By Lilly Donahue | Indiana University
An IU football fan does not see much variety on the field. Each season begins with high expectations that fall quicker than an IU fan defending the firing of Bobby Knight. However, just as fans have seen a recent turnaround on the field (the kick was good), we have also witnessed a turnaround of sorts in the IU uniform game.
The Classics
I’ve lived in Bloomington since I was 5, so I never witnessed the amazing look sported by Antwaan Randle El from 1998-2001. These uniforms provide IU with THE perfect throwback helmet opportunity, although adidas would probably pair it with some God awful design so it may be a blessing in disguise. This uni is one of my personal favorites despite never seeing it in person. There’s something unique about the black lid and the former IU logo that I really love, but, sadly, these uniforms haven’t seen the light of day in almost two decades (you know what to do Fred).
The Forgettables
This uniform is the one most of my IUFB memories were witnessed in, and while IUFB didn’t have much to offer from during this uni’s lifetime, it did make it to a bowl game in these Oklahoma wannabe uniforms. I personally have never been a big fan of these. The are too many stripes, which is an unusual statement for a Hoosier fan given our affinity for candy striped pants, but trust me on this.
The New Age of Adidas
While IU had held an apparel deal with adidas for a few years prior to the new uniform reveal, nobody was ready for the skin tight get ups our good friends at adidas provided. The jerseys themselves are simple enough, so I have no issues with them, and the same goes for the pants. Last season, IU unexpectedly showed up in an all-red uni, and despite my usual disdain for mono-chrom unis, I LOVED these! In this collegiate edition of the NFL color-rush, IU rocked the all red look. I do have the unpopular opinion of absolutely HATING the chrome helmets. I get the candy stripe look, but I think the same design in gloss or matte would look much better.
Bonus: Please Melt the Ice Out
Loook, Fred, I get it. Recruits love the “iced out” look, but it’s literally ugly AF. Honestly Joan Rivers should come back from the dead just to roast this nasty uniform. The facemask is a bile-like gold that is neither attractive, nor an IU color (don’t try to tell me it’s cream because that’s straight bull). Also, while we’re at it, let’s write Hoosiers in a duct tape-like silver that’s barely visible on a white jersey! That’ll look great, just like Tim Tebow will be an MLB All-Star and the Browns will keep a QB for over 3 seasons! I will say, I am willing to give one positive to this uni because of good ole Dicky Lagow rockin’ that 21. Literally nothing better in the world than a QB wearing a number over 19 IMHO.
In the end, whatever uniform can get IU to a bowl win will be the one nearest and dearest to my heart, but for now I’ll pledge my allegiance to Antwaan and the beautiful black helmets. #iufbThrowbacks2k16