Where did these crazy helmet designs come from?

Western Kentucky recently debuted their new Big Red-themed football uniforms, featuring a unique design that transforms players into the school’s mascot from head to toe. The highlight of the new uniforms is the all-red helmets, which shows Big Red’s iconic eyes on the sides. This marks the first time the Hilltoppers have worn all-red helmets since the mid-2000s, and the fourth time Big Red-themed uniforms have been featured.

Big Red, a mascot that debuted in 1979, has been an long lasting symbol of WKU athletics, known for its playful, fuzzy appearance and quirky personality. In the past three seasons, the Hilltoppers have made it a tradition to incorporate Big Red into their helmet designs, with the 2023 helmets featuring different versions of the mascot for each position group. For example, last season's designs included Big Red in a Heisman pose for running backs and in a lineman stance for offensive linemen.

The creative and fun approach to these uniforms has been widely embraced by fans. The latest uniforms, fully inspired by Big Red, are a continuation of this growing tradition, and WKU seems committed to keeping this fan-favorite mascot combined with future uniforms designs.