The Arizona Wildcats, beginning their first season of play in the Big XII, will head to Manhattan, KS to take on new rival Kansas State this Friday. And they’ll do so wearing a new red helmet. The Cats will also be wearing white jerseys, and stripeless red pants (and red socks) for the game. Here’s a look at the full uniform, including the new helmet.
The helmet is metallic red, with “Cats” in white script outlined in blue. It will have a white facemask.
But what new college football uniform element would be complete these day without a hype video…
New combo unlocked 🔓
Tucson Threads vs Kansas State pic.twitter.com/lVUeB6AQMg
— Arizona Football (@ArizonaFBall) September 9, 2024
The Wildcats have worn red helmets in the past, but this will be the first time the team will have one with the “Cats” logo on it (this is also the same logo as now appears on the hip of their pants). They’ve previously sported red buckets with a blue A logo, as well as the more familiar red/blue/white logo. The last time the team wore a red helmet was during the 2020 season.
Earlier this year, the Cats introduced a new white helmet with the same “Cats” script as will appear on the red helmet.
Here are some additional looks at the combo Arizona will wear on Friday:
Although both teams are now in the Big XII, this meeting between the two teams was actually scheduled back in 2016, so it will technically be a “nonconference” contest. Both teams are 2-0 — with K-State ranked 14th and Arizona ranked at 20.
I like the helmet. Other than the leotard look, I like the uni combo also. Also/also, K-State has worn a similar “Cats” helmet themselves. Cats vs. Cats maybe? I don’t see a KSU uni schedule, so I’m not sure. That said, I hope not.
The K-State Wildcats have worn a script “Cats” helmet decal in the past, though it’s not really that similar to the Arizona Wildcats new “Cats” script
link
Of course, the designs are different. Still “Cats” and “Cats”. I’d say that makes them pretty similar.
link
Script on football helmets feels like punting on the opportunity to put your “iconic” logo in the prime position. Kinda makes it all look more generic. Show me that block-A. Don’t hide your main crest.
I like the shoulder stripes on these. Very nice. The red leotards are boring and lame, but at least they’re not just blank white.
Agreed, and as someone said below, everyone is doing it now so it just looks bad
I’m really tired of football pants without stripes.
I miss stripes on socks too.
LEOTARDS F’IN SUCK
They remind me of our old practice pants in high school. I loved getting a proper uniform on in high school, and that included gray britches with red/white/black stripes. It felt like it was gameday.
I object to having every coach feeling the need to put their own “stamp of ownership” on OUR Wildcats!
Leave our traditions alone!!! Quite trying to be the cutsie Oregon of the South. Our academic A is well known and recognizable nationwide. Tradition helps recruiting not attempts at “pretty” uniforms!
I am thoroughly disgusted with this stupid development.
From a 30-year season ticket holder.
I’m pissed at you Brennon!!!
It’s so 90’s…… Just about every team back then was removing the stripes off their pants. Guess that trend is back.
The EATS!!
Now this is a yoga pant, and it rots. To bad it would be nice otherwise
So Wildcats vs. Wildcats on Caturday. It doesn’t get any better.
The script helmet thing is getting about as old as the mono-uni look. Everyone is doing it. So, there’s really no pizazz to it.
Should be color palette special and a gorgeous uni matchup
Disappointed that my beloved Cats is sans stripes on the pants, but it is still better than that gradient crap they used a few years ago.
Arizona basketball 1997 was pretty to watch because the colors were right. My opinion is return to the more dull red and blue and utilize either the A or Wildcat as helmet decal, as they both are a solid identity.