As Mississippi State transitions to the classic "Interlocking MSU" uniform helmets full time for the 2026 season, with no apparent changes happening to the rest of the Bulldogs' clean yet perhaps too-simple uniform set, I wanted to take a stab at some tweaks that could be implemented for the 2027 season to create a more complete, distinct uniform set!

Part of the rationale behind making this concept was that I've been a bit burnt out on a million different iterations and debates on Mississippi State's football uniforms. This is obviously a topic I've been interested in and providing my opinions on for a long time - just look at the 14 years of concepts on https://www.hailstateunis.com/concepts! But lately I found myself apathetic or even annoyed when I would see debates about the subject - especially when they devolve into personal attacks or unnecessarily harsh disagreements.

Part of it is that I honestly think that the current uniforms are fine - but agree with detractors that there is significant room for improvement. And I get exhausted when I see suggestions for "improvements" that I think would just make them worse. And look - you're never going to make everyone happy. But with the interlocking MSU here to stay on the helmets, I hope that the years of debates over M-State/Script/Interlocking are finally behind us. Finer details are something that are very important to me - and something that I have strong opinions on! Opinions that I recognize will not align with everyone. All that to say - the goal of this is concept is to be able to reference the current version of what *I* would do with the uniforms any time the debate comes up.

Here's a breakdown of those details that are included in this concept!

• Add the "Interlocking MSU" to both the jerseys and pants
  • Mississippi State has been in branding hell over the last decade, with constant logo tweaks and changes. Now that we seem to have settled on the fan-favorite "Interlocking MSU" helmets, it's time to go all-in with it. No more half-measures or inconsistencies. Make the "Interlocking MSU" THE recognizable logo of Mississippi State football.
  • In this concept, I add the "Interlocking MSU" to the jersey collar (where the Script "State" is now) and to the right front hip of the pants.
• Add "MISS. STATE" lettering to the chest
  • This would be a callback to the original '90s "Interlocking MSU" uniforms that would really complete the "modern throwback" look.
  • It would also solve one of the biggest problems with the current uniforms, which is that they're "too plain". Adding "MISS. STATE" to the chest would give the uniforms some character in a way that feels historically appropriate.
  • I would also have no problem just going with a simpler "STATE" here - that's actually what I suggested last year!
• Add Double Stripes to the collar
  • This is another callback to the original '90s uniforms, and an idea that I really like.
  • This would also create some cross-sport consistency, mainly with baseball's classic maroon and white '85 uniforms, which also feature similar collar patterns.
  • A concern here would be Adidas's templates, which change often and may or may not support this. The current template would support it except for the very front, which is why I've placed the collar logo there.
• Add Shoulder Numbers
  • This is something I've been missing ever since they were not included in the 2023 redesign. Their absence is yet another thing that adds to the "too plain" feeling of the current uniforms. It's an easy decision to add them back.
• Traditional Sleeve Stripe Endings
  • The current way that the sleeve stripes end at an angle on the front of the jersey is an interesting idea that I don't completely hate for the short term, especially when the jerseys are otherwise as plain as they are.
  • Long term, however, I definitely prefer the more traditional endings to the sleeve stripes, especially with the chest being a lot busier with other designs in this concept.
  • The color/pattern of sleeve stripes themselves don't change at all in this concept - double white on maroon, double maroon on white, and white-maroon-white on black is perfect as-is.
• Double Maroon Stripes on the White Helmets
  • This is something I've been pushing for for years - I'd love to see the white helmets feature double maroon stripes rather than the single maroon stripe they currently do. This would create better consistency with the white jerseys and pants and I think would just be a sharper look overall.
• Silver Helmets and Gray Jerseys
  • Mississippi State previously wore silver helmets in 2015-2016 and wore gray jerseys in both 2018 and 2021, though never in the traditional colorway. This concept brings both back with the maroon-white-maroon stripes featured on the existing gray pants.
  • I always love it when Mississippi State does gray uniforms, as it allows both maroon and white to shine and contrast well. I think this would be a great alternate option if we wanted to add it.

That's my complete concept for Mississippi State's 2027 football uniforms! I'm sure my opinions will drift over time as other elements and trends are introduced, but as it stands right now, I think this would be the best way to perfect our current look.

Hail State!

These concepts were developed in July 2025 to showcase how Mississippi State could bring back the fan-favorite Interlocking MSU logo and integrate it with modern branding efforts to create a look implements those fan-favorite elements while maintaining a sharp, modern look.

To be clear - this is not necessarily an endorsement of bringing the Interlocking MSU back full-time - although I do love the concept and would not be upset if it were implemented. It is a concept shows that ​if we were to do so, this is how we should. It was inspired by seeing a lot of fan-made concepts that brought it back in ways that I didn't like - so I wanted to provide an example of how it could actually work.

The additional alternate concepts are related to the core interlocking MSU uniforms - but could also be implanted separately. Especially the silver helmets and gray jerseys - both of which could integrate perfectly with the current set - and the Mike Leach tribute alternate, which works independently with any core set.

These uniforms are also available to play on CFB26 as a TeamBuilder team! More information can be found on the Teambuilder page - look for "July 2025: Interlocking MSU".

BONUS
A month after publishing this concept, I created realistic 3D mockups of the three "Interlocking MSU" helmets included, as well as an additional metallic silver version.

These mockups further demonstrate how I would integrate the Interlocking MSU with a consistent striping pattern and color usage, with an emphasis of pure maroon and white with no black or gray accents on primary looks, and keeping things consistent even on those gray and black alternates.

The following presentation was sent to the Mississippi State Basketball staffs in April 2025, following the conclusion of the 2024-2025 seasons. It presents some tweaks and ideas for new alternate uniforms for both the Men's and Women's Basketball teams at Mississippi State for the upcoming 2025-2026 season.

Mississippi State is in the midst of a branding change. The "M-State" and "Mississippi State" Banner wordmark logos are being phased out in favor of the Script "State" and Stacked "Mississippi State" lettering. This concept takes a quick look at how this updated branding may be applied to Mississippi State's Men's Basketball uniforms for the 2024-2025 season.

To close, I wanted to leave with an example of how these uniforms would be worn throughout the course of a season. Six uniforms is a lot, and it would be easy for one or more of them to be neglected throughout the course of a season. But with 30+ games in a season, it's possible to get a good distribution. So, following the guidelines I laid out above, I looked at the 2023-2024 season schedule and laid out how I would distribute the appearances of these 6 uniforms.

The result? The primary white uniforms are worn the most, at 10 appearances. The primary maroon uniforms come in second at 7 appearances. Black and gray each get worn 4 times, while the cream and '96 throwback uniforms make 3 special appearances each.

It's an exciting time for athletic aesthetics at Mississippi State! I'm looking forward to seeing how these branding changes affect all sports - and how close this prediction / concept is for Men's Basketball. Hail State!

BACKGROUND: Mississippi State Has a New Football Uniform Set for 2023
In July, Mississippi State unveiled a brand new football uniform set for the 2023 season! Featuring a simple, clean, and classic design, these uniforms have so far been a hit with fans.

All gray accents were removed from the uniforms, with simple maroon and white double stripes (matching the aesthetic established by Mississippi State's baseball uniforms) now adorning the jersey sleeves and pants legs. The "banner" wordmark was removed from the front of the jersey, replaced by a small "M-State" logo on the collar. The pants no longer feature a logo. The uniform is on Adidas's newest template, the "Primeknit A1 Ghost", which features Adidas's refreshed logo that only includes the "three stripes" and omits the "adidas" lettering.

The most significant change this uniform set brings is to the helmets. The super popular Script "State" logo made its debut as an alternate helmet design last season and is set to take over as the Bulldogs' primary helmet logo for the 2023 season. This ends a 19-year run of some version of "M-State" logo being on State's primary helmets.

With the Script "State" on the helmets and the simplified double stripe look on the jerseys and pants, Mississippi State will have a great look as they take the field this fall to start the Zack Arnett era. As part of this concept series, I explore how this clean and classic style lends itself well to a variety of color schemes, allowing for several extremely sharp alternate looks in the coming years that can mix things up while maintaining a high level of consistency with the primary looks.

TWEAK: Double White Stripe on the White Helmets
The first entry in this series is not actually an addition, but a tweak. Last season, Mississippi State debuted white helmets that featured a maroon script "State" logo, white facemasks, and a single maroon stripe. Presumably, that design will carry over to this season, with the script "State" now officially serving as the primary helmet logo.

However, with the new white jerseys and pants featuring double maroon stripes, I can't help but think that it would make the most sense for the helmets to feature double stripes as well. Shoutout to @AustinEast15 on Twitter (𝕏) for suggesting the idea and prompting this concept!

After seeing the mockups, I think it's clear that this is the direction Mississippi State should go with its white helmets. While other teams (the Colts, Ole Miss) have done single helmet stripes with double stripes on the jerseys and made it work, a double stripe would be much more consistent and would really complete the look.

The best part about this idea is that it's literally only changing a helmet stripe, meaning it absolutely could happen this season if those in charge want to make it happen. So there's actually a chance this becomes a reality and actually is Mississippi State's 2023 white helmet design. Let's start the campaign?

ALTERNATE #1: All-Gray with Silver Helmet
The first alternate in this series is an all-gray look, complete with new silver script "State" helmets!

​Mississippi State previously wore silver helmets, which featured the "M-State" logo, no center stripe, and maroon facemasks, in 2016 and 2017. They wore alternate gray jerseys in both 2018 and 2021, though of varying shades and never in a design consistent with the primary set. The Bulldogs have worn gray pants with maroon-white-maroon stripes since 2015, and keeping those pants in the rotation is actually a big part of the motivation behind this idea.

Similar to the last idea, it actually is very​ possible that Mississippi State still has gray pants in its uniform rotation in 2023. No indication has been made either way, but Mississippi State finished the 2022 season with a perfect 5-0 record in gray pants, so keeping them around wouldn't be the craziest idea. Actually, the gray pants from last season could literally just be kept in the rotation. They technically would fit in with the current style just fine; if a new version was worn as is shown in this concept, the only differences would be removing the "M-State" logo and altering the Adidas logo.

Either way, I certainly hope that gray pants are still in the rotation in 2023; they've always been one of my favorite Mississippi State looks; the way that the gray color allows for both maroon and white to contrast and be used together is just *perfection*. For that reason, I think a gray jersey and silver helmet with a similar style could also look great. For this concept, I went more Cowboys style rather than Patriots style with the silver helmet, with a maroon Script "State" outlined in white and maroon-white-maroon stripes down the center to match the jerseys and pants.

The jerseys in this concept are simple re-colors of the primary maroon and white uniforms, with a gray base, maroon-white-maroon stripes on the sleeves, and maroon numbers outlined in white. The look as a whole was inspired by State's previous agray looks, Ohio State's 2023 all-gray look, and State's gray baseball uniforms that also feature the script "State".

I legitimately think this would be an excellent alternate look, likely for the 2024 season. We'll see if State actually has any interest in going this direction, but if they do, I think it's be a great route to take.

The great thing about the gray pants and silver helmets is that they are tailor made for mixing-and-matching. Last season, Mississippi State wore Maroon-Maroon-Gray, Maroon-White-Gray, and White-White-Gray combinations. Below are examples of how those combinations might look as part of this year's set, as well as theoretical Silver-Maroon-Gray and Silver-White-Gray looks.

I love all of these looks. I'm all in for the return of silver helmets and gray pants whenever we feel the need to mix things up!

ALTERNATE #2: All-Black with Matte Black Helmet
Any time you're talking about alternate uniforms, the idea of an all-black look will inevitably come up (shoutout to @big_furbs). Mississippi State has worn several black jersey and all-black looks throughout its history, most recently an all-black look that featured the first black helmets in program history in 2020.

For this concept, I kept with the theme of a semi-traditional all black look that keeps to the design style established by the standard uniform set, simply recoloring everything. Taking a note from the popular "Nickelblack" uniforms that the baseball team wore from 2019 to 2021, the striping pattern used here on black is white-maroon-white. This stripe is featured on the helmets, jerseys, and pants, creating an extremely slick look across the board.

The helmets are matte black with a black facemask and the aforementioned white-maroon-white stripes down the center. To create maximum contrast, the script "State" logo on each side is white outlined in maroon. Similarly, the jerseys feature white numbers outlined in maroon.

I honestly surprised myself with how great these came out. I'm not always the biggest fan of all-black looks, but I think this one would actually be fantastic. Would be by far the best Mississippi State has ever worn, if I do say so myself. It accomplishes the goal of a clean, slick, and modern look while keeping consistency and brand recognition with State's new primary uniforms.

ALTERNATE #3: All-Cream with Matte Cream Helmet
Mississippi State has worn cream uniforms in Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball, and Baseball, but never in Football. This idea (shoutout to @lathamlawsnance) explores what it would look like if State took a vintage-style approach to an alternate football uniform, and the result is incredibly clean.

The obvious drawback here is that it's arguably too close to all-white, but I think it's clean and distinct enough to stand out on its own. For the concept, I went with a matte cream helmet featuring a maroon script "State" logo, maroon facemask, and double maroon stripes. The jerseys and pants are simple re-coloring of the current white jerseys and pants, with all of the white replaced with cream.

I think this is a super cool look. Definitely gives off really cool vintage vibes. We already know from baseball that the script "State" works on cream so why not?

ALTERNATE #4: All-Maroon with Gold Accents and a Gold Helmet
The final concept in this series is by far the most polarizing, at least judging by response on social media. As hard as it may be to believe, this fall marks the 10 year anniversary of the 2013 Egg Bowl, in which Dak Prescott and Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss in overtime wearing chrome gold helmets and all-maroon uniforms with gold accents. This concept explores what that uniform might look like as part of the current uniform set.

The jerseys and pants are a simple recolor of the existing maroon jerseys and pants, with all white replaced by gold. This gold would likely be a shiny material, similar to the ones worn in 2013 and 2019. For the helmets, I went pretty similar to 2013, with a gold base, maroon facemask, and a the script "State" logo outlined in white. Full disclosure, the 3d helmet template I was working with did not have a "chrome" layer, so I instead with with a metallic finish (similar to the 49ers's) that I think also works well. But for all intents and purposes, feel free to also imagine this concept with a chrome helmet that has the same finish that was worn in 2013.

The idea of a gold-accented alternate uniform for the Egg Bowl has long been a controversial one among Mississippi State fans. Despite losses in Oxford in 2012 and 2014 in gold-accented white uniforms, Mississippi State is 3-0 (2011, 2013, 2019) and has never lost when wearing gold-accented maroon uniforms. Furthermore, the Bulldogs are 0-3 (2015, 2017, 2021) in home Egg Bowls when not wearing gold since the concept was introduced. So if you're going purely based on stats, Mississippi State should always wear gold in home Egg Bowls and never wear it in road Egg Bowls.

Do I expect Mississippi State to wear gold-accented uniforms this season? No, I don't. I actually wouldn't be surprised if the late '90s "Interlocking" throwback uniforms are worn again for the Egg Bowl this season. Do I want to see gold-accented uniforms again? I go back and forth. They aren't the best look but we've undeniably done well in them. I do think they will be brought back at some point in the future, but I don't think it ever will or should be a consistent, yearly thing again.

That wraps up this concept series! Thank you to everyone on Twitter (𝕏) and Instagram who participated this past weekend, it was a lot of fun. Also, thank you to everyone at Mississippi State who was a part of making this year's clean and classic uniform set a reality and for everyone who listened to the fans and allowed for the realization of the script "State" helmets. This is such an exciting time to be a Mississippi State fan and I can't wait for the fall to begin.

Hail State!

Mississippi State has the best baseball uniforms in the country. Since the National Championship season in 2021, the Bulldogs' six elite classic looks have remained solidly in the rotation: 

• Maroon and White '85s
• White and Gray Pinstripes
• Cream and Gray Script "State"

I'm not here to re-invent the wheel. Such a great set doesn't need many changes. In fact, three uniforms as part of this concept are literally 100% unchanged from their current incarnations. But there are always things to tweak, and as Mississippi State looks to rebound from two consecutive down years in 2024, this is what I think an ideal uniform set could look like for the upcoming season.

The graphics below all contain detailed explanations for each jersey, but to cover the basics:

• No changes White Pinstripes, Gray Pinstripes, or Gray Script "State"
• Use "western" font for player name + number on Maroon and White '85s
• Add front number and tweak number font on Cream Script "State"
• Add new Maroon and Black jerseys with script "Bulldogs" mark.

A new era of Mississippi State Basketball is upon us. A renovation is underway at the Humphrey Coliseum, and both the Men's and Women's programs will have new head coaches for the 2022-2023 season. That means it's time to rethink everything, including uniforms.

For the last ten seasons (12-13 to 21-22), Mississippi State's men's basketball program has worn uniforms primarily featuring the "banner" wordmark logo. This comes after ten seasons (02-03 to 11-12) of wearing a "stacked" wordmark design. Prior to that, the Bulldogs generally wore either a "split" design or one with simple block "STATE" lettering. That simple block "STATE" lettering has returned in recent years on some alternate uniforms, but the "banner" wordmark has remained as the primary.

With a new era being ushered in under new Head Coach Chris Jans, it's time for Mississippi State to re-think its uniform set- and to find the answer for what direction the Bulldogs need to take their Men's Basketball uniforms, all they have to do is look into the past.

LINK: 2022-2023 Women's Basketball Uniforms Concept

If this feels a bit repetitive, that's because it is. I've presented what is essentially this same except concept twice in the past (here and here). The reason it hasn't changed much is because I truly believe that this is the direction that Mississippi State's Men's basketball uniforms need to go. We have one of the most mediocre uniform sets in all of college basketball right now, but by embracing our history and committing to some classic looks, we could have one of the best. With Coach Jans at the helm, now is the time to make that move. Hail State!

A new era of Mississippi State Basketball is upon us. A renovation is underway at the Humphrey Coliseum, and both the Men's and Women's programs will have new head coaches for the 2022-2023 season. That means it's time to rethink everything, including uniforms.

Since the 2009-2010 season, Mississippi State's women's basketball program has worn uniforms primarily featuring the "banner" wordmark logo. This logo was worn during the program's greatest heights, including the two national championship game appearances in 2017 and 2018. However, over the last couple seasons, the Bulldogs have also mixed in some alternate looks, including a "State" script, a "Bulldogs" script, and even a "Starkvegas" jersey. I think these ideas are all a step in the right direction, and fully embracing them- along with other historical ideas- could really give the Mississippi State Women's Basketball program a fresh sense of identity under new Head Coach Sam Purcell.

LINK: 2022-2023 Men's Basketball Uniforms Concept

That's all I've got! With these six uniforms, I believe Mississippi State would have one of the best Women's Basketball uniform sets in the country as the Sam Purcell era begins. Hail State!