If the NCAA says it, it must be true, right?

According to a “High Five” feature on the NCAA website, Penn State has the second most iconic uniforms in the country. The Nittany Lions trail only Notre Dame and come in ahead of Alabama, USC, and Michigan.

From the NCAA:

“Penn State’s move to blue and white in 1890 was a simple decision that spawned college football’s most simple uniform. White helmet, white pants, white socks, always. Black cleats, every time. There’s really only one decision to make on game day — do we put on our white jerseys or our blue ones? Understated and iconic.”

While the decision on jersey color is dependent on whether or not its a home or away game, no one has ever accused the NCAA of being tied to accuracy.

The simplicity in Penn State’s football uniforms is an ideal that fans cherish. Every little change — be in minor, like the v-neck logo, or more significant, like the names on the back — usually results in some criticism from the fan base. Indeed, the “basic blues” has always been a special Penn State football tradition.

Here’s the segment from the NCAA:

About the Author

Kevin Horne

Kevin Horne was the editor of Onward State from 2012-2014 and currently holds the position of Managing Editor Emeritus, which is a fake title he made up. He graduated from Penn State with degrees journalism and political science in 2014 and is currently seeking his J.D. at the Penn State Dickinson School of Law. A third generation Penn Stater from Williamsport, Pa., Kevin is also the president of the graduate student government. Email: [email protected]