Section 2: Equipment
The Football
- Official ball: Wilson GST (same manufacturer as NFL's "The Duke")
- Dimensions: Long axis 10.875 to 11.4375 inches, short circumference 20.75 to 21.25 inches — same specifications as the NFL ball
- Weight: 14 to 15 ounces
- Inflation: 12.5 to 13.5 psi
- Color: Natural tan leather with white stripes on each end (NFL ball has no white stripes)
Helmets
- Mandatory: All players must wear a helmet with a face mask at all times during play — same as NFL
- Certification: Must meet NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment) standards
- Face mask: Made of coated metal, must be a non-opaque color
- Eye shields: Must be clear unless a medical exception is granted (NFL allows tinted visors)
- No in-helmet communication: Unlike the NFL, NCAA does not permit coach-to-player electronic communication in helmets
Mandatory Equipment
- Mouthguard: MANDATORY for all players — must be a visible color (not clear or white). In the NFL, mouthguards are recommended but not required.
- Shoulder pads: Required, fully covered by the jersey
- Thigh pads and knee pads: Required — worn inside the pants
- Hip pads and tailbone protector: Required
Uniforms
- Jersey numbers: Offensive linemen must wear 50-79 (or 90-99 with a report to the referee). Since 2021, other positions have more flexibility. Previously, specific number ranges were assigned to each position group.
- Jersey: Must be tucked into the pants; cannot hang below the waist
- Home team: Traditionally wears dark jerseys (NFL home teams also wear dark, though white is increasingly common)
- Name on back: Not required (NFL mandates player names on jerseys)