The Fighting Irish are unique in more than one way coming into the 2018 College Football Playoff. Not only are they the only independent team in the history of the Playoff, but they will also be the first CFP participant that will not be sporting Nike uniforms.
Notre Dame had been a key partner of Adidas until the school inked a 10-year deal with Under Armour. The company was founded in 1996 by former University of Maryland football player Kevin Plank. The brand’s top clients include Notre Dame, Auburn, Maryland, Utah, Cal, and Texas Tech.
The Fighting Irish have made headlines with uniforms this year, whether it be kelly green jerseys worn against Florida State or pinstripe-themed unis worn against Syracuse at Yankee Stadium.
In the first four editions of the College Football Playoff, each program has donned uniforms made by Nike. The powerhouse headquartered out of Oregon has dominated the sports world for decades now, and the college football scene has been no different. However, a non-Nike school has finally broke through to showcase a different set of unis.
The Irish will be wearing their road set against Clemson on Saturday, made up of the classic white jerseys with gold helmets and pants. It will be interesting to see the apparel newcomer infiltrate the monopoly Nike has had on the CFP.
Images Via:
Chicago Tribune- https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/ct-spt-notre-dame-ian-book-brady-quinn-20181009-story.html
Indianapolis Star- https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/college/notre-dame/2018/11/24/3-reasons-notre-dame-football-beat-usc-booked-playoff-berth/2101121002/
