BREAKING: The #Gators are bringing back their throwback uniforms for Homecoming 10/18/25 vs Mississippi State 🐊

In a move that’s igniting excitement across Gator Nation, the University of Florida football team has announced the return of their beloved 1960s-era throwback uniforms for the Homecoming game against Mississippi State on October 18, 2025. The announcement, made via the team’s official social media channels on August 18, marks the first time these retro jerseys will grace The Swamp under head coach Billy Napier. Fans have long clamored for their revival, and this decision blends nostalgia with the high stakes of SEC football, setting the stage for a memorable showdown in Gainesville.

The throwback uniforms pay homage to the late 1960s and early 1970s, a golden era in Florida football history. The design features an eye-catching orange helmet adorned with a white interlocking “UF” logo, a symbol introduced by legendary coach Ray Graves in 1969 and used until 1979, when Charley Pell switched to the script “Gators” logo. The blue jerseys boast white block numbers and a distinctive white/orange/white shoulder stripe, reminiscent of the over-the-shoulder inserts from the Steve Spurrier era—when the “Head Ball Coach” quarterbacked the team to a Heisman Trophy in 1966. Completing the look are white pants with no UF logos on the jerseys or pants, and grey facemasks for an authentic vintage touch. This combination eschews modern flair for simplicity, evoking the grit and glory of past generations.

Florida’s uniform history is rich and varied, evolving from leather helmets in the pre-1946 days to hard shells with no facemasks in the 1940s and 1950s. The 1960s brought innovations like white helmets with stripes and numbers, and even a brief “Stars and Bars” design in 1962. Throwbacks first appeared in 2006 during the program’s 100th anniversary, pairing blue jerseys with white helmets for a Homecoming win over Alabama (28-13). They resurfaced in 2019 against Auburn (24-13 victory), 2020 versus Missouri (41-17), and most recently in 2021 against Vanderbilt (42-0 shutout). Notably, the Gators remain undefeated in these uniforms during Homecoming games since 2006, adding a superstitious allure to their return. Under previous coach Dan Mullen, variations included white helmets in 2019 and blue ones in 2020, but Napier’s tenure has leaned toward tradition—until now.

This revival is only the second alternate uniform under Napier, who was hired in late 2021 and has prioritized classic blue homes and white aways. The team donned all-black alternates in 2023 to honor military members during a game against Arkansas, but those haven’t returned. Napier, known for his no-nonsense approach, downplayed the hype in a press conference: “Look, uniforms are nice. Uniforms are good. Looking good is nice. Playing better is nicer. So I hope they’re worried about how they play, not what they’re wearing.” His comments underscore a focus on performance amid a rebuilding phase, as the Gators enter 2025 ranked No. 15 in the preseason AP Top 25. The season opener against Long Island on August 30 looms, but the October 18 matchup promises extra electricity.

Fan reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, flooding social media with enthusiasm. One viral post exclaimed, “THE THROWBACK UNIFORMS ARE COMING BACK VS MSST 🤯 I USED TO PRAY FOR TIMES LIKE THIS 🐊,” garnering over 1,000 likes. Another fan shared, “Cannot wait to see these back in action 🔥,” while uniform trackers hailed it as “the post I’ve been waiting years for.” The announcement video, featuring sophomore linebacker Myles Graham, amplified the buzz, with supporters praising the 10/10 design and its nod to Florida’s heritage. Even amid unrelated chatter, the consensus is clear: these uniforms are a fan favorite, boosting morale and ticket sales for Homecoming weekend.

The game itself adds intrigue. Mississippi State, under new head coach Jeff Lebby, seeks to rebound from a 5-7 season in 2024. The Bulldogs’ high-powered offense will test Florida’s defense, led by emerging stars like Graham. For the Gators, a win could propel them deeper into SEC contention, especially with tough matchups against Georgia and Texas on the horizon. Homecoming at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium—affectionately “The Swamp”—always carries emotional weight, drawing alumni and creating an intimidating atmosphere. Pairing it with throwbacks could inspire the team to channel the spirit of icons like Spurrier and Graves.

In essence, this uniform revival is more than aesthetics; it’s a bridge between Florida’s storied past and its ambitious future. As Napier steers the program toward playoff aspirations, these threads remind everyone of the Gators’ enduring legacy. Come October 18, expect a sea of orange and blue, roaring for victory in vintage style. Go Gators!