Big Changes Coming to College Football Uniforms: What the NCAA’s New Patch Policy Means for Programs Like Penn State
College football is stepping into a new era-and not just on the field. With the NCAA’s latest policy shift, uniforms are about to look a little different across Division I programs, including at Penn State, where change is already the name of the game.
The NCAA Division I Cabinet has officially approved a new rule allowing teams to display up to two commercial logos or patches on uniforms or apparel, and one logo on equipment, starting August 1. These changes will be in effect during the preseason, regular season, and even conference championship games.
The only exception? NCAA championship events, where the new branding rules won’t apply.
For Penn State, this decision comes amid a whirlwind of transformation. The Nittany Lions are already undergoing a major overhaul-new head coach Matt Campbell is stepping in, the roster is getting a significant facelift, and even the gear is changing.
The program made headlines last season by switching its apparel deal from Nike to Adidas. Now, with this NCAA rule in place, Penn State and other programs will have even more room to showcase their brand partnerships front and center.
It’s a subtle but significant shift. College football has long been steeped in tradition, and uniforms are a big part of that identity. But this move signals a broader pivot toward the business side of the sport-one that aligns with the current landscape where student-athletes are benefiting more than ever from financial opportunities, and schools are looking for new revenue streams to support those benefits.
Josh Whitman, Illinois athletic director and chair of the NCAA Division I Cabinet, summed it up in a statement following the vote:
“College sports are in an exciting new era of increased financial benefits for student-athletes, and the Cabinet's vote today reflects the ongoing commitment of Division I members to drive additional revenues and fully fund those benefits.”
This isn’t just about slapping logos on jerseys. It’s about giving schools and conferences more flexibility to operate in a way that reflects their values and financial strategies. Whether that means a tech company patch on a sleeve or a local brand on a helmet decal, the door is now open for programs to get creative-and strategic-about how they present themselves.
Of course, this change comes at a time when the NCAA is still facing plenty of questions about the structure of the sport itself. From the College Football Playoff format to the Transfer Portal and the future of non-conference bowl games, the system remains in flux. Even the regular season calendar, with its early "Week 0" matchups, is under discussion.
But while those structural issues continue to evolve, the NCAA is making moves where it can-particularly in areas that generate revenue. The patch policy might seem minor on the surface, but it’s a clear signal of where the focus is shifting. And for programs like Penn State, already in the midst of a reset, it’s one more piece of the puzzle as they build toward a new identity-on and off the field.
So, when the 2026 season kicks off, don’t be surprised if your favorite team’s jersey looks a little different. The logos may be new, but the stakes? As high as ever.