Auburn University’s football program is renowned for its navy and white uniforms, a tradition that has become synonymous with the Tigers’ identity. However, the program has a lesser-known legacy involving the use of orange jerseys. This distinctive choice in uniform color has a rich history, marked by periods of experimentation, fan reactions, and the evolving nature of college football aesthetics.
Early Adoption: 1927–1955
The incorporation of orange into Auburn’s football uniforms dates back to 1927, though some records suggest that orange jerseys were first worn in 1928 during a game against Clemson. Throughout the early 20th century, the Tigers donned orange jerseys in various seasons, with notable appearances in the 1930s and 1940s. For instance, in 1937, Auburn wore orange jerseys during the Bacardi Bowl in Havana, Cuba, marking the first bowl game played between two American teams on foreign soil. The team played to a 7-7 tie against Villanova in that historic matchup.
During the 1940s, the orange jerseys gained popularity among fans, particularly among the female student body. Anecdotal accounts suggest that wearing the distinctive orange jerseys around campus garnered attention and admiration, adding a layer of social allure to the team’s uniform choice.
The use of orange jerseys continued intermittently until 1955, after which they were phased out, and the team predominantly wore navy and white uniforms. This shift marked a departure from the earlier tradition of incorporating orange into the team’s attire.
The Doug Barfield Era: 1978–1980
The next significant chapter in Auburn’s orange jersey history occurred during the late 1970s under head coach Doug Barfield. In 1978, Barfield introduced orange jerseys as an alternate uniform, marking the first time since 1955 that Auburn wore orange on the field. The debut came in a home game against Georgia, where the Tigers played to a 22-22 tie. The orange jerseys were kept in the lockers until just before kickoff, surprising both players and fans. Despite the unexpected change, the team performed admirably against the top-ranked Bulldogs.
The following year, in 1979, Auburn again wore orange jerseys for a homecoming game against Mississippi State, securing a 14-3 victory. The team also sported orange facemasks, belts, and towels, fully embracing the vibrant color. In 1980, during a homecoming game against Southern Miss, the Tigers wore orange jerseys once more, achieving a dominant 31-0 win. These performances contributed to a 2-0-1 record in orange jerseys during Barfield’s tenure.
Despite the team’s success in these games, the orange jerseys were short-lived. When Pat Dye took over as head coach in 1981, he discontinued the use of orange jerseys, preferring to return to the traditional navy and white uniforms. This decision marked the end of the orange jersey era for Auburn football, at least for the time being.
The 1996 Experiment: Orange Drop Shadows
In 1996, under head coach Terry Bowden, Auburn introduced a subtle nod to orange in their uniforms by adding orange drop shadows to the white numbers on their navy jerseys. This design choice aimed to enhance visibility and add a modern touch to the traditional uniform. However, the addition was met with mixed reactions from fans and was eventually discontinued, as it did not achieve the desired aesthetic impact.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
The history of Auburn’s orange jerseys reflects a period of experimentation and identity exploration within the program. While the orange jerseys were never a permanent fixture, they left a lasting impression on the Auburn community. The brief periods when the team wore orange jerseys became memorable events, often associated with significant games and victories. These instances contributed to the rich tapestry of Auburn football history, showcasing the program’s willingness to innovate and embrace change, even if temporarily.
Auburn University’s football program’s history with orange jerseys is a testament to the evolving nature of sports uniforms and team identity. From their early adoption in the 1920s to the brief resurgence in the late 1970s, the orange jerseys served as a symbol of innovation and a departure from tradition. Although the orange jerseys are no longer part of the team’s regular attire, they remain a cherished chapter in Auburn’s storied football history. The legacy of the orange jerseys endures, remembered fondly by fans and players alike, as a bold experiment in team identity and uniform design.
