I think this article suggests that the impact of uniforms on recruiting is pretty much overblown. If you look at actual recruiting, I don't think it really shows up. It is like an urban myth. Look at the player quotes...if it comes down to 2 schools that are equal in every other way, maybe. But how often does that happen, really? The other thing is that whether a particular uniform is cool or lousy is pretty subjective. finally, I think the Oregon example is a little overblown. It might have had some limited impact when Oregon was the only one doing it and they stood out. But when everyone except the real power programs are changing uniforms every 3rd day, I think I read someone had 15 combinations but could only play a maximum of 14 games, I'm not sure the impact is there any more. When Joe Namath wore white football shoes it was considered so controversial that the league actually considered banning them. A few years later, it was pretty common and now nobody gives it a second thought. When UNLV first took the court wearing long basketball shorts, some commentators were outraged and complained that it was part of their thuggish image. Now it would be shocking to see a team come out in the short ones that everyone wore for decades. That is where we're heading with these bizarre uniforms, I think. Couple of years, and it will be a big deal because some school is returning to classic design and ESPN will write about how classic styles are attracting recruits.
