BYU football is set to take the field in a fresh yet nostalgic look this Saturday, donning uniforms inspired by the iconic 1996 season. This new uniform combination, featuring white pants, jerseys, and helmets with royal trim and black drop-shadow numbers, pays homage to the memorable year when the Cougars achieved a 14-1 record and a Cotton Bowl victory. The excitement surrounding these throwback uniforms has generated buzz among fans and players alike, eager to see the Cougars in their new “drip.”
A Nod to the Past
The decision to bring back the 1996-inspired uniforms was met with enthusiasm from both the team and its supporters. The 1996 season remains one of the most celebrated in BYU football history, marked by a WAC championship and a top-five national ranking. The throwback uniforms are a tribute to that remarkable year, aiming to inspire the current team to achieve similar success.
Sophomore wide receiver Parker Kingston expressed his excitement about the new look, stating, “Yeah, I’m all for the swag. I try to have some drip out there and these jerseys are definitely some pretty dope unis, especially going all white at home, so it’ll be sweet.” This sentiment is shared by many of his teammates, who see the uniforms as a way to connect with the program’s storied past while creating new memories on the field.
The uniforms were designed with input from players and staff, ensuring that they not only look good but also meet the practical needs of the athletes. Josh Hewitt, Director of Equipment Operations, emphasized the importance of player feedback in the design process. “It’s getting the player’s opinion of what they want to wear, what looks good,” Hewitt said. “We try to contrast helmets to opponents, so we don’t have the same color helmet that they have.”
Generational Appeal
The throwback uniforms have sparked a generational debate among BYU fans. While younger fans and players are excited about the new “drip,” some older supporters prefer the traditional look, focusing more on the team’s performance than their attire. This blend of old and new is part of what makes the throwback uniforms so special, appealing to a wide range of fans.
Chad Lewis, a key player from the 1996 team and current BYU associate athletic director, shared his thoughts on the uniforms. “I just don’t like white on white,” Lewis playfully remarked, recalling a loss to Washington in 1996 when the team wore a similar combination. Despite this, he acknowledged the significance of the uniforms, saying, “It represents one of the best teams in BYU football history, which has had so many great teams and so many great players.”
The excitement surrounding the uniforms extends beyond the players and fans. The BYU community has embraced the throwback look, with many alumni reminiscing about the 1996 season and the impact it had on the program. The uniforms serve as a reminder of the team’s rich history and the legacy of excellence that continues to drive the program forward.
Looking Forward to Game Day
As the Cougars prepare to take on Kansas State this Saturday, the anticipation for the game is heightened by the debut of the throwback uniforms. The team hopes that the new look will bring good luck and inspire a strong performance on the field. The matchup against Kansas State is particularly significant, as it marks the first meeting between the two teams since the dramatic Cotton Bowl victory in 1996.
The players are eager to showcase their skills in the new uniforms, with many seeing it as an opportunity to make a statement. “Every time we’ve done that in the past, it seems we’ve had a good outcome,” Hewitt noted, reflecting on previous instances when the team wore special uniforms. The hope is that the throwback look will bring a similar boost to the team’s performance this weekend.
Fans are also looking forward to seeing the new uniforms in action. Social media has been abuzz with reactions and predictions, with many expressing their excitement for the game. The throwback uniforms have added an extra layer of anticipation, making this Saturday’s game one of the most eagerly awaited matchups of the season.
The unveiling of the 1996-inspired throwback uniforms has brought a renewed sense of excitement and nostalgia to BYU football. As the team takes the field in their new “drip,” they carry with them the legacy of one of the most successful seasons in program history. The hope is that this connection to the past will inspire the current team to achieve greatness and create new memories for future generations of BYU fans.
