Future uniform possibilities have created some buzz for multiple Big Ten teams this week. A day after Cardale Jones got Buckeye fans excited about a darker look, Michigan fans debated the merits of going retro.
The school said it hasn't made any official decisions about uniforms yet, but a report Tuesday said the Wolverines plan to reinstate pride stickers on their helmets and do away with the short-lived Legends jerseys. Michigan handed out helmet stickers during half of Jim Harbaugh's playing career in the mid-1980s, but got rid of them a decade later. The Legends jerseys, introduced in 2011, were supposed to reward current stars by letting them wear the same numbers as former Michigan greats.
The big wardrobe decision for Michigan comes this summer, when the school has to decide whether it will pursue its contract with Adidas or look for another supplier. The school reportedly polled its student-athletes over the weekend, and like most young Americans, they said they would prefer to wear Nike.
Michigan is Adidas' biggest brand in college sports and its most expensive contract. If the Wolverines opt for a different logo, it could be a potential blow to the company's recent efforts to be cool again in in America. The German-based shoemaker tied its fate to soccer globally and has consistently lost market share to Nike and relative newcomer Under Armour in recent years in the U.S.
Adidas is rethinking its strategy in the U.S., according to an interesting story in the Wall Street Journal this week. Adidas is making changes to try to win back the loyalty of young Americans. Michigan would be a good vehicle for that project, but upping the cool factor in time to convince the school to stick around will be difficult.
Speaking of things that make you cool, don't forget to vote for your favorite college gameday settings in the Big Ten blog's version of March Madness.
And now, onto the links…
Iowa's steady tradition of producing NFL-ready linemen gives this year's crop of prospects the benefit of the doubt among pro scouts.
Wisconsin quarterback Joel Stave is showing improvement so far in the spring season.
A few Penn State coaches turned down job opportunities elsewhere to help the program establish stability this year.
Michigan State starts spring practice today and hopes to answer a few of these questions.
Stefon Diggs' relationship with Maryland might be paying major dividends on the recruiting trail this year.
Indiana ironed out a deal to play Ball State three times during the 2018, 2019 and 2020 seasons, including one match-up at Lucas Oil Stadium.
The new staff at Michigan has been pleased with how quickly their players bought in and got to work.
What do you call your newborn child if your last name is Victory and you root for Ohio State? This couple went with Scarlet Grey.
Tommy Armstrong's development under Mike Riley will be a popular topic during Nebraska's spring practice.
Former Purdue standouts brought high school students from their hometown on a tour of campus this week as part of Kawann Short's youth literacy program.