Colorado State University (CSU) has recently finalized its move to Adidas, concluding a decade-long association with Under Armour. This shift, officially announced on August 4, 2026, marks a pivotal moment for the university's athletics. The transition was foreshadowed by observations of CSU teams utilizing Adidas equipment during practices, fueling speculation that has now been confirmed. This strategic partnership with Adidas is set to outfit all CSU sports teams in new uniforms for the upcoming 2026-27 academic year, symbolizing a fresh start that aligns with the university's recent entry into the Pac-12 Conference on July 1.
The change in apparel providers brings a wave of anticipation regarding the new uniform designs, particularly given Under Armour's history of creating custom and thematic kits for CSU, such as the popular 'Ag Day' throwbacks and the 'State Pride' uniforms. With Adidas now at the helm, there is excitement to see how the new designs will incorporate CSU's identity while ushering in a contemporary aesthetic. The early debut for some teams, including the soccer team's exhibition match on August 5 and the football team's first game in Adidas uniforms on September 5, will offer the first glimpse into the future of CSU's athletic presentation.
Colorado State's Athletic Apparel Shift: From Under Armour to Adidas
Colorado State University's athletics program has officially changed its apparel sponsor from Under Armour to Adidas, a transition that became effective on August 4, 2026. This significant shift follows a period of increasing rumors and observations of CSU teams sporting Adidas gear, signaling the impending change. For over a decade, Under Armour had been the exclusive provider for CSU's athletic uniforms and equipment, a partnership that began in the 2013-14 school year. During this time, Under Armour produced a variety of distinctive uniforms, including multiple versions of the orange "Ag Day" throwback designs and the Colorado flag-themed "State Pride" uniforms, the latter of which were scheduled for discontinuation after the 2025-26 season. The university also introduced new "Snow Days" uniforms for its football team in 2025, showcasing a creative approach to team branding under the previous sponsorship.
The decision to switch to Adidas comes as CSU embarks on a new chapter, having formally joined the Pac-12 Conference on July 1, 2026, after departing the Mountain West. This move to a major athletic conference is complemented by the high-profile sponsorship from Adidas, known globally for its innovative sports apparel and extensive brand presence. The change means that every Colorado State sports team will be outfitted in new Adidas uniforms for the 2026-27 academic year, generating considerable excitement among athletes and fans alike. The public will get its first look at the new Adidas apparel when the soccer team plays an exhibition match against Nebraska on August 5, followed by its official season opener on August 12. The football team will debut its new uniforms on September 5 at Canvas Stadium against Wyoming, marking a fresh start for the Rams on multiple fronts.
The Evolution of CSU's Uniforms and Future Expectations with Adidas
The history of Colorado State University's athletic uniforms has seen several changes, with the latest being the transition to Adidas. Prior to its long-standing partnership with Under Armour, CSU was outfitted by Russell Athletics. The collaboration with Under Armour, which lasted from 2013-14 until the recent switch, brought a dynamic period of uniform design, characterized by custom creations and thematic iterations. Notable designs included the ever-popular "Ag Day" throwback uniforms, which saw various updates over the years, and the "State Pride" uniforms, introduced in 2017 with a Colorado flag theme, which were slated for retirement. Additionally, the 2025 season saw the introduction of innovative "Snow Days" uniforms for the football team, demonstrating Under Armour's role in shaping CSU's athletic identity.
With Adidas now stepping in as the official apparel provider, there is a strong expectation for a new era of uniform design that combines tradition with modern aesthetics. Fans are keenly awaiting how Adidas will reinterpret classic CSU elements, such as the "Angry Ram" logo and the bone horn motif, into the new collection. The new partnership signifies not only a change in branding but also a potential enhancement in performance wear, given Adidas's reputation for advanced athletic technology. The transition aligns perfectly with CSU's entry into the Pac-12, presenting an opportunity for the university to showcase a refreshed image on a larger national stage. The upcoming athletic season will be a significant moment for both the university and Adidas, as the new uniforms make their debut across various sports, starting with soccer and culminating with the highly anticipated football season opener.
