BYU Cougars football is known for its rich history and tradition, and part of that tradition is a diverse and visually appealing set of uniforms. Fans and players alike often wonder, How Many Football Uniforms Does Byu Have? As of the 2021 season, BYU boasts an impressive 26 different uniform combinations, showcasing a blend of classic and modern styles. This extensive array was further enhanced with the reintroduction of both royal and navy helmets, adding to the already versatile uniform options.
A Nod to BYU Football Uniform History
The variety of BYU’s current uniform selection is deeply rooted in the program’s storied past. Going back to 1964, under head coach Tommy Hudspeth and assistant coach LaVell Edwards, the royal blue helmet made its debut. This helmet became a symbol of early success, gracing the field when BYU secured its first conference title in 1965.
In 1969, coinciding with college football’s centennial, BYU shifted to a white helmet with a double-stripe design. This look, reminiscent of the 1956 season, evolved into what is now considered the classic BYU helmet. For three decades, this white helmet, adorned with blue stripes and the iconic “Y” logo, was the primary symbol of BYU football, particularly during the legendary LaVell Edwards era.
The late 1990s brought another significant change. In 1999, in partnership with Nike, BYU introduced the navy blue helmet, accompanied by new logos and color schemes. Interestingly, navy had historical ties to BYU, having been used for jerseys and helmets in the 1950s. The navy helmet became part of the Cougar uniform rotation, including during Coach Edwards’ final, Hall of Fame season in 2000, and was worn by future BYU stars like Kalani Sitake, Luke Staley, and Brandon Doman.
Expanding the Uniform Arsenal in 2021
The 2021 season marked a further expansion of BYU’s uniform choices. Reintroducing the royal and navy helmets to the existing white helmet, BYU intentionally blended its historical uniform traditions with its established brand.
Alt text: BYU Cougars royal blue football helmet, a reintroduced classic design.
Head coach Kalani Sitake emphasized the significance of these additions: “It’s been exciting to see the reaction of the players as we introduced these new helmets that are part of their future but based on our proud past,” Sitake stated. “BYU’s football tradition was built through many decades of success by those who wore the uniform representing the Cougars. We want the helmet and various uniform combinations to honor those who built the program and inspire those who will carry it forward.”
This initiative resulted in a total of 26 uniform combinations, providing a wide range of looks for the team. Adding to the player experience, the 2020 season saw student-athletes involved in selecting jersey combinations for each game. This player-driven approach led to 10 different uniform combinations throughout that season, which saw BYU achieve an 11-1 record and a No. 11 national ranking.
Alt text: BYU Cougars navy blue football helmet, adding depth to the uniform options.
Billy Nixon, BYU’s equipment staff member, highlighted the positive impact of this collaborative approach: “Including our student-athletes last season in deciding which uniforms to wear not only further heightened their participation with the team but also their spirit of ownership in their program,” Nixon explained. “It was fun for the players to see how the creative process resulted in an enhanced experience for both the team and the fans. Their engagement in that process helped us develop additional uniform combinations and increased the spirit of unity throughout the program.”
Alt text: Classic BYU Cougars white football helmet with blue stripes and Y logo, a timeless design.
The development of these new helmet designs and the overall uniform branding initiative was a collaborative effort. A committee led by Coach Sitake, including Billy Nixon, associate athletic director David Almodova, director of football operations Jon Swift, and creative services director Dave Broberg, spearheaded the project.
Conclusion: A Uniform Legacy
In conclusion, BYU football boasts a remarkable 26 uniform combinations, a testament to the program’s commitment to both honoring its historical roots and innovating for the future. The reintroduction of the royal and navy helmets, alongside the classic white helmet, provides a visually dynamic and historically resonant set of uniform options. This extensive wardrobe not only enhances the game-day experience for players and fans but also strengthens the overall BYU football brand.
