The number is 96, and it ties Outkast’s “ATLiens” to Georgia football. Nike, the University of Georgia, Class Trip and Outkast have unveiled the “Outkast U” collection. The first pieces go on sale today, four days before Georgia plays Florida in Atlanta for the first time ever.
Nike hasn’t confirmed any price yet, so don’t count on a number until the official listings go live.
What is in the Outkast U collection?
The design fuses Georgia’s “G” with Outkast’s crown. It is built around the personal style of André 3000 and Big Boi, according to FOX 5 Atlanta. The centerpiece is a red wool varsity jacket. Nike’s own release says it comes with black leather sleeves, chenille patches and chain-stitch embroidery. “Georgia” and “Outkast” run across the back.
The rest of the lineup runs deep. Fans can also expect numbered-96 jerseys, a satin bomber and rugby shirts. Nike’s release adds a heavyweight fleece hoodie, Max90 graphic T-shirts, cord caps, a snapback and bucket hats.
Why the number 96 anchors the Outkast Georgia collection
That number is no accident. It nods to Outkast’s 1996 album “ATLiens.” It also nods to the year Georgia coach Kirby Smart played defensive back for the Bulldogs.
One number, two chapters of Georgia and Atlanta history.
What will the Bulldogs wear on the field?
Georgia athletes, coaches and staff also get exclusive performance gear and sideline apparel for the game. Atlanta News First reports that the on-field pieces in this Nike Georgia Outkast capsule include eye shields, gloves and mouthguards. The mouthguards carry “So Fresh” and “So Clean” graphics.
Meanwhile, the campaign was photographed in Athens over the summer, Yahoo Sports reports. It features six Nike NIL athletes. They are cornerback Ellis Robinson IV, safety KJ Bolden, linebacker Chris Cole, tight ends Kaiden Prothro and Elyiss Williams, and receiver Talyn Taylor.
When can you buy the Georgia Outkast apparel?
Here’s the thing: if you want a jacket, don’t wait until kickoff. FOX 5 reports the Georgia Outkast apparel debuts today, Tuesday, Oct. 27. You can find it on the SNKRS app, at Class Trip and at select Atlanta Nike retailers.
The full release follows Wednesday, Oct. 28 on nike.com and at select retail locations. A game-day pop-up store will be at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 31.
One caution on prices. A single sneaker site has published figures, with a snapback at $50 and a top-end jacket at $1,200. However, Nike and FOX 5 haven’t confirmed any price in what I could review. Check the official listings before you plan a budget.
Kickoff is Oct. 31 at 3:30 p.m. ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, on ABC, according to Georgia Athletics. For more on the Bulldogs’ climb, see how Georgia took over No. 1 in the AP Top 25. You can also revisit the 20-17 win over Alabama in a Tuscaloosa downpour.
Class Trip founder Brian Francis tied the project to Outkast’s own Georgia roots. He recalled stories about “driving up to Athens to watch the Dawgs.”
Outkast hasn’t released new music since 2006. Yet here they are, setting the look of a top-three team’s biggest game of the month, and the Outkast U collection is the proof.
So the real question for Saturday: does a jacket this good make the Gators any less nervous, or any more?
