I have descended the mountain after many hours of quarantine study of uniforms and I’m here to give the people what they want. Pure unadulterated alternate uniform judgement.

There are several I wanted to give respect to before breaking into the top 12.

Honorable Mention:

Virginia 2018 Orange Jerseys

The Cavaliers recent update is a great combination between modern sharpness and a throwback feel. This orange jersey and white helmet is so smooth.

Oklahoma State 2012 All-Black

There are a lot, and I mean a lot, of alternates for Oklahoma State who have been the Big 12 version of Oregon in many ways. This all-black is my favorite.

Penn State 2017 Alternate

Is this all that different from Penn State’s normal uniform? Not really, yet that’s part of the charm.

Colorado State 2017 Colorado Pride

If you look at this from one angle it’s like the Rams are wearing Tulsa uniforms. Those Colorado state flag logos, though? They should be worn with pride.

USF 2015 SoFlo Uniform

USF wore a couple different version of this “SoFlo” uniform in the past. This is the best offering.

BYU 2019 Alternate

Everyone prefers the royal blue for BYU of course. These helmets add an even better touch.

Top 12 Alternate Uniforms

#12 Purdue 2019 Moon Uniform

We’re starting in space. Purdue has really increased the alternates in recent years to mixed success. There have been some really interesting ones and some duds which is pretty much true for anyone who is mixing in 3 or 4 different sets every year.

The Boilers played the moon card last year, though.

Okay, so these don’t look too much different from their regular set but there are moon boot marks on the helmet. I repeat, moon boot marks. Throw an awesome patch on the jersey and I’m sold.

#11 UCF 2019 Space Uniform

We continue in space.

UCF wore a similar all-black version of this in 2019 which is plenty nice in its own right but doesn’t pop quite like this all-white uniform.

#10 SMU 2019 Dallas Uniform

Quietly, SMU has been dressing quite well in recent years.

Then they go and do something like this and take it up several notches.

#9 Army 2012 vs. Navy

Only one program made this list twice.

This was consistently rated as one of the best uniforms of 2012.

#8 LSU 2018 Purple Helmets

I’m always saying LSU needs to embrace the purple more. They wear their purple jersey but once a year if we’re lucky and otherwise it’s all home white.

The next best thing is to take all that white and splash in more purple.

#7 Notre Dame 2013 Shamrock Series

Our one last favor from Adidas before we ended that long-time relationship.

I would love to see this uniform without the extremely metallic and contorted Adidas iron-on numbers.

#6 Tulane Baby Blue

Tulane has introduced several variations of alternates, including some amazing new helmets.

Nothing tops this baby blue set in combiination the white helmet adorned with the angry green wave logo.

#5 Air Force 2016 Airpower Legacy

Speaking of helmets, Air Force took the cake in that department in 2016.

Honestly, this uniform on its own is just okay. But that sharktooth helmet is forever endearing.

#4 Army 2019 vs. Navy

I won’t blame anyone who thinks the 2012 Army alternate above is better, especially as it more closely represents their school colors.

However, this just screams modern Army football to me and looks so, so good.

#3 Oregon 2016 vs. Colorado

Out of the approximately 9,293 alternate uniforms Oregon has worn this century their best came in a game a few years ago against Colorado.

Not only is this a flawless example of mimicking the Oregon Duck mascot it’s probably one of the most stunning color schemes I’ve ever seen on a football field.

#2 Navy 2014 vs. Ohio State

Navy has never topped this alternate uniform when they nearly toppled Ohio State in Columbus.

I am shocked the Middies haven’t made this their regular uniform in recent years.

#1 Miami early 2000’s

This uniform is painfully 1990’s inspired with its excessive piping and futuristic numbers. Yet, to this day it exudes winning at a dominant level.

Despite its bells and whistles, it’s still the best overall look for a modern alternate uniform.