New York, November 23, 2025
Oklahoma football made national headlines in Week 13 by debuting their anthracite “Unity” alternate uniforms in a critical SEC matchup against Missouri, marking a departure from the team’s traditional colors in a game with significant playoff implications.
Oklahoma, currently ranked No. 8 in the College Football Playoff rankings, faced No. 23 Missouri in a high-stakes contest. For this game, the Sooners introduced the anthracite “Unity” alternates, a uniform set dominated by a dark gray color palette with gray helmets accented by crimson, maintaining subtle ties to the team’s historic color scheme. Notably, the jerseys feature the word “Unity” on the back in place of traditional player nameplates, emphasizing a message of team cohesion.
The anthracite alternates have become a recurring feature under head coach Brent Venables, typically worn once per season during Military Appreciation Games. Prior to this game, Oklahoma held a perfect 3-0 record in contests played with these uniforms, underscoring the symbolic and psychological importance attributed to them.
Reception among Sooner Nation has been divided. Many traditionalist fans openly disapproved, describing the uniforms as “gross” and misaligned with Oklahoma’s legacy. Critics compared the dark, non-traditional look unfavorably against the school’s storied crimson and cream identity, likening it to styles more commonly seen at Group of 5 programs. Conversely, a segment of supporters praised the design for its freshness and player endorsement. Tight end Jaren Kanak, among others, expressed enthusiasm for the alternates, calling them “awesome” and “cool,” highlighting a contrast between fan skepticism and player approval.
Nationally, Oklahoma’s anthracite uniforms were among the most visually striking and talked-about of Week 13. In parallel, other teams such as Utah and Oregon attracted attention with bold dark-themed uniforms, including Utah’s all-black set with red accents and Oregon’s metallic steel and green helmets featuring a throwback diamond-plating pattern. These developments signal an evolving landscape in college football where traditional branding intersects with contemporary stylistic experimentation.
The choice to wear anthracite alternates in a pivotal game carries implications beyond aesthetics. Uniforms in college football serve as a critical element of institutional identity and fan engagement. Oklahoma’s departure from classic colors challenged conventional brand norms, sparking debate about innovation versus tradition. The “Unity” jerseys also symbolize Venables’ broader strategy to foster team cohesion as the Sooners push for a playoff berth.
Oklahoma’s uniform decision ultimately reflects how sports teams balance heritage with modern competitive and cultural pressures. As the season progresses, how this blend of tradition and innovation resonates with fans and impacts team dynamics will remain closely watched.