Northwestern to wear rare uniform combo against Maryland

After a long and turbulent offseason, we are finally just one day away from kicking off Northwestern’s 2020 football season, which means it’s also time for the first uniform reveal of the year!

Given the Wildcats’ affinity for wearing black uniforms during night games at Ryan Field, the black jersey should come as no surprise. However, this particular combination of all-black except for a purple helmet has only been worn once since 2012, according to The Daily Northwestern’s Ella Brockway. Its one and only appearance, in case you might have erased the game from your memory, came during Northwestern’s 2018 loss to Akron.

Additionally, before the game starts, the Wildcats and Terrapins will both wear apparel signaling their support for the fight against racial injustice. According to a statement from the Big Ten, Northwestern’s pregame shirts will read “True change will only come once everyone in this country feels the same outrage as black people” and will feature a fist icon, while the Terps will replace the ‘O’ in “ONE TERP” with a raised fist as well. The statement adds that “the ideals of empathy, unity, respect, equality, justice and the phrases ‘End Racism’ and ‘In Solidarity’ will be shared via nameplate messages” and be marked on the field as well.

Northwestern’s season opener against Maryland kicks off at 6:30 p.m. CT on Saturday and will be televised on the Big Ten Network.