Image via Complex Original
End of year football on-field rankings always have some surprises. When it comes to uniforms, there are few exceptions to that rule—especially as schools and their technical become more experimental and special-edition one-off kits become more commonplace.
In 2012, the breadth of uniforms reached unparalleled heights. Whether honoring celebrated teams of the past or paying tribute to our Nation's armed forces, gridiron players were conduits not for the history of the game and cutting-edge technology, as well. This all comes into play when correlating the final rankings. Considerations of the best articulations of classic looks and most inventive uniforms hold equal weight. In the end, success in the win/loss column plays a small part...but ultimately, success in holding visual attention reigns supreme.
The 25 Best Uniforms of the 2012 College Football Season
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25. Texas A&M
25. Texas A&M
A&M entered the SEC in new uniforms inspired by the stuff worn in the '70s. adidas gave it a contemporary feel with Lone Star TECHFIT fabric and pushed a unique helmet through a collaboration with Hydro Graphics Inc. that gave the traditional maroon an anodized look.
Brand: adidas
24. Toledo
24. Toledo
In a sport where uniforms are getting increasingly hectic-what with camo and chrome and all-let's take a moment to celebrate simplicity. Toledo's fine white uniform, with navy and yellow accent is a standard bearer.
Brand: Under Armour
23. Utah State
23. Utah State
One of the best trends in uniform design is added attention to the numbers. Gone are the days of plain colors, instead we've got bold patterns and textures. Utah State's simple uniform sings with the inclusion of a little depth from that pattern. Its enough to set the school apart and give its players some personality on field.
Brand: Nike
22. University of Wyoming
22. University of Wyoming
Camo! Lots of school's wore it in 2012. Wyoming's digi pattern struck gold.
Brand: Nike
21. Kentucky
21. University of Kentucky
Play with Kentucky's jerseys, helmets, and pants and 18 distinct combinations are possible. Pretty impressive. Checkered arms? Also pretty impressive.
Brand: Nike
20. Kent State
20. Kent State
Great color combinations and the BEST HELMET GRAPHICS IN FOOTBALL. The eyes see.
Brand: Nike
19. Boise State
19. Boise State
What's cooler than playing on a blue field? How about a black uniform with a slick color fade on the jersey. Top that with a helmet that features numbers on one side and the Bronco on the other...you've got something memorable.
Brand: Nike
18. Baylor
18. Baylor
Who can argue with that green and gold? Certainly not Nike, and next seaons Baylor's getting elevated to the Swoosh's top tier uniform level. Expect some amazing stuff and a much higher ranking next fall.
Brand: Nike
17. UL Layfayette
17. University of Louisiana-Layfayette
Yes, the Ragin' Cajuns have one hell of a helmet. The team also looks tremendous with the black and red combo accented by a gently faded pattern on the leg and shoulder. Russell Athletic doesn't get the shine of some of the competitors, so its nice too to see a smaller school and a smaller brand making noise.
Brand: Russell Athletic
16. San Diego State University
16. San Diego State University
No school name on these jerseys, just a big, badass "AZTECS." Powerful.
Brand: Nike
15. Stanford
15. Stanford
Stanford was mean in Rose Bowl victory. But, the team looked meaner when dressed in this all black uniform against Duke. You'll notice a theme-we have no problems celebrating the glory of all black football uniforms. Makes up for the fact that the mascot is dressed like a tree.
Brand: Nike
14. Univesity of Minnesota
14. University of Minnesota
Elements of the Golden Gopher's 1940 uniform-worn during the school's most successful season-make the 2012 version a winner. The bricks in the numbers, a trademark of Memorial Stadium, add some cool texture to the jersey too.
Brand: Nike
13. Arkansas
13. University of Arkansas
"Ring the bell," Arkansas' uniforms maintain a high rank from season start to end. The new Nike system of dress highlights the state's sporting traditions through the application of that battle cry in the neckline of all jerseys.
Brand: Nike
12. Northwestern
12. Northwestern University
By "reclaiming the stripe," Under Armour brought Northwestern football back into the uniform discussion. Elements from the schools impressive Gothic architecture inform the numbers and the stripes pioneered by the Wildcats-and subsequently adopted by so many others-are on proud display.
Brand: Under Armour
11. Army
11. Army
In 1944, Army's Black Knights went undefeated. In Europe, Army troops helped claim a victory in the Battle of the Bulge. For the 2012 game against Navy, Army's brilliant black and gold uniforms had a hidden secret: A historical re-interpretation of the battle atlas map was applied to the base layer and gloves.
Brand: Nike
10. Oklahoma State
10. Oklahoma State
Can you argue with black and orange? Hell no. This example of OSU's Nike dress system (with rotation pieces for various looks) is a testiment to the power of a black uniform with bright accents.
Brand: Nike
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9. Arizona
9. University of Arizona
Worn against Oregon State, Arizona's simple navy set-up with a GOLD helmet instantly struck our fancy. Note, as well, the gentle fade on the leg stipe. Brilliant.
Brand: Nike
8. Rutgers
8. Rutgers
We ranked Rutgers at 20 to start the season. We made a mistake. While some at the bottom of our initial list slipped off completely, the simple brilliance of the new Nike set up for the Scarlett Knights kept impressing us.
Brand: Nike
7. Navy
7. Navy
Paying tribute to the traditional white dress uniform, Navy's kit against rival Army won big through clean design. The number and letter faint draws directly from the angular speed of U.S. Navy aircraft and the brilliance of the total system of dress extends to one hell of an awesome base layer. For the helmet, Nike took inspiration from the Naval Officer's cover, employing a thick gold stripe to represent the gold braid.
Brand: Nike
6. UNC
6. University of North Carolina
How often do you think about UNC football? Never, exactly. However, the chrome helmets with big foot tar heel logo worn against in-state rival NC State got the squad instant recognition. One of the best helmets of the year, and enough to give the Heels a year end top 10 rank.
Brand: Nike
5. South Carolina "Battle"
5. University of South Carolina "Battle"
Camo was the single biggest trend in college football design in 2012. No school did it better than South Carolina, thanks to Under Armour's unmatched effort in producing a custom pattern for the school. SC rocked the "Battle Gray" against LSU. Look closely to see if you can spot the Palmetto Tree and Crescent moon in the pants.
Brand: Under Armour
4. Air Force
4. Air Force
Inspired by the B-2 Spirit and the F-22 Raptor, Air Force's uniforms for the game against Navy on October 6, 2012, turned heads. Names were replaced by the respective plane names and allowed the stealth print of the helmet and shoulders to sing against an otherwise blacked out kit.
Brand: Nike
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3. TCU
3. Texas Christian University
TCU dropped from 2 to 3 in our final pole, but the success of the school's textured print-featured on helmet, pant, and numbers-make this the only regular game day uniform on the winners podium. As we said before, "black and purple is football perfection."
Brand: Nike
2. Maryland "Black Ops"
2. University of Maryland "Black Ops"
The 'Terps rocked a number of uniforms in 2012, and none bested the "Black Ops" set-up worn against Florida State. With distinct taxi yellow highlights, the jersey numbers popped, and the monochromatic body of the uniform gave credence to the 500-50-5 philosophy of the Under Armour design team: Look real close and the signature Maryland state flag pattern is evident on the shoulders.
Brand: Under Armour
1. Oregon "Storm Trooper"
1. University of Oregon "Storm Trooper"
Oregon football uniform reveals have become the stuff of legend. The school basically pioneered the idea of special edition looks and constant change on the field. In early November, against USC, the Ducks went to battle in all-white. Dubbed the "Storm Trooper" this uniform featured carbon fiber wings on the jersey shoulders and a special helmet designed to absorb light. Beyond the details, this uniform was proof that Nike's relationship with their neighbors remains the most potent in all of college athletics when it comes to pushing on-field innovation. Oregon started the year with the number 1 slot, and thanks to this single-wear uniform didn't drop off.
Brand:Nike