Indiana Football and adidas Unveil New 'Hep's Rock' Alternate Uniforms

Image: adidas.com

Written By Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

There has been plenty of buzz surrounding the Indiana Football program with the Hoosiers just a week away from opening their season against the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes, but adidas and IU made a splash on the uniform side of college football unveiling their new "Hep's Rock" alternate uniforms that will debut on Sepr. 23 against Georgia Southern.

In a release adidas said, "developed in collaboration with Indiana University Athletics, the “Hep’s Rock” alternate uniforms pay homage to team tradition and serve as a tribute to the 10-year anniversary of the passing of former Head Football Coach, Terry Hoeppner. Coach Hoeppner’s legacy includes the creation of a ritual that the Hoosiers still practice today. In 2005, Hoeppner had a limestone boulder that was found in the practice field removed and installed at the north end zone of Memorial Stadium. The boulder was dubbed "The Rock" and prior to the start of each home game, the Hoosiers would touch “The Rock” before running onto the field. Hoeppner died of brain cancer on June 19, 2007, and The Rock (renamed "Hep's Rock" in 2010) now serves as motivation for the team as well as a tribute to Hoeppner's influence on the football program." You can read the full release here.

Here's Our Take

Sammy Jacobs: I love the idea of honoring Terry Hoeppner and what he meant to IU during is too brief stint as the head coach. The matte crimson helmets with the dual stripes and interlocking 'IU' are my favorite part of this combination. The script 'Indiana' is terrific and the jersey is simple enough for traditionalists. I have to wait and see the pants in person. Will they just look dirty or will the Hep's Rock finish look good?

T.J. Inman: The helmet is terrific and I'd place it behind only the 'Script Indiana' helmets on my list of favorites. The tops are simple and clean, no complaints there. I'll need to see the detailing on the pants and numbers in action before deciding what I think. It's a nice gesture to Hep, but on the pictures, they just kind of look dirty. Overall, my bar for alternate uniforms from adidas is low and these are substantially better than most.

Evan McShane: I agree with T.J. adidas' alternate uniforms can really fly off the rails, so I'm glad they kept it simple. Love the helmets and tops. I just hope the pants look polished, but I don't have high hopes for them.

Alex Compton: I love the two-stripe helmets and the limestone tribute pattern on the numbers and pants. The gray gloves are super sleek as well, and I hope there is more gray to come in the future. These threads are a fitting tribute to Coach Hep, and I'm hoping the team feels him on the sideline when they run out in those jerseys.

David Sugarman: Not bad, but doesn't blow me away. A good look with some nice touches to it, but nothing special in my opinion.

Let us know your thoughts on the 'Hep's Rock' uniforms in the comments section.