Wisconsin and Notre Dame gave fans their first look at the special uniforms the team will wear for their highly anticipated 2026 season opener on Sept. 6 at Lambeau Field. While both programs designed the kits as tributes to the Green Bay Packers and the rich football history of Wisconsin, the reveal quickly sparked mixed reactions across social media.
Wisconsin’s jersey features an all-red top with metallic silver numbers, a red helmet, red pants and silver accents inspired by the Lombardi Trophy. The Notre Dame look includes navy-colored uniforms with metallic gold detailing, paying homage to the historic Acme Packers of the 1920s. Both uniforms feature commemorative American flag patches recognizing the nation’s 250th anniversary.
After On3 shared images of the uniforms on X, fans were quick to voice their opinions.
One user wrote: “Culver’s patch is hilarious”
Another joked, “Gonna need to adjust my TV settings for that one.”
“Wisconsin just looks like Ohio State here,” one wrote.
Others compared the designs to former NFL alternate uniforms.
“Welcome back NFL Color Rush,” one fan commented.
“Those colors scream who wore it better louder than the crowd at Lambeau,” another user posted.
What Inspired Wisconsin and Notre Dame’s New Look
According to Wisconsin, the uniforms celebrate the shared legacy between the Badgers and the Green Bay Packers. Metallic silver elements were inspired by the Lombardi Trophy, while the shoulder striping blends Wisconsin’s traditional look with the Packers’ iconic design.
“In this state, football is a birthright,” former Badger Vince Biegel said in the release video. “It’s a sacred bond passed down through generations. From the hallowed grounds of Camp Randall to the legendary history of Lambeau Field. Stitching the championship mindset of Wisconsin legends with the prestige and beauty of the championship trophy. This is all for the W. This is our state. And at the end of the day, Badgers bleed red.”
Notre Dame incorporated metallic gold detailing and navy colors inspired by the Acme Packers, one of Green Bay’s earliest professional football identities before the franchise became the Packers.
The game carries a significance beyond the new uniforms, as Wisconsin enters the season looking to rebound after a bad season under head coach Luke Fickell.
Notre Dame enters the season with higher expectations, as it will Marcus Freeman’s fifth season, and the Fighting Irish are widely viewed as one of the favorites to compete for a national championship, with quarterback CJ Carr expected to lead one of the nation’s most talented rosters.
Whether fans love or hate the uniforms, we cannot deny that the Week 1 showdown at Lambeau Field is going to be epic.
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