BYU will have two new-look helmets when they take the field for the 2021 season. The Cougar football team unveiled a navy helmet along with a royal counterpart on Monday morning.
The move comes as part of a uniform branding initiative to strengthen the player and fan experience, lead by BYU Equipment manager Billy Nixon, recruiting coordinator Jasen Ah You, on-campus specialist Jack Damuni, associate athletic director David Almodova, director of football operations Jon Swift and others within the BYU Atheltic Department.
In an interview with Ben Criddle, Nixon told ESPN 960 that BYU Football Equipment wants to be innovative in any new designs but remain true to the BYU brand, a goal that has been accomplished with the release of the two new helmets.
"We want to be innovative but we want to be traditional."
– @byuequipment #BYU | #GoCougs | #BYUFOOTBALL | #BYUHOOPS | #ESPN960 | @CriddleBenjamin | @MillerHHunter pic.twitter.com/Kl8cKCRHLq
— ESPN 960 (@espn960sports) February 19, 2021
With the addition of a royal and navy helmet, the Cougars now have a total of 26 unique uniform combinations that fans could see on the field in 2021. Although all 26 combinations strongly reflect the BYU brand in appearance. The helmets, while different from the white helmet that has been popularized by BYU Football for the last several decades, still utilize the ‘stretch-Y logo’ along with two stripes down the center.
“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,” said BYU head coach Kalani Sitake. “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.”
When we eventually see one of these two new helmets on the field in 2021, it will mark the first time the Cougars take the field in a blue helmet since a 52-21 loss to Utah to close out the 2004 season, the final year BYU donned navy helmets before new coach Bronco Mendenhall made the change back to white prior to the 2005 season.
The debut of the two new helmets as well as uniform combinations for each game will be announced during the season.
