Kentucky’s Iconic Denim Uniforms Are Back - Just in Time for a Bluegrass Showdown
For fans of Kentucky basketball, few things spark nostalgia quite like the denim uniforms that defined the swagger and dominance of the 1996 national championship team. And now, nearly three decades later, the Wildcats are bringing them back - not against Rick Pitino and St. John’s like many expected, but for something that might be even more fitting: a Saturday showdown at Rupp Arena against the Tennessee Volunteers.
Let’s rewind for a second. When Kentucky faced off against Pitino’s Red Storm in the CBS Sports Classic, the timing felt perfect for a throwback.
The student (Mark Pope) coaching against the master (Pitino), with former teammates like Derek Anderson, Jeff Sheppard, and Jared Prickett in the building - it had all the makings of a full-circle moment. And with the 30th anniversary of that legendary '96 team looming, fans were buzzing about a potential denim debut.
But when the Wildcats hit the floor, they were in their classic home whites. No denim in sight - just that familiar “Kentucky” across the chest, which, let’s be honest, is always a statement on its own.
Leading up to that game, Pope was coy when asked about the denim possibilities. He danced around the question - literally, in his words - citing contractual obligations with Nike.
“I gotta leave that one up to suspense,” he said. “I’m contractually obligated by Nike to continue to dance on that.”
Turns out, the dance was worth it.
On Christmas morning, Big Blue Nation got a gift wrapped in nostalgia. UK Athletics dropped the official announcement: the denim uniforms are coming back.
Almost 30 years to the day since they first hit the hardwood (Feb. 11, 1996), they’ll make their return on Feb. 7, 2026.
The timing? Impeccable.
The vibes? Immaculate.
And while they didn’t make their return against Pitino, they’ll get their moment in a marquee SEC matchup - Kentucky denim vs. Tennessee orange. That’s a color clash with history, rivalry, and style all rolled into one.
Pope, who wore the denim himself back in the day - and put up a solid 27 points and 22 rebounds in his first two games in the look - has been pushing for this return all season. But as he explained this week, it wasn’t as simple as placing an order and waiting for delivery.
“Well, I was trying to push it earlier in the season, but you would be surprised at how complicated it is to roll something out like this,” Pope said. “There are, like, a thousand different pieces. Huge kudos to (UK Associate Director of Equipment) Mark Evans and the whole crew at Nike for getting this to come to pass.”
This wasn’t a last-minute idea. It’s been in the works for a year and a half - a long runway for a short pair of shorts, but one that shows just how much care went into getting it right.
And for Pope, it’s not just about the look - it’s about honoring a group that left a permanent mark on the program. The denim represents more than just fabric; it’s a symbol of a team that reached the mountaintop and did it with style.
“I think it’ll be a really special time to honor that group and honor the rich tradition of Kentucky basketball,” Pope said. “I think it’ll be fun.
We just found a great game in conference - which is not hard to do because they’re all great. So, it’ll be fun.
Good timing.”
So circle the date. Feb.
7, 2026. Rupp Arena.
Kentucky in denim. Tennessee in orange.
It’s more than a game - it’s a celebration of legacy, tradition, and the kind of basketball history only a place like Lexington can serve up.
And yes, the denim is back. And it’s still as bold as ever.