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
The Air Force hockey team is set to honor the Air Force Special Operations Command in a remarkable way with their latest uniform reveal. Designed by States & Co., these uniforms will be worn in tribute to the elite forces of AFSOC. Known for their rapid global deployments and elite operational readiness, AFSOC's contributions are honored through unique design elements in this special edition uniform.
Each aspect of the uniform carries significant meaning, symbolizing AFSOC’s mission and honoring the dedication of Special Operations forces. The helmet prominently features the official AFSOC emblem, embodying the command's spirit.
The jerseys are equally detailed, with a nameplate for each player on the right chest, while the right sleeve carries the American flag. The left sleeve showcases one of three distinct badges from Air Force Special Tactics, representing the unit’s specialized skills. The numbers and red accents on the jersey and pants are inspired by the scarlet beret worn by Special Tactics Combat Controllers. The nameplate on the back of each jersey will proudly display "AFSOC," reinforcing the connection to this elite group. A dagger is placed on the left pant leg, and the right leg features the “First There” motto, further symbolizing the role of Special Operations.
Air Force Special Tactics operators play a crucial role in missions involving precision strike, global access, personnel recovery, and battlefield surgery. These elite ground forces operate both independently and alongside other special operations partners, such as Navy SEALs, Army Special Forces, and Marine Raiders. Not only are they instrumental in combat missions, but they are also essential in global humanitarian efforts. Since 2000, 21 Special Tactics operators have given their lives in service, including three Air Force Academy graduates, highlighting the risks and sacrifices of this prestigious unit.
The new Air Force hockey uniforms serve as a tribute to AFSOC’s enduring legacy, and more importantly, to the brave men and women who serve within it. With the incorporation of symbolic details and powerful imagery, the uniforms will remind players and fans alike of the heroism of Air Force Special Tactics and their unwavering commitment to the mission of protecting and saving lives around the globe.
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.
Texas Tech Men’s Basketball is stepping onto the court with a fresh look this season, revealing their newly designed uniforms in partnership with Adidas. The bold new threads represent the team’s identity, power, and commitment to excellence, with a modern take on the Red Raiders’ iconic imagery.
All three uniform sets—black, white, and red—feature the unmistakable Texas Tech wordmark emblazoned across the chest. The clean, sharp design ensures the Texas Tech name remains front and center, symbolizing pride and unity for the players and the university.
The classic Double T logo, synonymous with Texas Tech Athletics, finds its place on each pair of shorts, adding a signature touch to the design.
These uniforms blend modern performance technology with traditional elements, ensuring the team looks sharp and feels ready for competition. As Texas Tech gears up for another exciting season, these new uniforms are bound to become a favorite among fans and players alike.
The Toronto Raptors are paying homage to one of the most celebrated eras in their history with the unveiling of their Classic Edition uniforms for the 2024-25 season. These uniforms take Raptors fans back to the high-flying days of Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady, two Hall of Famers who electrified the NBA during the Raptors' 1999-2003 era.
Marking the 30th anniversary of the franchise, the Classic Edition uniforms are a revamp of the away jerseys worn during Carter's legendary tenure with the team. The front of the jerseys features the signature purple base, with "Toronto" displayed in bold white lettering, outlined in a striking red trim. This design, synonymous with the high-energy, gravity-defying performances of the early 2000s Raptors, brings a wave of nostalgia for fans who witnessed that era firsthand.
The back of the jerseys maintains the classic lettering but shifts to a black primary color, giving a modern twist to the iconic look.
This marks the first time since the 2019-20 season that the Raptors will don a '90s throwback jersey. During that season, they sported the original home edition jerseys, a fan favorite. Now, with the Classic Edition uniforms set to make their return, the Raptors are once again blending their rich history with the excitement of the present as they celebrate their 30th anniversary.
Raptors fans and jersey collectors alike are sure to be thrilled by the revival of these beloved uniforms, capturing a golden age in the franchise's history and reminding everyone of the unforgettable moments of Vince Carter's reign in Toronto. Keep an eye out for these classic threads on the court this season!
