Full Breakdown
Notre Dame and Wisconsin Unveil Packers-Inspired Alternate Uniforms for 2026 Shamrock Series
7/10/2026, 2:03:01 PM
Game Overview and Uniform Reveal
On Sunday, September 6, 2026, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Wisconsin Badgers will open their seasons at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Both programs introduced special Shamrock Series alternate uniforms that pay tribute to the Green Bay Packers, the NFL franchise that shares a historic connection with each school. The game is slated to kick off at 6:30 p.m. ET.
Background & Context
The Shamrock Series, launched in 2009, is Notre Dame’s annual neutral-site showcase that pairs the Irish with a host city’s cultural or historical theme. Prior venues have included the Alamodome, Yankee Stadium, Soldier Field and Fenway Park. The 2026 edition marks the first college football game at Lambeau Field since 2016 and the third ever held there, following St. Norbert vs. Fordham (1983) and Wisconsin vs. LSU (2016).
Notre Dame’s link to Green Bay runs deep: Packers founder Curly Lambeau played under Knute Rockne at Notre Dame, and Hall of Famer Paul Hornung won the 1956 Heisman Trophy with the Irish before becoming a Packers legend. Wisconsin’s football program also cites a “shared history” with the Packers, emphasizing state-wide football heritage.
Uniform Design Details
- Notre Dame: Navy-blue jersey and pants echo the 1920s “Acme Packers” palette. Sleeve stripes mirror modern Packers striping; numbers feature a sharp, block shape inspired by the Hornung era, with a mesh texture forming the Packers’ oval-G logo. Eleven gold shamrocks line the collar, representing Notre Dame’s 11 consensus national championships, and an American-flag patch honors the United States’ 250th anniversary.
- Wisconsin: All-red helmets, jerseys and pants incorporate metallic silver numbering, lettering and trim, a nod to the Lombardi Trophy (the Packers have won four). Shoulder stripes blend the Packers’ three-stripe design with Wisconsin’s traditional two-stripe motif. A silver American-flag patch also marks the nation’s 250th birthday, and a Culver’s logo appears as the jersey-patch sponsor. The helmet bears the slogan “All for the W.”
Both sets were designed by Under Armour, which outfits both programs.
Official Statements & Responses
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman highlighted the historical resonance, noting the uniforms “celebrate a century of intertwined stories” between the Irish and the Packers. Wisconsin athletics released a statement that the Badgers’ look “represents the storied football history of the state of Wisconsin,” emphasizing the tribute to the Packers’ championship tradition. Under Armour described the designs as a “color-on-color matchup” that fuses each school’s identity with Green Bay heritage.
Verbatim Quotes
- “For a century, our stories have been stitched together -- from the 'Golden Boy' Paul Hornung winning titles in both colors to the Notre Dame box formation that defined the early days of Green Bay,” — Marcus Freeman, Head Coach, Notre Dame
- “The Badgers will don special uniforms that play tribute to the shared history between the University of Wisconsin and the Green Bay Packers,” — Wisconsin Athletics release
- “From the hallowed grounds of Camp Randall to the legendary history of Lambeau Field, these uniforms represent the storied football history of the state of Wisconsin.” — Wisconsin Athletics release
- “Two legacies, one field, woven from the same cloth bound by history.” — Notre Dame video narration
- “I thought it was a great jersey for the game,” — Vince Biegel, former Badger linebacker
Why It Matters
The coordinated designs underscore a growing trend of college programs leveraging historic venues and regional icons to deepen fan engagement and merchandise sales. By aligning with the Packers’ storied brand, both schools tap into a broader Wisconsin identity while celebrating their own legacies. The uniforms also spotlight Under Armour’s role as a shared outfitter, reinforcing its visibility in high-profile collegiate matchups.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ slightly in describing the silver detailing on Wisconsin’s kit—some refer to it as “metallic silver,” others as “silver.” Both descriptions convey the same visual intent, and no other substantive discrepancies appear. Details about future promotional events or additional uniform releases beyond the September 6 game were not provided.
