Western Kentucky Unveils New Helmet Inspired by ‘Big Red’ Mascot in Video, Photos

Adam WellsOctober 3, 2024

Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Western Kentucky’s new football helmet drew inspiration from its beloved Big Red mascot.

The Hilltoppers unveiled the all-red helmets on Thursday, which feature the mascot’s eyes on the sides.

WKU Football @WKUFootballBig Red 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘴 all 👀 pic.twitter.com/jsztJjJTzQ

WKU Football @WKUFootballall 𝘦𝘺𝘦𝘴 on us next Thursday 👀 pic.twitter.com/F5Q4ZNRQzT

Big Red, who debuted in 1979, is an undefined entity. Western Kentucky’s official website describes it as a “huge, furry, lovable creature” that will often shake and slide its belly when something good happens on the field or basketball court.

This isn’t the first time that the Hilltoppers have designed a jersey combination that pays tribute to the creature.

Western Kentucky has been putting Big Red on its helmet in each of the past three seasons, including 2024. The previous two iterations featured a full-body portrait of the mascot, with the 2023 design being specified to each position group.

For instance, a lineman’s helmet showed Big Red lined up with his hand in the dirt. The running back helmet showed him striking the Heisman pose.

The quarterback helmet seemed to confirm Big Red is a left-handed thrower, though he could also be ambidextrous. You can’t put physical limitations on a unique being like Big Red.

Western Kentucky will debut the new all-Big Red look when UTEP comes to Houchens Industries–L.T. Smith Stadium on Oct. 10.

Hopefully for the Hilltoppers, Big Red’s jerseys will get them back on track after a 21-20 loss to Boston College on Sept. 28 when Jerand Brandley caught the go-ahead touchdown with 3:33 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Western Kentucky is starting the Conference USA part of its schedule after a 3-2 start in non-conference games.