Ranking all 16 Big 12 logos from worst to first
Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and Arizona State, the four most recent additions to the conference, may not all be football powerhouses. Still, they are among the best athletic programs in other sports, such as skiing, swimming, golf or basketball.
The most recognizable aspect of all these programs is their logo. Worn at every athletic event, the logo is front and center in all big moments and is often the most recognizable thing about a team.
So far this offseason, we've ranked the Big 12's 16 football stadiums, evaluated each stadium's in-game atmosphere, and ranked each program's helmet and uniforms.
Now, to wrap up our offseason ranking series before season preparation begins to ramp up in late July, here is an in-depth look at the Big 12's 16 logos, ranked from worst to best.
16. Houston Cougars
Houston's logo feels more functional than anything creative or unique. The block "UH" with interlocking letters is clean and recognizable, but it misses the opportunity to connect to the "cougar" mascot. A redesign that leans into an actual cougar might help it climb the rankings.
15. UCF Knights
I am just not a big fan of the entire UCF branding. The lettering is fine and has good lines, but similar to Houston, it lacks creativity. Compared to other Big 12 brands, it comes across more like a generic logo rather than a timeless college football emblem.
14. TCU Horned Frogs
If the logo above were used as the primary logo for all sports, TCU would likely rank higher. The Horned Frog is such a great mascot, but TCU does not feature it enough. Instead, their primary logo is the three letters, which is fine, but not anything to write home about.
13. Baylor Bears
The interlocking "BU" is well known, but it is not memorable. There is no visual nod to their "Bears" identity, which detracts from its uniqueness among a multitude of more expressive logos in the conference. I love the colorway, and on the green helmet, the gold "BU" really pops, but I can't put an only-letter logo in the top tier.
12. Texas Tech Red Raiders
Out of all the interlocking/overlapping logos in the Big 12, I do think Texas Tech's is the best. Furthermore, the Red Raiders' emblem is a historic one. However, it seems like it is due for a refresh, with the shaded aesthetic feeling outdated. It's easily identifiable and fans love it, but among the competition, it falls in the middle of the pack.
11. BYU Cougars
BYU could have gone the direction of TCU, Houston, or Baylor, but instead, they chose to enclose only the "Y" in a circle. It seems pretty creative to me, albeit simple. It is distinctive, even if it lacks the connection to the cougar mascot.
10. Iowa State Cyclones
Talk about creativity with only lettering. Iowa State does a great job of making the most of the letters. The overall logo is solid, but with a cyclone as a mascot, they could do better. It is easy to recognize, which gives it some bonus points.
9. Oklahoma State Cowboys
Another logo with blocky lettering. Oklahoma State earns a spot in the top 10 for its historic significance and effective use of the cattle-brand font, which ties the logo to its cowboy mascot. The logo is somewhat clunky compared to the more modern Big 12 designs, and a refined version might help it rise to the upper half of this ranking.
8. Arizona Wildcats
Maybe this pick is controversial, but the Arizona "A" is a classic. It is a perfect emblem to go on every athletic uniform. I love the tri-color outline, which gives it dimension and pop without feeling overwhelming.
7. Kansas State Wildcats
The "powercat" logo is excellent and speaks to the aggressive nature of a wildcat. Its minimalist style makes it instantly recognizable, and the design conveys a sense of energy. The logo is a solid, upper-mid-tier logo.
6. West Virginia Mountaineers
Now, talk about an iconic logo, especially when talking about college football. West Virginia's stacked "WV" is bold, and the font perfectly suits the school's mountainous identity. The golden yellow pops on the dark blue, making it one of the more eye-catching logos in the Big 12. It is a good example of the 'less is more' theory in action.
5. Cincinnati Bearcats
Cincinnati does a fantastic job of connecting its logo to its mascot. The "C" in the shape of a bear paw is next level. It is one of the more creative and distinct animal logos in the conference.
4. Utah Utes
I opted for the classic black "U" surrounded by a circle and two feathers, rather than the interlocked black "U." The feathers give the logo some cultural depth and are immediately recognized as the Utah emblem. It's bold, clean, and unique to college sports.
3. Kansas Jayhawks
The Kansas Jayhawk logo is quirky but legendary. It is a smiling, colorful bird that is not to be liked. While it lacks intimidation, it makes up for it with charm and uniqueness. Not many mascots and logos are instantly tied to their university as the Jayhawk is to Kansas.
2. Arizona State Wildcats
Kenny Dillingham at Big 12 media days confirmed that Sparky is returning to be a more regular presence on uniforms, which is fantastic. Sparky should be everywhere when it comes to the Sun Devils.
1. Colorado Buffaloes
Colorado combines classic block lettering with a charging animal to make one of the best logos in college athletics. The back and gold palette feels timeless, especially on a gold helmet. The design conveys tradition, passion and regional pride all at once, which, as a college logo, is near perfection.
This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Power ranking all 16 Big 12 logos from worst to first
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