If you were hoping Will Stein’s arrival in Lexington meant an immediate overhaul of Kentucky football uniforms, you’ll have to wait.
Everybody loves a good uniform debate, whether it’s praising the baseball team’s cream threads or arguing over the basketball team’s icicle jerseys. But when it comes to the gridiron, the Cats’ current look is going to stick around for a while.
When asked on Tuesday about the possibility of redesigning the uniforms or bringing back the fan-favorite Power K, the first-year head coach shut down the idea of an immediate rebrand.
“It won’t be for a few years until… the contract… new looks are able to be really tweaked,” Stein said. “So when we get to that time, I’m sure we’ll make some great decisions about what we’re wearing.”
The roadblock isn’t a lack of desire; it’s logistics. While Kentucky and Nike signed a massive new apparel agreement in 2025, that deal is school-specific, not team-specific. The last football refresh came in 2023, when the polarizing checkerboards were finally scrubbed. The timeline for the next major overhaul is probably going to be pushed back.
Historically, the football Cats change their primary look every five to seven years (2003, 2011, 2016, 2023). That doesn’t mean the Wildcats won’t roll out minor tweaks or alternate combinations in the meantime. But if you’re waiting for a full-scale redesign, tradition and contract timelines suggest we won’t see a new look until heading into the 2028 season.
Until then, BBN, I’d like to hear from you: What has been your favorite uniform the Cats have worn in any sport?
