines and arm holes included eye-catching elastic patterns, similar to Florida State’s tribal print. Traditionalists prefer Virginia’s plain Russell Athletic get ups from 1983-95.
Virginia’s current Nike uniforms are simple, but appealing. Navy or orange tops with corresponding pants is the popular choice for home games. Orange is still considered Virginia’s alternate color.
