Utah football has once again captivated fans with its annual tradition of hand-painted helmets, this year celebrating the rich Polynesian culture embedded in the program. The 2024 design, titled Malama Lahaina, honors the resilience and spirit of Maui in the wake of the devastating Lahaina fires of 2023.
The Malama Lahaina helmet is a masterpiece of Hawaiian tattoo artistry, a design that symbolizes strength, unity, and cultural pride. The intricate patterns reflect the Polynesian roots of many players and pay tribute to the program’s diverse heritage.
A standout feature of the helmet is the outline of Lahaina’s historic Front Street, a poignant reminder of the town’s destruction during the 2023 wildfires. The fires claimed much of the iconic area, leaving behind scars that Hawaii continues to heal.
The phrase Malama Lahaina graces one side of the helmet, serving as a call to nurture and care for the land and its people. Malama, a Hawaiian word, encapsulates the ethos of preservation and recovery. On the other side, the interlocking U’s are adorned with Hawaiian tattoo patterns, tying the design to both the program’s identity and the cultural homage.
The Utes will complete the look by pairing the helmets with their black throwback uniforms, a bold and nostalgic nod to the program’s history.
Utah football has embraced the art of hand-painted helmets since 2016, creating annual designs that highlight unique aspects of the program’s culture and identity. From tributes to the state’s natural beauty to honoring military service, each helmet tells a story that resonates with the team and its fans.
This tradition has become a cornerstone of the Utes’ brand, demonstrating a commitment to celebrating diversity and heritage. The 2024 Malama Lahaina helmet continues that legacy, blending artistic innovation with cultural significance.
The Malama Lahaina helmet is more than a striking design; it is a symbol of solidarity with Maui and the broader Polynesian community. As Utah takes the field against Iowa State, the players will carry with them a reminder of resilience, unity, and the power of remembrance.
Navy Football unveiled the 2024 Army-Navy game uniform, paying tribute to the legendary Jolly Rogers squadron of Naval Aviation. The Midshipmen will debut the striking design during the 125th Army-Navy Game on December 14, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland.
The Jolly Rogers, established in 1943, are celebrated as the most lethal and storied squadron in Naval Aviation history. Renowned for their Skull and Crossbones insignia, known worldwide, the squadron symbolizes precision, professionalism, and fearlessness. Their tagline, Fear the Bones, and callsign, Victory, underscore a legacy that spans decades. Since their inception, the Jolly Rogers have flown nine types of fighter aircraft, starting with the F4U Corsair during World War II and continuing to today’s F/A-18F Super Hornet. Their accomplishments include over 150 kills in WWII, groundbreaking night operations during Vietnam, and critical missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedomand Operation Iraqi Freedom. The squadron has set records and continues to embody the traditions of Naval excellence.
The 2024 uniform is a masterful tribute to the Jolly Rogers, integrating elements inspired by their aircraft and storied history. The dark navy hues reflect the iconic color of the squadron’s planes, while the neck design prominently features the Skull and Crossbones insignia, echoing the squadron’s tail fin. The collar striping mirrors the classic markings found on their aircraft, and the Navy wordmark and numbers draw inspiration from the aircraft side markings and fuselage identifiers. Sleeves and pants feature angled chevrons, with nine on each side to symbolize the nine aircraft flown throughout the squadron’s history. Inside the collar, the phrase "Fear the Bones" serves as a reminder of the squadron’s indomitable spirit, and the locker tag design honors the VF-84 tail fin with a distinctive “JR” composition. The side panels of the pants include microtext that pays homage to the six Jolly Rogers squadrons that have upheld the Skull and Crossbones legacy.
The helmet is a culmination of past and present aviator helmet designs, blending tradition with innovation. It prominently displays the Skull and Crossbones on the sides, with chevrons integrated into the striping to reflect the squadron's aircraft history. A reflective white base coat mirrors the appearance of the VFA-103 aviator helmets used today. The iconic tagline "Fear the Bones" is emblazoned on the bumper, completing the homage to the squadron's rich heritage.
This is not the first time the Navy football team has honored the Jolly Rogers. In 1962, Roger Staubach and the Midshipmen donned Jolly Rogers-inspired helmets in a resounding 34-14 victory over Army at Philadelphia's Municipal Stadium. This year’s uniform once again highlights the deep connection between Navy football and the traditions of Naval Aviation.
As the Midshipmen take the field on December 14, they will carry with them a uniform that embodies the legacy of the most feared and respected squadron in Naval history. The Army-Navy game has always been a showcase of pride, service, and tradition, and this year’s design further elevates the significance of this storied rivalry. Fans can witness history in the making as Navy honors the Jolly Rogers while battling Army for gridiron supremacy.
The Army-Navy Game stands as a tradition unlike any other—a timeless rivalry that transcends sports. This iconic matchup, dating back to 1890, is more than just a game; it’s a celebration of service, sacrifice, and honor. As the only college football game on the calendar this week, it commands the nation's attention and exemplifies one of the greatest rivalries in sports history.
In recent years, the Army-Navy Game has added a new layer of excitement with the introduction of special uniforms, turning the field into a showcase of history and pride. Each team unveils a unique design that pays tribute to their heritage, accomplishments, and military traditions.
Take a look below to explore the incredible uniforms that have graced this historic rivalry over the years, showcasing the creativity and storytelling that make this game a must-watch event.
The USC Trojans are bringing legendary swagger to the gridiron this weekend with the debut of the Nike Kobe 6 “USC” cleat. This eye-catching design bridges the gap between two iconic sports, blending basketball heritage with the fierce competition of college football.
Modeled after the Nike Kobe 6 sneakers that Kobe Bryant debuted on Christmas Day 2010, the cleats are a tribute to the Mamba’s legacy. With their signature snake-skin texture and bold design, they encapsulate the tenacity and excellence that Kobe embodied throughout his career.
But this isn’t just a basketball throwback. Nike customized these cleats specifically for the USC Trojans, infusing the school’s colors and spirit into every detail.
The timing couldn’t be more fitting. USC is set to wear these cleats in their highly anticipated rivalry game against UCLA. As the Trojans step onto the field, they’ll do so with an extra layer of style and swagger that nods to both their heritage and Kobe’s influence on Los Angeles sports.
The Nike Kobe 6 “USC” cleat isn’t just about looking good—it’s a statement. It connects the Trojans’ pursuit of gridiron greatness to the unmatched determination of one of basketball’s greatest players.
Notre Dame will face Army in the 2024 Shamrock Series game on November 23rd at Yankee Stadium. the Fighting Irish unveiled the special uniforms they’ll be wearing for this highly anticipated matchup.
For the third consecutive year, Notre Dame has released alternate uniforms with a movie-themed spoof. This year, head coach Marcus Freeman channels his inner Jordan Belfort from "The Wolf of Wall Street," bringing a unique twist to the uniform reveal.
The 2024 Shamrock Series also commemorates the 100th anniversary of the 1924 Notre Dame-Army game at the Polo Grounds, which led to the Irish backfield being named The Four Horsemen by famed sportswriter Grantland Rice. To honor this, Notre Dame’s jerseys will feature a blue-gray color scheme, reminiscent of Rice's iconic description. The uniforms include beveled gold accents on the logo and jersey, with numbers in a Gothic font, adding a unique and historic touch.
Yankee Stadium will host the Shamrock Series for the third time, with Notre Dame boasting a perfect 2-0 record in previous games. In 2010, the Irish triumphed over Army with a 27-3 victory, and in 2018, they dominated Syracuse 36-3.
The Fighting Irish aim to maintain their unbeaten streak in this special series when they take on the Black Knights at the iconic Yankee Stadium.
The University of Houston Athletics is set to bring back a special color in their uniform palette: "Houston Blue." In a tribute to the city’s history, culture, and legacy, the Cougars will wear this new blue uniform during select games, with Houston Football leading the charge on Senior Day against in-state rival Baylor on November 23. This celebration invites fans to join in by creating a “Blue Out” to honor the city that the university calls home.
“Houston Blue” is more than just a new look for the Cougars. The color pays homage to the distinct blue seen in various elements of Houston’s past, making it a powerful symbol of local pride. From the classic blue street markers scattered across the city to the Houston Police Department’s iconic blue vehicles, this shade holds a special place in the city’s heritage. As Eddie Nuñez, University of Houston Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics, explains, “Incorporating ‘Houston Blue’ into our uniforms is a powerful way to celebrate the city's rich history… We're thrilled to share this tradition with our fans and offer them the chance to show their pride through exclusive merchandise.”
The roots of “Houston Blue” go back nearly a century. In the 1920s, Houston’s original street markers were designed with light blue and white tiles embedded into the city’s cement curbs. Approximately 4,000 of these iconic markers remain intact today, providing Houstonians a visual connection to the city’s early days.
In the 1960s, the Houston Police Department incorporated the color into their fleet of cars and helicopters, further embedding “Houston Blue” into the city’s identity. Even in sports, Houston’s legacy with the color runs deep: the Houston Buffs, the city’s minor league baseball team, wore blue accents on their jerseys and caps. In 1961, their uniforms featured light blue lettering, further solidifying the color’s association with Houston’s athletic history.
This addition of “Houston Blue” is more than a uniform change—it’s a celebration of the city’s heritage and an invitation for the Houston community to rally together in a shared display of pride. With its historic connections and deep-rooted ties to the city, Houston Blue is set to become a unifying color for the Cougars, offering fans a fresh way to support their team and hometown.
The Army West Point Football Team’s special uniforms for the Army-Navy Game this season are a heartfelt homage to the 101st Airborne Division, capturing the spirit, history, and sacrifice of the “Screaming Eagles” during World War II. this year’s Army-Navy uniform honors the brave soldiers of the 101st Airborne, particularly their pivotal role in the Ardennes Campaign and the Siege of Bastogne. Every detail has been carefully crafted to reflect the iconic imagery and historical significance of this legendary division.
The uniform’s color palette mirrors the foggy, snow-covered terrain of the Ardennes, where the 101st Airborne valiantly defended their positions against overwhelming odds. The muted tones symbolize the shadows beneath the snow-covered pine forests, a visual reminder of the soldiers’ resilience despite the harsh conditions and lack of air support.
The helmet design incorporates two key elements: the Screaming Eagles patch and card suit markings. The “Old Abe” insignia, a bald eagle symbolizing the 101st since its inception, recalls the mascot of the 8th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment during the Civil War, representing courage and legacy. Complementing this is the use of card suits, which were markings employed by paratroopers and glider troops to identify their unit affiliations during the Normandy invasion and across Europe. These card suits are assigned randomly across the team, evoking the camaraderie and tactical ingenuity of the 101st.
On the jersey, several meaningful symbols pay tribute to the division’s heroic efforts. The Invasion Star, a familiar symbol from American vehicles and aircraft during WWII, features seven gaps in its outer ring to represent the seven roads converging at Bastogne, a focal point of the 101st’s defense. The “Bastogne” lettering replicates the style of the road sign held by General Anthony McAuliffe after the siege, reminding viewers of the division’s unyielding resolve. Additionally, the weathered, coppered appearance of the Army West Point Athena Shield nods to the brass “Cricket,” a simple recognition device carried by paratroopers during the Normandy jump.
Further historical elements are woven into the uniform’s design. The Screaming Eagle patch connects the modern-day division to its roots in Wisconsin’s 8th Volunteer Infantry Regiment, reinforcing its proud lineage. The paratrooper’s flag appears in its authentic proportions, just as it did on their jumpsuits in 1944. Meanwhile, the unique “A R M Y !” typography reflects General McAuliffe’s typewritten reply, “Nuts!”—a declaration of defiance when faced with Nazi demands for surrender.
This year’s Army West Point uniform is more than just a striking design; it’s a storytelling masterpiece that pays homage to the bravery, ingenuity, and enduring legacy of the 101st Airborne Division. From the snowy landscapes of the Ardennes to the iconic symbols of resistance, every detail embodies the indomitable spirit of the Screaming Eagles. As the Army Football Team takes the field in these commemorative uniforms, they carry not only the pride of West Point but also the legacy of one of America’s most storied divisions.
for the first time in a long time... we're bringing back a classic 👀🎥✌️
originally introduced in 1972 by John McKay — these '72 alt classics are making their return this Saturday for our Homecoming against Nebraska! pic.twitter.com/Yji7SwyNlE
the Northwestern Wildcats Gothic uniform set pays homage to Northwestern’s roots while embracing the Gothic architectural style that defines the campus. Dubbed the “Gothic Uniform,” this ensemble combines a striking black-and-gold color scheme with bold purple accents, blending the university's heritage with modern design elements.
While today we associate Northwestern with its signature purple, black and gold were actually the first colors adopted by the student body in 1879. Shortly after, the school transitioned to purple and gold, marking the beginning of purple’s long-standing association with Northwestern.
A standout feature of the Gothic uniform is the black matte helmet, now updated with historic details. The helmet’s purple “N” logo is outlined in gold, standing out boldly against the black background. featuring a modified Northwestern stripe in a gold-purple-gold sequence that honors both the school’s Gothic architecture and its athletic tradition.
Northwestern has added an image to the back of the helmet. Players will don the iconic Weber Arch, a recognizable landmark on the Evanston campus that has welcomed students and visitors alike since 1993. The arch symbolizes the university's commitment to tradition and excellence—a fitting image to complement the Wildcats’ game-day gear.
The uniform’s overall design is sleek and contemporary, yet it pulls heavily from Northwestern’s rich history. The predominantly black and gold color palette is punctuated by purple accents, allowing the original school colors to take center stage while incorporating Northwestern’s beloved purple. The matte black helmets, paired with the unique stripe and Weber Arch detail, make a bold statement that connects past with present, reflecting the Gothic architecture that defines Northwestern's campus.
