Nike will celebrate the Ducks’ return to the Rose Bowl with the debut of its latest Nike Pro Combat system of dress – the most advanced football uniform system ever assembled. Read more after the jump.

Every 4 years, the University of Oregon changes up their uniform format and this will be the debut of the new standard that other teams will surely emulate to some capacity.

Innovation

From the cleats to the base layer, to the gloves and helmet, the Ducks’ uniform represents the pinnacle in game-day innovation for speed. New this year is the development of Nike Chain Maille Mesh technology, the ultimate in breathable uniform design. These innovations coupled with durable, lightweight padding provide athletes with a complete on-field suit of armor. Performance benefits include:

• Eleven different materials in the Nike Pro Combat uniform (jersey and pant), and 16 different materials in the complete system of dress – each to address the specific needs of the athlete in game situations

• Nike Chain Maille Mesh material incorporated into the back and under the arms in the jersey, as well as down the sides of the pant for exceptional ventilation without sacrificing durability. The new Nike Chain Maille Mesh integration also emphasizes improved thermoregulation, including the Nike Pro Combat Deflex padding layer, which is constructed with fabric selected for its ability to help keep the body cool and wick away sweat – making the uniform, and player, lighter and dryer.

• Increased air flow with large open-hole woven construction for more ventilation

• A redesigned base layer that facilitates the uniform’s overall innovation, delivering the ultimate in lightweight protection for maximum speed. The base layer in the pant also features customizable protection that incorporates a thin, incredibly strong carbon fiber plate that can be placed on the thigh padding where needed.

• Strategically placed seams, pads and cooling zones that help minimize distraction and optimize protective coverage. Robust padding, without the bulk, has also been added to offer optimal low-profile impact protection specifically throughout the crucial “hit zone” between the knees and shoulders.

• Nike Pro Combat Deflex padding integrated in the hip and knee areas of the pant for crucial impact protection that stays in place

• A Flywire collar eliminating two layers of fabric for improved breathability, providing a more stable anchor to keep the jersey in place

Design

The uniform wouldn’t be complete without combining these innovations with a nod to the Duck’s rich heritage. Design elements include:

• A completely re-designed number system boasting an iridescent sheen similar to that on a mallard’s feathers. The larger, bolder numbers shift in color as they move.

• An armored wing design resting on new material engineered for maximum strength along the shoulder area

• A new look for the helmet featuring bright wings atop a mirrored appearance using a LiquidMetal black finish never before seen on the field. Though the wings are featured on the side, the iconic Oregon “O” still appears on the helmet located in a unique top-center placement.

One of the most prominent features of the University of Oregon’s Matthew Knight Arena is Kilkenny Floor which was designed by Tinker Hatfield, Nike’s VP of Creative Design and named after former Oregon Athletic Director Pat Kilkenny. Called “Deep in the Woods”, the floor’s design gives the impression of being lost in a Pacific Northwest forest, gazing towards the sky. The charge for Hatfield was to design something that echoed the “Tall Firs” nickname of the 1938-39 Oregon Ducks men’s basketball team, winners of the inaugural NCAA basketball championship as well as providing an iconic television presence for the University of Oregon. What do you think of the floor’s design. Do you think it provides the Ducks with a home court advantage?

Photo from the Oregon vs. USC tailgate with my homies from the Nike Training media group. Thanks to Morgan, Brian, Brandan, Heidi, Lexie, Cindy, & Mario for setting me up with the experience! I’m having the best time.

It’s going down here tomorrow night… Oregon vs. USC. How do y’all like my fake tilt-shift photo?