Western Kentucky embraces its mascot better than anyone else in college football. The red, furry, friendly blob known as Big Red has become an icon synonymous with the program itself.
In the past few years,
WKU incorporated Big Red into its uniforms. Last season, the Hilltoppers placed the mascot’s eyes and eyebrows on each side of an alternate helmet for an October game vs. UTEP. In 2023, WKU unveiled seven different helmets each depicting Big Red playing a different position.
The Hilltoppers first incorporated the beloved mascot into helmet designs in 2022, and in year four of this new program tradition, they continue to push the envelope. On Thursday, WKU unveiled another Big Red helmet in anticipation of its Tuesday night Oct. 14 nationally televised game vs. FIU. This time, Big Red is depicted performing the “Zombieland” — an iconic celebration originated by WKU in 2022 that eventually worked its way up to the NFL levels.
WKU released the new helmet in a skit with inside linebacker Anthony Brackenridge, detailing the history of the celebration and the history of Big Red helmets, before concluding with an official uniform reveal:
WKU’s Big Red “Zombieland” helmets will debut in a combination featuring black jerseys and black pants on Tuesday, Oct. 14 vs. FIU — a Weekday CUSA game televised by ESPNU at 8 p.m. ET.
