Notre Dame has some of the best uniforms in the nation. From the crisp navy blue jerseys to the shiny gold helmets, why would anyone want to change it up? Well in 2009, Notre Dame started playing the Shamrock Series where they would go play at a neutral site once a year. In 2012, they decided they would create a special new uniform to wear each year in these games. Today, I'll be ranking each uniform from worst to best:
2021 vs. Wisconsin
These are good uniforms. They are last on my list solely because they're a little too plain for me. Notre Dame's traditional uniforms are clean and minimalistic. In the Shamrock Series, I like to see the Irish mix it up and do something different. Some of the best Shamrock Series uniforms would be terrible every-week uniforms. These are just a bit too basic to be ranked above the others but are still a nice-looking uniform.
2012 vs. Miami
These were the first alternate Shamrock Series uniforms. The jerseys are nice and clean. The Irish on the front with the different numbers is a nice touch. Still kind of plain in that regard, to be honest, but clean. The pants are okay, the stripes are a bit much. The helmet is where they lost me. I liked the style of bright gold that they wore when Adidas made alternate uniforms, as seen on half of the helmet, but the split helmet design is brutal, and that's why I ranked them near the bottom.
2016 vs. Army
These were a super cool idea. The homage to the details of the Basilica on campus is unique. Unfortunately, I don't think it panned out very well. The colors clash with each other and don't pop like the typical Irish green and gold. The design on the helmet isn't very clear either. I think the idea behind these could've produced a very cool uniform, these just aren't that. I appreciate the Celtic-style font.
2014 vs. Purdue
This was another uniform that, at the time, I thought could be a good fit if Notre Dame ever decided to abandon their tradition and wear new uniforms. At the time, I was 11, so I don't think I'd feel the same now. This was Under Armour's first Shamrock Series uniform. The helmet is kind of cool and has a pattern on it similar to the golden dome. The detailing on the shoulders is also nice. The stripes on the pants aren't my favorite look. These weren't the best, but I don't think they were the worst either.
2015 vs. Boston College
Everything about this game was great: playing at Fenway Park, the uniforms matching the green monster and winning a nail-biter against rival Boston College. Kelly Green has always been a great look for Notre Dame. The script "Irish" on the chest looks great in gold lettering. I am not a fan of the stripes fading, but other than that, these were cool. The two-tone facemask was something I've never seen before and made the uniforms that much better. The small striping on the inside of the numbers was also a nice subtle touch.
2024 vs. Army
I think these uniforms are phenomenal and I can't wait to watch them on-field this year. The shade of blue-grey to honor the four horsemen is great and also goes perfectly with the Gotham feel that they were shooting for. It also contrasts perfectly against the chrome gold numbers and bright helmets. The Gothic font is another great aspect of this uniform. While there aren't a bunch of different components of these uniforms, I think it's the perfect balance of flashy and simple.
2018 vs. Syracuse
One of the most polarizing uniforms in Notre Dame's history, these have received their fair share of hate. Given the fact that they played at Yankee Stadium, I think these are some of the coolest uniforms they've worn. The pinstripe pants, the Yankee script font on the chest, the subtle touches of gold, I love these. I would have liked to see them try to mimic the Yankees hats with their helmets, but overall I still think that these were awesome uniforms to only wear one time.
2013 vs. Arizona State
These were beautiful. Green, gold, and white, is a perfect color combo. Similar to the uniforms this year against Louisville, these colors go great together. The gold helmet with the chrome shamrock is a great look. These are flashier than the traditional uniforms but could pass as every-week uniforms if you wanted them to. These are some of my favorites. Again, a great balance of flashy and simple.
2022 vs. BYU
These uniforms are perfect. The shoulder stripes and all the gold accents gave off the perfect Vegas feel and included the golden dome. The number font, color, and outline were great. I'd like to see Notre Dame experiment with gold numbers outlined in blue again like this. The font across the chest fits perfectly with the theme and still looks so clean. The shamrock with the design on the sleeve looks great. The only thing I would change about these is maybe add a stripe on the pants, but these are the best uniforms that have ever come out of the Shamrock Series.
The Shamrock Series is a great tradition. The flair of something different is great for fans, recruiting, players, etc. There are plenty out there who don't think they should ever stray from the classics, which is a fair take. To fall in love with Notre Dame is to fall in love with tradition: the uniforms, the fight song, the alma mater, the pregame rituals, everything. But I think with all that, it's awesome to mix it up once a year.
Editor Note: All photos via Notre Dame Athletics
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