For the first time in the history of the rivalry, Georgia and Florida are playing in Atlanta, on October 31, after more than 90 years of meeting in Jacksonville. Nike decided a game like that needed a soundtrack, so it called the most Atlanta act there is. "OutKast U" is a limited apparel collection from Nike, the University of Georgia, OutKast and the Atlanta brand Class Trip, and yes, it's as fresh and clean as the name suggests.
The centerpiece is a new crest: the Georgia G wearing OutKast's crown, with a script that reads "University of Georgia, OutKast 1996." The number 96 is on every jersey, for the year ATLiens came out (and, fun fact, the year a young Kirby Smart was playing safety for the Dawgs). Leading the lineup is a red wool varsity jacket with black leather sleeves, chenille patches and chain-stitch embroidery, with "Georgia" and "OutKast" across the back. There are also football jerseys in a cropped mesh practice cut and a heavyweight cotton retro build, red-and-black hooped rugby shirts, a satin bomber, a heavyweight fleece hoodie, Max90 graphic tees, cord caps, a snapback and bucket hats. Some graphics are hand drawn in the style of senior cords, including a "So Fresh, So Clean" nod.
Class Trip says it started over lunch with André 3000, who was telling stories about driving to Athens for games. The campaign was shot in Athens with six Georgia NIL athletes recreating shots from OutKast's photo archive, the "Roses" video energy included. The players also get gear you can't buy: sideline apparel, eye-shield decals, skullcaps, wristbands, mouthguards and gloves with the crown graphics.
Our take: college collabs usually amount to a logo on a hoodie. This one has an actual story, a real piece of outerwear and the right band. The varsity jacket is the piece to chase. The rugby shirts are the sleeper, because they'll still look good long after the game is over. Florida fans may want to look away.
Release info
- Collection: Nike x University of Georgia x OutKast x Class Trip "OutKast U" (limited edition)
- October 27: launch via SNKRS, Class Trip and select Nike retail partners in Atlanta
- October 28: full collection via Nike and select retail locations
- October 31: game-day pop-up at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Prices: not listed in the launch reports
For more swoosh, check out Nike at ONENESS.
Photos and report via Hypebeast (Nike).
