Western Kentucky University Football continues to keep fans excited with their latest uniform announcement. On Thursday, the Hilltoppers revealed a special edition Big Red helmet, set to be worn for their Red Out game against UTEP on October 10. This highly anticipated game will not only showcase WKU’s prowess on the field but also their unique connection to their beloved Hall of Fame mascot, Big Red.
The special edition uniform pays homage to Big Red with a full red ensemble, featuring red helmets, red jerseys, and red pants. The standout feature of the helmets is their design, complete with decals mimicking Big Red's iconic eyes. The black facemask symbolizes Big Red's mouth, giving the helmets a character-filled touch that fans are sure to love.
This marks the triumphant return of WKU’s red helmets, which were last seen in the mid-2000s. The reintroduction of the red helmet into the Hilltoppers’ rotation was initially announced on July 25, building excitement for its debut during this pivotal matchup.
The Oct. 10 game against UTEP is set to be a full-on Red Out, and fans are encouraged to show up decked out in red to match their team. To enhance the fan experience, 5,000 red towels will be given away to those in attendance at Houchens-Smith Stadium, creating a sea of red in the stands.
This is not the first time WKU has leaned into Big Red-themed helmets, but it’s certainly one of the most anticipated versions yet. WKU first introduced the Big Red helmets on Nov. 12, 2022, in a dominant 45-10 victory over Rice. That game featured only the Big Red quarterback decal, which was worn on black helmets. The program then took it up a notch for the Oct. 24 game against Liberty last season, unveiling helmets that sported seven different Big Red logos based on player position groups, which once again adorned black helmets.
Most recently, for their Sept. 21 game against Toledo, the Hilltoppers wore Big Red quarterback decals on white helmets, continuing to evolve the Big Red uniform tradition.
— West Virginia Football (@WVUfootball) May 2, 2024
In a bold and heartfelt tribute to West Virginia's rich coal tradition, the Mountaineers football program is set to debut a striking black alternate uniform for the 2024 season. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail and inspired by the tireless work of underground miners, this uniform serves as a powerful symbol of resilience, pride, and gratitude.
Following the unveiling of new blue, gold, and white uniforms at the annual Gold-Blue Spring game, the addition of the black alternate uniform provides the Mountaineers with another opportunity to showcase their spirit and heritage on select occasions. But this isn't just any uniform—it's a testament to the deep connection between the football team and the state it represents.
The design process for the black alternate uniform was as meaningful as it was meticulous. Drawing inspiration from a day spent with actual miners, every element of the uniform was carefully considered to pay homage to West Virginia's coal mining industry. Reflective twill numbers and white accents illuminate the darkness, symbolizing the importance of safety and navigation underground.
The sleeve and collar of the jersey feature a pattern sourced directly from a West Virginia coal mine, while reflective safety stripes mimic those found on a miner's uniform. The arm cuff pattern mirrors the blade of a mine shearer, emphasizing the hard work and determination of those who toil beneath the earth's surface.
Even the pants and helmets are infused with symbolism. Reflective safety stripes and coal patterns adorn the pants, while the helmets—referred to as "Black Hats" in the mines—sport a matte black finish with specks of metallic gray to resemble fresh-cut coal. The center stripe of the helmet features a gradient from white to transparent, simulating the light of a miner's headlamp.
Behind the scenes, retired West Virginia Coal Association President Bill Raney and Gaither Frazier from the Leer Mine in Grafton played crucial roles in bringing this tribute to life. Athletic department graphic designers Kristin Coldsnow and Phil Lynch immersed themselves in a day's work in the mine, gaining firsthand insight into the challenges and triumphs faced by coal miners.
As West Virginia football takes the field in their black alternate uniforms, they do so not only as athletes but as ambassadors of a proud heritage. Through their grit, determination, and unwavering spirit, they honor the legacy of those who came before them and inspire future generations to carry the torch forward.
Presenting the @OregonFootball Heroes Uniform. Designed by the Lanning family, each thread represents triumph – showing support for those who have battled cancer + raising awareness as we fight for the cure. #StompOutCancerpic.twitter.com/yEn1a7mJhW
This week, UVA football is turning back the clock to honor one of its most iconic teams — the 1989 Cavaliers. In a tribute to this historic squad, the Cavaliers will debut special throwback uniforms.
The uniform set begins with a white helmet, adorned with an orange and blue center stripe. In keeping with the 1989 aesthetic, the helmets are clean and minimalist, featuring no side decals. This retro design exudes the toughness and simplicity of a bygone football era.
The centerpiece of the look is the vibrant orange jersey, complete with bold white numbers and classic navy and white stripes on the sleeves.
To round out the ensemble, the Cavaliers will wear crisp white pants, creating a bold contrast with the orange jersey and completing the retro look. Together, these elements serve as a perfect homage to the 1989 team that helped cement UVA’s place in college football.
In celebration of their 30th season, the Jacksonville Jaguars unveiled their much-awaited "Prowler Throwbacks". These uniforms are a nostalgic nod to the team’s original 1995 expansion uniforms and have been eagerly anticipated by fans.
The Prowler Throwbacks will make their debut in Week 5 against the Indianapolis Colts at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville on October 6. This game is particularly special as it coincides with the induction of former Head Coach Tom Coughlin into the Pride of the Jaguars.
"Everywhere I go and from every comment I read, it's apparent our fans are longing to see Jaguars' players in throwback uniforms," Jaguars President Mark Lamping said in a statement. "That persistence paid off, and our uniforms reminiscent of the team's early years are back by popular demand – just in time for the 30th season and, in particular, the Pride of the Jaguars induction of our inaugural head coach, Tom Coughlin."
The "Prowler Throwbacks" name is derived from the running Jaguar embroidered on the sleeves of the jerseys. The uniforms feature vintage three-color numbers and pants with a teal stripe, complemented by gold and black piping running along the length. The helmets will sport the original Jaguars logo used from the inaugural season in 1995 until 2013.
Fans can expect to see throwback elements throughout EverBank Stadium on game day during Week 5, adding to the nostalgic atmosphere. The return of these classic uniforms is not just a tribute to the team’s history but also a celebration of its loyal fan base and their enduring passion for Jaguars football.
As the Jaguars step onto the field in their Prowler Throwbacks, they'll not only be honoring their past but also celebrating a milestone season. Fans eagerly await the sight of their team in these iconic uniforms, ready to cheer them on to new victories while reminiscing about the legendary moments of the past 30 years.
The Ohio State Buckeyes are renowned not only for their football prowess but also for their iconic scarlet and gray uniforms. However, fans and players alike were in for a pleasant surprise as the Buckeyes recently released their newest addition to the wardrobe—a sleek all-gray alternate uniform. With bold scarlet lettering, and gray pants,
The Ohio State Buckeyes have taken a daring step with their all-gray alternate uniforms, deviating from their traditional scarlet and gray color scheme. The light gray jerseys form the foundation of the ensemble, and they are tastefully complemented with vibrant scarlet lettering, adding a splash of the Buckeyes' signature color to the mix.
The uniform's cohesiveness is further accentuated by the inclusion of gray pants, providing a seamless transition from top to bottom. The decision to pair the gray jerseys with matching pants not only creates a sharp and modern look but also adds a touch of intimidation to the overall design.
While Ohio State has embraced the excitement of an all-gray uniform, they have also remained loyal to their storied heritage. The Buckeyes' traditional gray helmet, adorned with a distinctive black, white, and scarlet stripe, remains unchanged. This subtle yet significant nod to their rich tradition is sure to resonate with both longtime fans and new admirers of the Buckeyes' football legacy.
As the Buckeyes' wardrobe expands with the addition of their all-gray alternate uniforms, excitement and anticipation fill the air. Ohio State has struck a remarkable balance between honoring their cherished tradition and embracing a bold and modern look. The upcoming game against the Michigan State Spartans will provide the perfect canvas for the Buckeyes to showcase their new ensemble under the spotlight.
The Air Force football team will pay tribute to the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) with the 2024 edition of the Air Power Legacy Series uniform. AFSOC is renowned for its readiness to deploy forces worldwide, and this special uniform will be worn during the Navy game on Saturday, Oct. 5, at Falcon Stadium.
This uniform design incorporates several key elements that highlight the AFSOC mission. The helmet is adorned with the official AFSOC emblem, and the back bumpers carries AFSOC’s motto, “Any Place, Any Time, Anywhere.” Additionally, a sticker on the back of the helmet features the Air Force Special Tactics logo, complete with a lightning bolt, green feet, and a dagger, symbolizing the “First there, that others may live” community. The front bumper is inscribed with the Special Tactics Combat Control motto “First There.”
The jersey is designed with a nameplate on the right chest for each player’s name. The right sleeve bears an American flag, while the left sleeve displays one of three different badges representing Air Force Special Tactics. Red accents on the jersey and pants, including a red outline around the numbers, pay homage to the scarlet beret worn by Special Tactics Combat Controllers. The traditional nameplate on the back of the jersey will read “AFSOC.” The pants will feature a dagger on the left leg and the “First There” motto on the right leg, further emphasizing the connection to special operations.
Special Tactics, the Air Force’s special operations ground force, plays a vital role in precision strike, global access, personnel recovery, and battlefield surgery. Operating independently or alongside joint SOF partners such as the Navy SEALs, Army Special Forces, and Marine Raiders, Special Tactics teams are among the most decorated in the Air Force since Vietnam. They have been instrumental in almost every major combat operation since 9/11 and have also enabled global humanitarian missions. Tragically, 21 Special Tactics operators have been killed in action since 2000, including three Air Force Academy graduates.
This uniform not only honors AFSOC’s storied history but also serves as a reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of those who serve within this elite community.
The Oregon Ducks football team will debut a new "Heroes" uniform on Friday night, showcasing a powerful story of family, strength, and resilience. Designed in collaboration with Oregon's head coach Dan Lanning, his wife Sauphia, and their three sons, the uniform represents a deeply personal journey — Sauphia's battle with bone cancer, a battle she won in 2017.
The uniform, debuting in the Ducks’ game against Michigan State, is Oregon's fifth iteration designed to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. Titled "Heroes," this year's version holds a special significance for the Lanning family, incorporating personal design elements that honor cancer fighters and those who supported Sauphia during her treatment.
“This is her love letter to her heroes,” said Quinn Van Horne, senior designer at Van Horne Brands, the firm that brought the Lannings' ideas to life. “This is her thanking the people who truly helped save her life.”
The Heroes uniform was a family affair, with each member of the Lanning household contributing unique design elements. The base color of the uniform is yellow, symbolizing Sauphia's battle with osteosarcoma. Alongside it, multi-colored panels on the helmet, cleats, gloves, and sleeve patches represent the fight against all forms of cancer.
The Ducks' iconic "O" logo is reimagined with a yellow ribbon, a symbol of Sauphia’s cancer journey, which she sketched herself. This powerful image is featured on the helmet and sleeve patch, as suggested by the Lannings' middle son, Kniles.
Caden, the Lannings' eldest son, proposed incorporating an ice cream cone on merchandise that will support cancer research — a nod to the treat the family shared to lift spirits after Sauphia’s treatment sessions. Youngest son, Titan, suggested the multi-color design on the cleats to represent the many types of cancer victims being honored.
Dan Lanning’s contribution to the uniform is a molecular structure design, referencing the "red devil" chemotherapy treatment. This imagery will appear on the gloves and sleeves worn by players, as well as select retail items, further honoring Sauphia's journey to recovery.
Friday’s debut of the "Heroes" uniform is the culmination of a process that began shortly after Dan Lanning was hired at Oregon in 2022. The idea to tell the Lannings' story through a special uniform came from UO Athletic Director Rob Mullens. With the help of Van Horne Brands, Sauphia’s vision began to take shape, featuring her design of the "O" with a ribbon and the phrase “Take Flight + Fight.” The "+" symbol, inspired by medical crosses, symbolizes healthcare heroes — a tribute to those who helped save her life.
Other special elements include shoulder wings and diamond plating on the jerseys, representing the tough fight and the hope to take flight beyond the disease. A portion of the proceeds from merchandise sales will benefit the University of Oregon’s Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact, furthering Sauphia’s mission to give back to the heroes of the medical world.
"I’m just so glad they put their touch on it," Sauphia said of her family's contributions. "We’re really honored and grateful, and we can't wait to see it all come to life."
The Lanning family's personal touches make the "Heroes" uniform more than just a tribute — it's a testament to the strength of those fighting cancer and a celebration of those who helped save lives. With the unveiling of this special edition uniform, the Oregon Ducks and the Lanning family remind us all of the courage it takes to fight cancer and the power of hope.
