10 College Football Brands That Won't Ever Need a Redesign
College football is at an interesting crossroads. On one hand, the history, tradition and pageantry are what make it so unique. On the other hand, part of the game now is about changing up uniforms and logos to keep things interesting.
Oregon really took the lead on that approach, but programs like Oregon State, Maryland and even Florida State have undergone various rebranding efforts. But that doesn't mean everyone should follow suit.
In the following slides are 10 college football brands/logos that can, and should, go untouched. Don't be surprised to see these programs go with the K.I.S.S. approach (keep it simple, stupid).
Alabama
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Crimson is one of those colors that's everywhere in college football, but there may not be a team that pulls it off better than Alabama. Combine it with the plain crimson helmets and the white numbers? It's perfect.
But it's not just the uniforms. The hounds tooth design that former coach Bear Bryant wore on his famous hat has become Alabama's unofficial third color, if you will.
Alabama is one of the richest programs in college football, according to a USA Today database, with more than $46 million in licensing and rights. Yeah, there's no need to change the Crimson Tide brand anytime soon. Or ever.
Penn State
2 of 10
Remember the whole K.I.S.S. thing? Penn State has done it better than anyone. In addition to having an iconic, simple look, the Nittany Lions have become one of the most profitable programs by doing things the old-fashioned way for decades. In 2013-14, the athletic department was one of 13 schools to pull in over $100 million in revenue, per USA Today.
Penn State's brand was synonymous with former coach Joe Paterno. Perhaps, in some way, it still is, even though Paterno passed away in 2012 and was publicly linked to the Jerry Sandusky sex-abuse scandal.
New coach James Franklin has put new energy into the program and hauled in the No. 14 recruiting class nationally in 2015, according to 247Sports.
Oklahoma
3 of 10
Texas might be the most recognizable program in college athletics, but Big 12 rival Oklahoma isn't far behind. In fact, in terms of on-the-field product, the Sooners have been better than the Longhorns over the past decade.
Few programs in college football have been consistent winners like Oklahoma has, especially under head coach Bob Stoops. It's amazing to think about, but Stoops has won at least 10 games in 12 of the 16 seasons he's been with the Sooners. During that span, he's led Oklahoma to a national title, played for two more and won eight Big 12 championships.
Oklahoma has experimented with its look by incorporating alternate uniforms, but the interlocking "OU" remains a classic. As long as the Sooners keep winning, that look won't go away.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Notre Dame
4 of 10
There may not be a more iconic brand in college football than Notre Dame. All the national championships, Heisman winners, All-Americans—most of those may be things of the past, but the Irish program still carries a ton of national weight.
When Notre Dame and Alabama met in the 2013 BCS National Championship Game, it was considered the clash of the titans (though the Tide would go on to win easily 42-14).
Just about everything Notre Dame says tradition. The stadium is a palace but has an old-school feel at the same time. The golden helmets are recognizable and classic, and the alternate green uniform has its place.
Whether the Fighting Irish are 12-0 or 6-6, there will always be interest in Notre Dame. That's what makes a program relevant, not record.
Michigan
5 of 10
Perhaps the most recognizable logo in college athletics is the Michigan blocked "M" and winged helmet. Certainly, the Michigan brand means a lot in college football.
However, the irony of Michigan being on this list is that its former athletic director, Dave Brandon, just couldn't help but try to make the program as commercially relevant as possible. Brandon's attempt to re-brand Michigan was a massive failure.
He also did a poor job of hiring a football coach, which is also fairly important.
It's been a long time since Michigan was in the national discussion for all the right reasons, but the arrival of head coach Jim Harbaugh should change that.
Ohio State
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Ohio State not only revived its own status in college football in 2014, but it revived the image of the Big Ten.
That's saying something.
The Buckeyes have the fifth most profitable athletic department in the country, according to USA Today numbers and have lost just three games in the past three years under head coach Urban Meyer. In 2015, Ohio State should be the runaway favorite to win another national title.
In addition to on-the-field success, the Buckeyes have one of the best looks in the country with the scarlet/gray color combo and buckeye helmet stickers.
It's been a while since Ohio State's brand in college football has been this strong.
USC
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USC is college football's western powerhouse. The fight song, the song girl cheerleaders, the Coliseum where the Trojans play, the signature helmet—it all makes USC one of the most recognizable brands in college football.
The Trojans haven't been able to attain the same level of success recently as it did in the Pete Carroll years. However, USC is a trendy offseason pick to get to the playoffs next year.
Even though being the No. 1 show in town in a place like Los Angeles is tough, USC was still named one of the most valuable athletic programs by Forbes in 2014.
Texas
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The Texas Longhorns might have the coolest logo in college football. The symbol is a unique as the burnt orange color.
But beyond its image, the brand of Texas football is as recognizable as any in college athletics. In 2014, Texas was named the richest athletic department in the country by USA Today and the most valuable by Forbes.com.
The brand is such that athletic director Steve Patterson has expressed deep interest in taking the Longhorns globally.
"Do I think we're maxed out? Absolutely not," Patterson told Mike Finger of the Houston Chronicle. "College athletics is a largely underleveraged asset. The potential here is even bigger than I expected."
Recently, Travis Haney of ESPN.com listed Texas as the best coaching job in college football, from support to money and recruiting grounds. Texas doesn't need to restructure its brand, but it does need to start winning again.
UCLA
9 of 10
UCLA has a unique niche in college football. The light blue and gold uniforms, the "UCLA" script on the helmets—the Bruins have a total West Coast, finesse feel to them.
That's not a bad thing, even though it is the anti-Big Ten/three yards and a cloud of dust. It just fits.
The Bruins have a great history and play in the most iconic stadium in college football, the Rose Bowl. The knock on UCLA as a program, especially under head coach Jim Mora, is that it's constantly good without ever being great.
Nebraska
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Even though Nebraska is still a new member to the Big Ten, few programs embody the heartland of the United States like the Huskers. A longtime Big Eight/Big 12 member, it's been more than a decade since the program has won a national championship.
Still, Nebraska has one of the most recognizable brands in the sport. Memorial Stadium in Lincoln is constantly packed, and the fans have a reputation for being some of the nicest in the country. The blackshirts is one of the coolest traditions anywhere.
Nebraska football came to prominence under former coach and athletic director Tom Osborne. Though the program hasn't been able to replicate the national success under coaches like Bo Pelini, the Huskers remain a top draw and run a highly profitable athletic program.
Changing the Nebraska brand now would be career suicide.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
