College Football 2012 Top 50: Which Teams Need Uniform Changes?

Based off my top 50 for the 2012 college football season, I discuss which teams are in desperate need of an attire change.

Many college programs are known for their prestigious uniforms and helmets that will forever remain intact.

However, some programs have made recent jersey changes, and some are either looking for or desperately need some sort of a change.

Note: This is subjective, so feel free to comment on what your favorite team(s) needs to fix, if anything.

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50. Vanderbilt

I have been called a Commodore homer before, and even though they are a part of the SEC (I dig any SEC uniform, just not in love with Vandy’s), I think Vanderbilt could use some minor changes.

It certainly helps if you win a lot, but Vanderbilt is still attempting to become a nationally-ranked squad. Therefore, some, including myself, would like to see some sort of change (minor) in their jerseys.

Minor Changes

49. Louisiana-Lafayette

This is a tough one since we hardly get a chance to see them much on television. The Ragin’ Cajuns would love to get a better-looking uniform to make their fanbase a bit more popular.

Some Sort of Changes 

48. North Carolina

My favorite color is probably Carolina blue, but making a change for the Tar Heels would not be a smart idea (I'd say the same if I was a Duke basketball fan).

They are winning enough games (barely at moment) in football (Plus, latest sanctions hurt), and the colors really are top notch.

No Changes

47. Ohio

The Bobcats green and white aren't exactly getting me excited to watch MAC football (I watch every conference, Sun Belt included).

So, could we mix the design of the jerseys to spice things up, please?

Changes

46. Texas A&M

A prestigious program can represent maroon and white with the best of them. Aggie nation is proud and the uniforms have proven to be legit for decades.

No Changes

45. Baylor

This would be a good time to give the jerseys some type of a change after earning the school's first Heisman.

The Bears became a nationally relevant team last season, and while some think they will get back to the same old non-relevancy, a jersey change (winning helps, too) would throw that idea out the door.

Change

44. Miami, Fla.as

The latest jerseys clearly are not working as the Canes are losing a bunch of games. So the recent new look just doesn't seem right.

They need to go back to the classic uniforms they wore when the program was as dominant as any in the nation. Yes, those Ken Dorsey years were classic and those uniforms should never have left in the first place.

Change

43. Mississippi State

The maroon and white combination is respectable mainly because this is another SEC program that is prestigious. Outside of some minor changes, I wouldn't touch any of the teams from the best conference in America.

No Changes

42. SMU

I have the Mustangs listed as my favorites among the underdogs in the non-AQ to perhaps give the BCS a serious scare.

In order to reach that swagger level, though, they need new-and-improved (updated) jerseys.

Major Changes

41. Virginia

Hopefully, it was not just me who did not enjoy the jerseys that the Wahoos wore during the Chick-Fil-A Bowl. There needs to be more than one color combo if the uniforms are not classic (in terms of helmet and tops).

Virginia certainly has not had the prestige that many other programs have, so whether it is never again wearing those orange tops and helmets, changes need to be made.

Major Changes

40. Missouri

I dig the black and gold combination. It works well for Missouri.

Changes? Maybe some minor ones as far as pants combinations, but it is legit at the moment in my eyes.

No Major Changes

39. California

When Aaron Rodgers was under center once upon a time, the uniforms were dry and boring.

Now they have taken it up a notch and most are big fans (though most don’t follow Cal football that closely these days). Will more changes be made?

No More Changes For Now 

38. Cincinnati

Will the Bearcats be making any changes? Do they desperately need to?

The red tops and white pants are a decent combination, but nothing seems to be eye-popping.

Still, the all-black uniforms are the best combo in my eyes. I doubt we see major changes.

No Major Changes  

37. Rutgers

The Scarlet Knights seem to be poised for a breakthrough season in 2012, but I would like to see their uniforms take a step up as well. 

Changes

36. Texas Tech

The Red Raiders all-black jerseys were rock solid when Graham Harrell was threading it to Michael Crabtree.

However, they still need to make some minor changes. The color combos aren’t deadly enough to keep them, so any type of a minor change would be gold.

Minor Changes

35. Iowa

The classic Hawkeyes uniforms are essentially flawless. They do not need any sort of a change. Most of those who want changes probably have some sort of hate for Iowa.

No Changes

34. Georgia Tech

I firmly believe that the Jackets need a minor change in their uniforms since it is not that great (nor is it bad by any means).

The blue and gold isn't the deadliest color mix, so whether it is adding more gold to the white tops or vice-versa, something could be added.

Minor Changes

33. BYU

The classic Cougars uniforms always will be priceless since nothing could really make it look better. All of these teams that are changing their uniforms seem to be hurting more than helping (though money speaks volumes).

The old, classic look of BYU is special. Making a change to tradition would be a nightmare to many fans in Provo.

No Changes

32. Tennessee

The Vols can rock those dream-sicles (all orange) when they are playing in front 102,000-plus diehards.

Going to every possible SEC game is a must on your bucket list, and Neyland Stadium has a positive effect on the way they look (their play will be better in 2012).

No Changes

31. Utah

Despite their winning tradition, the Utes uniforms are hardly talked about since they just moved to a BCS conference.

A pair of BCS bowls has given them some fame, but the unheralded jerseys deserve more props.

No Major Changes

30. Penn State

This would be an awful thing to do. Let’s change the Penn State uniforms!

Penn State’s helmet and uniforms combos are as prestigious and fresh as it gets.

Don’t Change

29. Oklahoma State

The Tennessee Vols have a solid dream-sicle look, but the Pokes aren’t too shabby either. A much darker color and shade of orange, Oklahoma State has an underrated set of uniforms.

Don’t Change

28. North Carolina State

Any team that is on the rise, I would like to see it mix it up a tad.

Add some sort of legit uniforms and you will be the talk of college football, The white and red mix is not atrocious, but I would like to perhaps see some black mixed (it has to help, right?).

Changes

27. Louisville

Some teams attempt to do too much and it ends up costing them. A few years back, Louisville would go all black one week and all red the next.

Black isn't one of the Cardinals' true team colors, and you can tell which looks good and which does not.

Minor Changes

26. Washington

The Huskies purple and white is a solid mix, even though purple isn't exactly one of the more popular colors in sports.

Outside of a few professional teams and a few college teams, we do not often see this combo. The Huskies wear it well. It should be interesting to see if they make any minor changes.

No Major Changes

25. Boise State

The majority of fans were a big fan of the Nike Pro Combat uniforms that Boise State wore in its last two season-opening games.

Not that its play needed any more help, the games against Virginia Tech and Georgia were both solid games to watch because of the killer combos and thrilling results (especially Virginia Tech).

Boise State, of course, is not allowed to wear the blue tops at home in league play (Mountain West), so the orange tops came in play last season.

There is nothing wrong with the orange jerseys (I am a fan), but there could be an extra element added to make it more complete.

Minor Changes

24. Virginia Tech

The maroon and orange isn't my favorite jersey combo, so as much success as Virginia Tech has had, I would like some minor changes.

The Nike pro-combat jerseys used against Boise State two seasons ago drew a lot of praise, but maybe maroon and orange just isn’t the so-called “sexiest” color combos known to mankind.

Minor Changes

23. Florida

Forget changing the Gators uniforms, everything is near perfection and this is not coming from a die-hard Gators fan.

In fact, I would argue that nearly every team in the SEC should keep its current uniforms.

No Major Changes

22. Notre Dame

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are among the greats for their signature gold helmets. When a heavy hit is delivered, the paint goes flying, which just makes it that much cooler.

Even the uniforms are recognizable since we are talking about arguably the most prestigious and popular sports team in America.

No Changes

21. Stanford

The Cardinal have solid uniforms, and just because Andrew Luck is gone does not mean they will lose their swagger.

The cardinal red and white mixed in with the white helmets (axe blades) is a legit look.

No Changes

20. TCU

The Horned Frogs have made significant strides with their uniforms. I am a big fan of them.  However, I wouldn't mind seeing even more changes (assuming for the better), whether it being more black mixed in with the purple.

Minor Changes

19. Wisconsin

The Badgers uniforms are in the same ballpark as their basketball uniforms. They aren’t flashy but they work well enough to not completely change the look.

The Badgers and the majority of teams in the Big Ten are prestigious enough to keep what works. The “W” on the helmets is certainly classic. It makes the white tops and red pants shine with the best of them.

No Major Changes

18. Auburn

What changes would you make to Auburn’s uniforms?

Maybe a few minor tweaks with the number of pants combinations, but you won’t hear too many SEC fans complain about the uniforms the Tigers are wearing.

The SEC is the most prestigious conference, and many of the uniform combinations are untouchable.

No Major Changes

17. Kansas State

Bill Snyder's team has had a consistent and underrated uniform look, which also explains how he has built this program.

Maybe purple and grey does not sound like the most popular combination, but they have mixed fairly well.

No Major Changes

16. Nebraska

The Cornhuskers tradition ranks among the elites of college football.  Why mess with something that is practically flawless?

No Changes

15. Texas

The burnt orange uniforms are classic and the Longhorns have one of the best helmets out there.

The real question is, do they have the best-looking uniforms in the Big 12?

How high would you put them on your national map?

No Changes

14. Ohio State

Once again, this is a prestigious program, and I will always be against making changes when nothing is broken.

The Buckeyes and their scarlet and grey are one of the best uniforms in college football.

Don't Ever Change

13. Clemson

Call me a college football homer because I want the best fit for every team whenever possible. The all-orange and all-purple uniforms are deadly combinations.

They are more likely to throw the orange looks, but I dig the purples at home as well. If they could find a way to get a purple helmet for special occasions with orange stripes littered around, that would be quite the look. If not, the look like the one above would not have me complain much.

Minor Changes

12. Michigan State

The shading has been updated if you go back a decade, but the uniforms in East Lansing are not too shabby. The Spartan on the helmet and the kelly green and white is pretty much perfect.

No Changes

11. South Carolina

Once again, this SEC school has way too much tradition and pageantry to change. Their garnet (some say more of a maroon) and black mixture is a solid combo, and the white helmets deserve more love.

No Changes 

10. Michigan

Even pondering the thought of a change for the maize and blue would be awful. We are talking about the winningest program in the history of college football.

The winged helmets are arguably the best in the country, so no changes should ever be made.

Don’t Ever Change

9. Arkansas

The Razorbacks have had nice jersey combinations and one cannot complain much. Some would like to see them go for some Nike Pro Combat looks in the near future, but Arkansas isn't that desperate (I actually like the uniforms compared to most teams in FBS).

The helmets have a solid design, though most argue that nothing overall is spectacular. Therefore, it would be nice to see some sort of a change whether that is a mix of the pants or jersey.

Eventual Change

8. West Virginia

I judge these teams based on how I feel the jerseys represent college football. If it is too much or not enough, changes should be made.

The Mountaineers are a respectable and prestigious program, so I feel that a change is needed in Morgantown. The blue and gold isn’t a bad combo, but they could make an upgrade for the better.

Some Changes

7. Florida State

Non-biased FSU fans even say that they have arguably the finest jerseys in America.

Whether it is the rare all-garnet or the mixture of gold or perhaps even the Nike Pro Combat brought out every few seasons, the Noles have it all.

Their signature helmet with the spear ranks among the top logos in all of collegiate sports.

No Change

6. Oregon

I love my Ducks and the seemingly millions of different options they have. So why not even show off a few more looks?

Minor Changes

5.) Oklahoma

The Boomer Sooners will always have priceless uniforms. Making any changes would put a damper on their look..

Don’t change what is not broken. Oklahoma has that nasty look you wish you were a part of.

Don’t Change

4. Georgia

The Bulldogs have plenty of combos and, once again, the SEC ranks as the best conference.

This time we are talking about jersey combos. UGA has to be considered above average, even by SEC standards. The helmet has so much tradition and is classic, so what is there not to love?

No Major Changes

3. Alabama

What are you going to change with the uniforms of arguably the most prestigious college football program of all-time?

The helmets are priceless. If you actually thought about making such an awful change, Nick Saban himself might come after you.

The crimson jerseys at home are perfect, and the white pants with the red stripe running down ranks among the elite.

Don't Ever Change 

2. USC

The classic Trojan uniforms are timeless. Changing it up would seem odd and random.

The Trojans are on the verge of competing for another BCS title. Their uniforms have been with them through thick-and-thin.

Don’t Change

1. LSU

Seriously, are you going to change the Bayou Bengals uniforms?

Making any sort of change might be considered blasphemy in Baton Rouge, so I rather not even ponder the thought. The Tigers always seem to look good, mainly because they have been balling with the best of them.

No Changes

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