Nike Pro Combat uniforms to be unveiled Wednesday

For at least one game this year, the Old Gold and Blue will look a little different than fans are traditionally used to seeing it.

West Virginia was selected as one of 10 schools to wear Nike's new Pro Combat System of uniform this season. The uniforms incorporate elements of the University's tradition with a futuristic design.

Both the design of the uniform and the date WVU will wear them will be revealed at a press conference Wednesday in New York.

According to Nike spokeswoman Cindy Hamilton, the uniforms are "engineered to provide superior protection and durability, while utilizing advanced fabrics and tooling that reduce weight."

WVU was selected to wear the uniforms along with Alabama, Boise State, Florida, Miami (Fla.), Ohio State, Oregon State, Texas Christian University, Virginia Tech and Pittsburgh.

"As you can tell from the list of participants, there are some pretty good schools there," said WVU Athletic Director Oliver Luck. "It's a select group of schools, and honestly it's sort of an honor we were on their short list."

Teams were chosen to wear the uniforms based on the visibility and relevance of their college programs, Hamilton said.

"We look at those programs and their schedules for key matchups, either rivalry games or against other highly regarded teams, that can be a great stage to showcase our innovative, specially designed uniforms," she said.

Luck said he thinks WVU will wear the special uniforms for the Backyard Brawl this year.

According to Nike, the company and University decide which game the team will wear the Pro Combat uniform mutually.

During the uniform's creation, Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing and Sales Brad Howe, worked closely with Nike to infuse elements of WVU's football tradition into the design.

"We're elated to be working with Nike," Howe said. "We are very excited for the uniform's release on Wednesday."

WVU and Nike expect the jerseys to be an overwhelming success with players and fans.

"I've seen some renderings," Luck said. "I'm not sure if they were the final product, but what I saw was pretty cool."

Nike debuted the Pro Combat uniform last year, selecting many of the same schools that were chosen this year. Last year's edition included Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana State, Missouri and Florida State in place of WVU, Pitt, Boise State, Oregon State and Alabama.

Nike said feedback from participating schools has been strong.

"Last year, it was very positive – in fact, TCU was

so pleased with their design, they chose to wear their uniforms again in their championship game against Utah," Hamilton said.

Pro Combat replica jerseys and T-shirts will be available for purchase shortly after the release date of the jersey.