The Univ. of Michigan in '16 will become the "first college football program ever to be outfitted by Nike's Jordan Brand subsidiary," according to Nick Baumgardner of MLIVE.com. Michael Jordan welcomed UM "into the fold via Twitter on Thursday." UM signed a "record contract with Nike in July, a whopping 15-year deal" worth $169M, the "largest apparel deal for a college program ever." The school's basketball's program will "also be outfitted by 'Jumpman' Jordan Brand gear, one of five programs nationally to do so" (MLIVE.com, 8/13). ESPN's Darren Rovell noted Jordan called UM football coach Jim Harbaugh and "said he wanted to make it happen" (TWITTER.com, 8/13). In Detroit, Mark Snyder notes this is "just another day in Harbaugh's world, where the best basketball player ever is calling for a favor." Harbaugh and Jordan "have some connection" -- Harbaugh played for the Bears from '87-93, which "happened to be Jordan's heyday" with the Bulls (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 8/14).
POT OF GOAL LINE: In South Bend, Mike Vorel noted Notre Dame on Thursday "unveiled its Shamrock Series" Under Armour uniforms for its Nov. 21 game against Boston College at Fenway Park. The team this season "opted for a gold helmet with a green facemask and the shamrock on the side, along with dark green shirts and pant and blue letters" (NDINSIDER.com, 8/13). The uniform "has 11 breaks in the Notre Dame solid stripe on the helmet and pant leg to call attention to the team's 11 national titles" (ESPN.com, 8/13).
BACK IN BLACK: In L.A., Chris Foster notes UCLA "will use an alternate uniform this season" that is "centered around an all-black theme and highlighted by a metallic version of the classic UCLA stripes and matching metallic gold numbers with a custom blue outline." The school has "used a handful of alternate uniforms in recent seasons, joining other programs in an effort to stand out" (LATIMES.com, 8/14).
VANDY DANDY: Vanderbilt will unveil a fourth uniform Sunday during its Dore Jam fan event. The jersey has been “held under wraps for months by the program" (Nashville TENNESSEAN, 8/14).
