Although college football players may have colorful personalities, when they step onto the field, they must all look the same. Team identification isn't the only reason for uniform rules; some rules are intended to prevent injuries -- such as banning cleats with spikes more than a 1/2 inch long.
Safety First
Football is a high-injury sport, so safety is one of the top concerns when it comes to rules; safety considerations start with the players' uniforms. All players must wear safety equipment that includes a helmet with a face mask that uses a four- or six-point chin strap to keep it secure. Mouthpieces must be made of FDA-approved materials of any color other than white or clear.
Pad Up
College football players are required to wear shoulder, knee, thigh and hip pads that include a tailbone protector; pads need to be at least a half inch thick. All pads must be worn under the designated team jersey and pants.
Jerseys
Jerseys have to be long enough to be tucked into the players' pants. Each player wears a number that corresponds to the position he plays, and two players from the same team can't have the same number. For example, offensive linemen have numbers between 50 and 79. All numbers must be 8 inches tall on the front and 10 inches tall on the back, and 1.5 inches wide on both sides. White jerseys must have colored numbers, while colored jerseys should have white numbers.
Decoration
Jerseys can also include players' last names, school logos, conference affiliations and the American flag. One-inch stripes are permitted around the collar, sleeves and side seams of the jersey as well. If a player wants to pay tribute to a fellow player, an insignia may be worn on the helmet but can't be any larger that 1.5 inches in diameter. Gloves may also be worn but must be gray in color, and socks must be of the designated team color and long enough to cover the player's legs.
What Not to Wear
Players may not wear personal items that alter the appearance of the uniform, such as tape or vests. Rules also prohibit anything that can cut or break, such as metal cleats, jewelry and broken shoulder pads.
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