Photo: Arizona to Debut Uniforms with Red ‘Cats’ Script Helmets vs. Kansas State

Joseph Zucker@@JosephZuckerFeatured Columnist IVSeptember 9, 2024

Chris Coduto/Getty Images

Arizona will wear its new red helmet when it hits the road to play No. 14 Kansas State on Friday.

The helmet will accompany the Wildcats’ usual white away jersey along with red pants. The program rolled out a white alternate helmet with the script “Cats” design in July.

Arizona Football @ArizonaFBallNew combo unlocked 🔓

Tucson Threads vs Kansas State pic.twitter.com/lVUeB6AQMg

Arizona Football @ArizonaFBallOur red “Cats” script helmet makes its debut this Friday, under the lights in Manhattan, Kansas pic.twitter.com/LCr37sEhay

Despite starting with a pair of home games, Week 3 will be the second time Arizona has had to wear its traditional road jersey. The team was forced to don an all-white look for its home opener because its opponent, New Mexico, experienced logistical problems that disrupted the shipment of their uniforms.

The Wildcats are coming off one of the best seasons in their history. They hit 10 wins for the first time since 2014 and finished 11th in the final AP Top 25 poll. The sudden departure of head coach Jedd Fisch dampened expectations somewhat heading into 2024, though.

After rolling over the Lobos to the tune of 61 points and 627 yards, Arizona had a hard time putting away Northern Arizona in Week 2. The Lumberjacks led 10-3 in the first half and were down just three points entering the fourth quarter. A safety for the NAU offense and a 56-yard touchdown run by Wildcats running back Kedrick Reescano spared the hosts from an embarrassing upset.

A top-25 clash with Kansas State in Manhattan will provide a good barometer for the true level of Brent Brennan’s squad.