Michigan football has seen a remarkable run of success since 2021, with multiple Big Ten titles, victories over Ohio State, and College Football Playoff appearances. But along with their dominance on the field, the Wolverines also made a notable change ”introducing a variety of uniform combinations beyond their classic maize and blue home set and traditional all-white road look.
Over the past four seasons, Michigan has rotated through five different uniform combos across 56 games. But does the saying look good, play good hold true? Let’s analyze how the Wolverines have performed in each look.
Blue Jerseys with Maize Pants
Record: 20-2
Memorable Games: 2022 Fiesta Bowl loss to TCU, 2023 Rose Bowl win over Alabama, 2024 CFP win over Alabama
The traditional home look remains Michigan’ s most-used uniform, and for good reason ”winning over 90% of games in it is no small feat. However, while it’s been the backdrop for dominant performances, it also served as the uniform in Michigan’s shocking Fiesta Bowl loss to TCU in 2022. On the flip side, this was the look the Wolverines wore while taking down Alabama in the 2023 Rose Bowl, a key victory on their way to a national championship.
Blue Jerseys with Blue Pants
Record: 12-2
Memorable Games: 2021 and 2023 wins over Ohio State, 2022 victory over Penn State, 2024 National Championship win over Washington
Dubbed the big game blues, this all-blue combo has become a fan favorite, often making appearances in marquee matchups. Michigan first introduced this look against Washington in 2021 and has since worn it in massive showdowns, including its national title win over Washington. Despite its overall success, the uniform was also worn in two tough losses to Georgia in the 2021 Orange Bowl and Texas in 2024.
White Jerseys with White Pants
Record: 7-0
Memorable Games: 2022 and 2024 wins over Ohio State, 2023 Big Ten Championship win over Iowa
If there’s one uniform Michigan fans might consider a good luck charm, it’s this one. The Wolverines have yet to lose a game in their clean all-white road look. This was the combination worn in some of their most defining victories, including their first win at Ohio State in over two decades in 2022, as well as their 2023 Big Ten Championship victory over Iowa.
White Jerseys with Blue Pants
Record: 5-2
Memorable Games: 2021 and 2022 wins over Iowa, 2023 blowout win over Michigan State
Initially an undefeated look, this combination suffered back-to-back losses in 2024 against Illinois and Indiana, slightly tarnishing its record. Despite its recent struggles, Michigan has worn this look in some memorable wins, including a dominant 49-0 victory over Michigan State in 2023.
White Jerseys with Maize Pants
Record: 4-2
Memorable Games: 2021 loss to Michigan State, 2021 and 2023 wins over Penn State
This combination has been the least used over the past four seasons, and its mixed success might explain why. Michigan’s heartbreaking 2021 loss to Michigan State came in this uniform, as did their 2024 defeat against Washington. However, it also accompanied some key wins, including a gritty 2023 victory over Penn State where the Wolverines ran the ball 32 straight times to seal the game.
Final Thoughts
While uniform choice may not determine the outcome of a game, trends suggest Michigan thrives in its traditional home look, all-blue combo for major matchups, and all-white road set. The white-and-maize look, however, might not be the best choice for high-stakes games. Regardless of what they wear, Michigan’s on-field success speaks for itself ”but it never hurts to have a little extra uniform luck on their side.
