BYU is bringing a fresh look to its Big 12 opener.
When the Cougars host Arizona on Saturday at LaVell Edwards Stadium, they’ll be back in a combination they haven’t used since the white facemask first showed up against Boise State in 2022: an all-white helmet and facemask with a royal blue stretch Y on the lid, paired with a royal blue jersey and royal blue pants.
It’s a slight tweak for BYU’s uniform watchers, but one that stands out because the Cougars have worn that same helmet in recent home games with different pants. Against Oklahoma in 2023, Oklahoma State in 2024 and Stanford in 2025, BYU used the white helmet and facemask, but matched it with white pants instead.
BYU football posted the look ahead of the game, calling it “week two threads” and showing off the all-white helmet with the royal blue set.
The matchup itself carries plenty of attention as league play opens. BYU has won five straight against Arizona, including the last two meetings since both teams entered the Big 12.
The Cougars’ uniform history over the last few seasons has been a steady mix of royal blue, white and occasional alternate looks. In 2025, BYU has already worn a navy blue helmet with a white facemask and navy blue uniform against Portland State, a white helmet with royal blue decals against Stanford, an all-white set at Colorado, all-Royal Blue against Utah, and an all-white helmet and facemask with royal blue decals for the Big 12 Championship against Texas Tech. The season also included royal blue helmets with both white and royal blue facemasks, plus the special Georgia Tech Pop-Tarts Bowl look with sprinkle stripes and bumpers.
In 2024, BYU leaned into a similar rotation, from a royal blue helmet and uniform against Southern Illinois to throwback 1996 uniforms against Kansas State, an all-white set at Baylor, and all-Royal Blue at Utah. The Cougars also wore a traditional royal blue jersey and white pants against Arizona, white helmets with different facemask combinations against Oklahoma State and Arizona State, and an all-white look with royal blue trimmings in the bowl game against Colorado.
The 2023 season featured its own range of combinations, including a royal helmet and white facemask against Sam Houston, all-white with navy trim at Kansas, Royal Rush against Cincinnati, a traditional white helmet and royal blue pants look at TCU, and the Blackout against Iowa State. BYU also wore white helmets with white facemasks against Oklahoma and the Royal Sitake set at Oklahoma State.
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BYU's Arizona Rotations Suddenly Come With Two Big Concerns
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Legend Glasker appears headed for a bigger role, but the more immediate concern is how BYU covers for the losses and limitations that showed up in that game. Sione Moa left early because of injury, and Nusi Taumoepeau was on a limited snap count, which only adds to the pressure on the Cougars rotation at a time when they need dependable bodies on both sides of the ball. On defense, the challenge is especially clear: BYU needs enough push from the line to bother the quarterback without having to lean too hard on blitzing. [Read more 🡒]
BYU Fans Will Love Who's Behind Saturday's Pregame Flyover
A familiar show of pageantry is coming to LaVell Edwards Stadium on Saturday, and this one carries a personal connection for Jimmy Winegardner. The BYU graduate and KC-135 pilot is set to handle the pregame flyover before the national anthem at the BYU-Arizona game, with kickoff slated for 1:30 p.m. MDT, adding a little extra buzz to a matchup already carrying plenty of interest.
For Winegardner, the moment has been years in the making, a chance to combine his military role with a place that still matters to him. The KC-135 crew will spend time on training flights around Utah Valley before approaching the stadium from the south, and for BYU fans, it should be a memorable arrival even before the first snap. [Read more 🡒]
BYU's Arizona Test Could Raise The Stakes Around Kalani Sitake
BYU heads into its game against Arizona with more than a conference test hanging over the night, even as fans are being urged to turn LaVell Edwards Stadium into a blue-and-white Stripe Out. The matchup offers another chance for the Cougars to show they can handle a meaningful early-season check, but it also comes with a familiar backdrop around the program: a coach who has kept the team competitive while navigating a school and sport in transition.
Kalani Sitakes future at BYU remains a live conversation because of the way he has spoken publicly about resources and support, especially after recent administrative changes around the program. In a college football landscape that keeps shifting under everyones feet, the Arizona game feels like more than a standalone date on the schedule, since performances like this can quietly shape how loudly those bigger questions get asked in the weeks that follow. [Read more 🡒]