It's cruel, but it's true. Brand names matter in college athletics. There's Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, and then a black abyss that encompasses everyone else. Among the power five conferences, Nike, Adidas and Under Armour combine for a 98.46 percent market share; Georgia Tech's deal with Russell Athletic is the lone outlier.
Louisiana-Lafayette was also a Russell Athletic client, until now. On Wednesday, the Ragin' Cajuns announced a new apparel deal with Adidas.
"We are very excited, for our coaches, our student-athletes and our fans to begin a partnership with Adidas," Cajuns' athletics director Scott Farmer said. "Our entire athletic program has experienced great success on the field and on the court during the past year, and it is only fitting that we start a new partnership with one of the most iconic names in sports."
Like a new general manager wants his own coach, a new apparel supplier will want to put its own stamp on a team's uniforms. Which means that, despite unveiling new uniforms less than one year ago, Louisiana-Lafayette will once again have a new look in 2014.
The helmets are actually the same, but the new jerseys have a sleek, minimal look Adidas has become known for.
UPDATE: A Twitter commenter notes that these are just mock-ups, so expect another reveal before the season starts.
(HT @TDAPhotos)