As the upcoming college football season starts to ramp up, the red carpet portion of the calendar is in full swing with the debut of new or alternative college football uniforms.
Illinois is joining the party with a set of throwback uniforms that is certain to leave fans feeling nostalgic.
Illinois Releases Honorary Throwback College Football Uniforms
Per a press release, Illinois announced that it will “rewind all the way back to the early days of Fighting Illini football when it takes the field against Michigan on Oct 19.”
The throwback uniforms are a celebration of Red Grange’s historic six-touchdown effort against the same Michigan Wolverines as part of the Memorial Stadium Dedication Game in 1924. This year’s affair will be 100 years and one day after the memorable moment in Fighting Illini history.
The throwback uniforms designed by Nike feature a dark blue jersey with vertical tannish-gold stripes that form a pyramid shape below the number and run down to matching pants. The look is completed with full-length blue socks.
The program had used other variations of throwback uniforms in the past but decided that a complete recreation from the 1924 season was the right move to honor the legendary Grange.
Representing 100 years of history, tradition and passion.
For Memorial Stadium's Rededication Game on Oct. 19, we will wear special uniforms to commemorate the iconic performance of the Galloping Ghost, Red Grange, in the stadium's Dedication Game against Michigan in 1924.… pic.twitter.com/JFsBqgThd2
— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) August 7, 2024
As part of the throwback uniform, Illinois will feature a custom hand-painted helmet from noted airbrush artist Armando Villarreal, who has painted iconic custom helmets for other programs like Mississippi State, Utah, and BYU.
The unique aspect of this iteration is that the helmets will mimic the original leather-style helmet of the era.
"So iconic as far as the history of football."
Individually hand-painted, each helmet being worn in the Memorial Stadium Rededication Game went through an intricate process to be ready for game day on October 19th. #Illini // #HTTO // #famILLy pic.twitter.com/CxaZlPR449
— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) August 7, 2024
The entire uniform design took approximately 6-8 months of development, after which Nike was involved in setting the final look. After conference approval, the idea became a reality after what was an almost two-year process.
Is the Illinois Throwback Uniform in EA Sports College Football 25?
At the time of publication, there had been no official release from either EA Sports or the University of Illinois detailing whether or not the announced throwbacks would be available through an update in the game.
In the most recent update of NCAA College Football 25, EA Sports added new college football uniform pieces for Baylor, Oregon, Ole Miss, New Mexico State, and others.
There were also adjustments for TCU, Arkansas, Missouri, and Baylor upon the debut of new uniforms.
It seems EA is working to keep from spoiling any unveilings through the game, which could mean there is a potential update in the works for these beautiful Illinois throwback uniforms.
You can keep track of any future college football uniform updates being pushed out by EA Sports for NCAA Football 25 right here, along with gameplay and visual design adjustments as well.
College Football Network has you covered with the latest news and analysis, rankings, transfer portal information, top 10 returning players, the 2024 college football season schedule, and much more!