Today marks a new era for Auburn Athletics.
After 18 years with Under Armour, the Tigers will wear the Nike Swoosh on all uniforms and merchandise for the next 10 years.
“We are excited to enter this new partnership with Nike, a brand that consistently champions athletes and sport around the world,” said Athletics Director John Cohen in Tuesday’s press release. “We believe that our agreement will continue to elevate Auburn and best serve our student-athletes and our university moving forward.”
In 2005, Auburn became the first Power Five school to sign with Under Armour, becoming the brand's flagship program.
From the 2010 national championship to trips to the College World Series and Final Four, there have been a plethora of iconic moments for the Tigers with Under Armour.
However, there were lows as the university saw four coaching changes in its football program during the partnership. Tommy Tuberville, Gene Chizik, Gus Malzahn, and Hugh Freeze all donned the sidelines in Under Armour gear.
Nike is one of the biggest global brands. The brand’s marquee athletes include LeBron James, Serena Williams, and Kevin Durant. It’s safe to say that this deal will benefit Auburn on the recruiting trail while making their current student-athletes happy.
“Nike basketball is the most recognizable brand in the world,” said men’s basketball Associate Head Coach Steven Pearl. “All of our student-athletes and recruits recognize that and want to be a part of that. The most signature shoe athletes of any brand with some of the most recognizable athletes in the world. For our players to have the opportunity to wear those shoes on a nightly basis and with their daily training, our guys are really excited.”
All 21 varsity teams at Auburn will receive new uniforms, courtesy of Nike. While other universities have tested out new alternate uniforms, it is highly unlikely that we will see that on the Plains. Athletics have a storied history at Auburn, and the university is expected to stick to their roots. Football, volleyball, soccer, and cross country will be the first teams to rep the orange and blue Swoosh this fall.
“We are thrilled to kick off the Nike era of Auburn football,” Head Coach Freeze said. “I’ve seen firsthand Nike’s commitment to excellence and innovation. Our student-athletes look forward to competing in Nike cleats and uniforms in front of the greatest fans in college football this season at Jordan-Hare Stadium.”
As for uniform styles, baseball and softball are expected to use the template currently used by MLB teams. In contrast, basketball will follow Nike’s NBA style.
“There’s not a student-athlete who’s not excited about Nike,” said Head baseball Coach Butch Thompson. “You can see it with younger people when you’re out recruiting. When they’re not under contract, it seems like Nike is preferred a bunch.”
All new Nike merchandise will be available for purchase in Auburn and online on July 25.
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Rory is a freshman majoring in journalism sports production. He started with The Plainsman in the spring of 2025.
You can follow him on X (Twitter) at @RorymGarvin
