09.25.2019

from 1891 to I-94

Under Armour Looks to Early Days of College Football for Inspiration Ahead of Wildcats-Badgers Matchup

Either Northwestern University or University of Wisconsin has represented the West Division in the Big Ten Championship Game each of the past three seasons, and while the two schools have become accustomed to battling it out - going up and down Interstate 94 - in recent years for the trip to Indianapolis, their rivalry dates back to the inception of college football.

 

Ahead of their 2019 matchup, Under Armour worked with the Wildcats and Badgers to create uniforms that honor the history between the teams. As part of the brand’s celebration of college football’s 150th anniversary, when they play each other Northwestern and Wisconsin will wear uniforms inspired by their respective teams in the 1890s. 

 

Under Armour identified each of the Wildcats-Badgers games that ended in a tie, and used the 0-0 result in 1891 as the creative catalyst behind this year’s threads. 

 

Wisconsin 1891 Team Photo (© Wisconsin Athletics)

Wisconsin 1891 Team Photo (© Wisconsin Athletics)

Northwestern 1891 Team Photo (© Northwestern University Athletics)

Northwestern 1891 Team Photo (© Northwestern University Athletics)

Both teams will wear minimalist uniforms, bringing the feeling of the earliest days of college football to Camp Randall. The "NU" and "UW" from the 19th century flyer sweaters will adorn the Northwestern and Wisconsin jerseys and helmets.

 

Further elevating the old-school aesthetic, the number font for the Wildcats’ tops is based on the angles of the ‘NU’ lettering that was used during that period. Badger players will also wear Black Spotlight cleats with chrome bottoms and white laces to give a true throwback look.

 

Purple pants with a white "N" insignia round out the Wildcats uniforms, while the Badgers will wear camel-colored pants inspired by those worn during the throwback era, finished with a red "W" on the front of the leg.

 

The Badgers will be looking to avenge last season’s 31-17 loss when they host the Wildcats at Camp Randall on Saturday, September 28. Although Wisconsin holds the edge in the all-time series between the two schools, recent years have seen a more balanced rivalry with Northwestern owning a 7-6 advantage in the matchup since 2000. 

 

Northwestern and Wisconsin are two of the programs across the country at Under Armour partner universities that will wear exclusive heritage uniforms during the season in celebration of 150 years of college football. Both uniforms feature ArmourGrid 2.0 technology and will include the official college football “150” celebration patch on the jerseys.