Competiton Through Uniforms

              I am an avid Oklahoma Sooners fan and have been so since birth. Both of my parents went to college there and I have grown up in the OU culture. Historically Oklahoma is a top football program having won 7 national championships. One thing my dad says that he loves about Oklahoma Football is that they have always worn the same classic uniforms: solid crimson tops and cream pants with red strips on the side. They are what most would call basic football uniform; there’s nothing fancy or over the top about them. But, with the new generation of players looking at colleges such as Oregon and Oklahoma State, who have numerous jersey combinations, Oklahoma had to find a way to compete.
              This past summer, Oklahoma Football reviled their new alternate jerseys, which provide a modern twist on their original look. Having the same views as my dad, at first I didn’t like the fact that Oklahoma had introduced these new jerseys because I wanted them to keep their same classic look. Oklahoma has a winning tradition and I wanted them to keep that same tradition going with the jerseys they have always worn. But, I soon realized through social media how much the current players liked these new jerseys and how excited they were showcase them this season. These jerseys were more than just an upgrade, they were a marketing boost.

Oklahoma's original unifoms compared to their new alternates

              Having to compete with other top programs, like Oregon, Oklahoma needed something that would allow them keep up with recruiting. It seems like that today’s generation of young athletes is really focused on what luxury items each program has to offer. Even though Oklahoma is a renowned football program, the introduction of these new jerseys opens up the door to an entirely new recruiting class. Nobody has said change is bad, and small changes made by the Oklahoma Football program has done more good than harm. I think that this was a great idea by the Athletic Department at OU, I would just advise them not to get too crazy with the jerseys, OU has a historic program that needs to be represented by its classic uniforms.

Images courtesy of www.soonersports.com