Missouri football: A New Look for the New Zou

Nike has blessed Missouri football with some beautiful jerseys over the past few years, including a stunning Liberty Bowl outfit and the return of the Block M.

Now, as the 2021 season draws closer, we’ve been given the first look at Missouri’s new uniforms, with subtle changes that will help give the Tigers a distinct identity.

Wide Receiver Mookie Cooper, who transferred to Missouri from Ohio State, gave us the first full look at what will probably be the road uniforms, on his Instagram on Monday.

Keen-eyed readers will notice that “Mizzou” has been removed from above the numbers on the front of the jersey, allowing space to make the numbers bigger (Which TV and radio broadcasters will adore).

The most prominent feature of the new jerseys are the racing stripes on the sleeves. The stripes first appeared on the Tigers’ helmets two years ago, and it looks like they are going to be a key part of the team’s identity going forward.

We also got a good look at the presumed home jersey from Keke Chism via his Instagram.

Just like the white jersey, “Mizzou” has been removed from the front of the jersey, allowing for a bigger number. The racing stripes on the sleeves remain, though the colors have changed to fit the black jersey.

Given how the last two seasons have gone, expect Missouri to rock multiple looks over the course of the football season. Chism’s photo shows him in a black shirt and yellow pants combo but that could wind up as an all-black uniform.

A quick look at the helmet in Chism’s photo shows the return of the oval Tiger logo. But Block M lovers shouldn’t be scared, as those helmets have made multiple appearances over the past two seasons, and are a good option for a throwback uniform.

The biggest change is in how prominent the racing stripes have become. They’re a nice aesthetic, and something that the team can build a brand around. It will be interesting to see if they make an appearance on the uniforms of other Missouri teams this year.