BYU Cougars Unveil New Navy, Royal Blue Helmets

The Brigham Young football program unveiled two new helmets on Monday afternoon that pull inspiration from the past and enhance the Cougars’ overall brand identity.

https://twitter.com/BYUfootball/status/1366417314933927938

Both the navy and royal blue helmets follow the same design as BYU’s traditional white helmet, which features an Oval “Y” on both sides, two contrasting stripes down the middle and interchangeable navy and royal blue decals and facemasks.

Combined with their usual navy, royal blue or white jerseys and pants, the Cougars now have 16 potential uniform combinations for the 2021 season, provided navy and royal blue are never paired together. That number could increase to 26 potential combinations if BYU swaps one of the standard facemask for gray, as well.

https://twitter.com/BYUfootball/status/1366449867665539072

“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,” Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake said in a statement. “BYU’s football tradition was built through many decades of success by those who wore the uniform representing the Cougars. Our players, former players and Cougar Nation all value this great tradition of BYU football. We want the helmet and various uniform combinations to honor those who built the program and inspire those who will carry it forward.”

BYU previously wore royal blue helmets from 1964-68, a period that included the first conference championship in school history in 1965, before returning to a white helmet in 1969. That remained for three decades before the Cougars adopted a navy blue helmet in 1999, though the Nike-led redesign also introduced a tan accent color into the equation. BYU scrapped that look in 2005, however, as it once again opted for the more traditional uniforms and color scheme seen today.

“BYU football is built upon the traditions and success of the past,” Sitake said. “At the same time, we are always looking to the future and strategically finding ways to help us build greatness at BYU. These uniform and helmet updates create a look that honors the past, present and future of BYU football. I believe these updates exhibit a program focused on tradition, stylish branding and present-day success.”

The new helmet designs were developed by Sitake and a committee that included equipment manager Billy Nixon, associate athletic director David Almodova, director of football operations Jon Swift and creative services director Dave Broberg. They’ll defer to the players as for when the helmet are worn, though.