In 1995, André 3000 stood on a stage in New York before an audience that undervalued Atlanta’s music scene and declared six words that transformed hip-hop: “The South got something to say.”
Outkast spent the next three decades proving it.
On October 31, Georgia and Florida will face each other in Atlanta for the first time in the history of their football rivalry. Traditionally held in Jacksonville since 1933, this year’s game will take place further north. To commemorate this occasion, Nike is launching a limited-edition apparel and on-field collection, developed in partnership with Class Trip, that brings together the Bulldogs and Outkast, symbolically connecting Athens to Atlanta.
Collaborating closely with the Outkast and University of Georgia teams, Nike and Class Trip combined the iconography of both into a single emblem: the Georgia G, featuring Outkast’s distinctive crown. This design appears throughout the collection alongside a script that reads, “University of Georgia, Outkast 1996,” with the number 96 featured on every jersey. The year 1996 marks the release of Outkast’s album ATLiens and the time when a young safety named Kirby Smart played in the Georgia secondary.
“We wanted to create something as timeless as their music,” says Jon Tietz, Creative Director, Class Trip. “Think of the Roses video. André and Big Boi, two crews, two completely different styles, same school. The yin and the yang. Every piece had to feel like it walked right out of that hallway.”
From the Stands to the Sideline
The collection is anchored by a red wool varsity jacket featuring black leather sleeves, chenille patches, and chain-stitch embroidery, with “Georgia” and “Outkast” displayed across the back. Football jerseys are offered in a cropped mesh practice style as well as a heavyweight cotton retro design, both showcasing “96” and “Outkast” across the shoulders. Rugby shirts feature a white chest stripe and red and black hoops. Additional pieces include a satin bomber jacket, a heavyweight fleece hoodie, Max90 heavyweight graphic T-shirts, and hand-drawn designs inspired by senior cords featuring graphics such as “So Fresh, So Clean.” The collection is completed with cord caps embroidered with the Georgia script, snapback hats, and bucket hats.
The collaboration is further demonstrated through performance equipment and premium sideline apparel designed exclusively for Georgia athletes, coaches, and staff for their game against Florida.
Eye-shield decals and skullcaps showcase Georgia and Outkast crown graphics alongside “So Fresh” and “So Clean” designs, effectively conveying the collaboration’s narrative on the field. Additionally, wristbands, mouthguards, and three styles of gloves provide athletes with expanded opportunities to express the Georgia x Outkast partnership.
The on-field and sideline styles complete a collection that celebrates elite football performance and the innovative sound of the South, paying tribute to the communities and creative energy that continue to drive both football and culture forward.
The Georgia x Outkast campaign was filmed in Athens during the summer, featuring six Nike NIL athletes: cornerback Ellis Robinson IV, safety KJ Bolden, linebacker Chris Cole, tight ends Kaiden Prothro and Elyiss Williams, and wide receiver Talyn Taylor. Together, they recreated iconic moments from Outkast’s photographic history.
The Outkast U collection will launch on October 27 through SNKRS, Class Trip, and select Nike retail partners in Atlanta. The full collection will be available starting October 28 on nike.com and at select retail locations, with a game-day pop-up event at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 31.
Photos/NikeNewsroom
Nike Newsroom contributed to this column
