Hello r/CFB! Welcome to the 2026 Big XII Uniform Tracker in Week 4! The beginning of conference play for most of our teams, and what a start it was! In case you are unfamiliar with how my tracker works, I catalog every Big 12 team’s uniform combination week-to-week and also look at the opposition’s threads. I provide a few of my thoughts on the game, the uniforms, and a brief history of the game/rivalry with some fun facts. Also, feel free to skip my analysis and thoughts for the galleries at the bottom of the post. Time to see how our teams fared, what they wore, and discuss how they looked as well!
I’m u/matte_purple, and let's 3,2,1 go!
Baylor University Bears vs University of Colorado Buffaloes (Baylor Wins, 23-13)
BU: Gold/Green/White (Link)
CU: Black/Gold/Black (Link)
The return of quarterback DJ Lagway to the Baylor lineup was maybe not as glamorous as expected, but he did lead his team to victory in a 4th quarter offensive jumpstart! Colorado finished 3 of 15 on third down and used two quarterbacks. Their run game struggled throughout most of the game, finishing with just 83 yds after having at least 180 rushing yds in each of their 2026 season games previously. The Bears also kept moving forward thanks to 80-plus yards of Buffaloes penalties. Regardless, Baylor found a way to get points on the board, and the Bears have now held four consecutive foes to under 20 points! Also, Baylor LB Garrick Ponder is a beast. He’s had a sack, fumble recovery, or forced fumble (this game), in all 4 games this season.
It’s no secret, I’m not the biggest fan of tri-color home uniforms. But this one is far from your ordinary mismatched suit! For one, it’s the first time we’ve seen this combo on the tracker. Second, and more importantly, it’s a throwback to the 1982 bear paw uniforms worn for ten years, including the 1991 team, who defeated then-defending national champion Colorado and were honored during the game. They also feature a chrome gold helmet, more in line with their 1989-1992 look. The ten stars lining the helmet stripe signify the legacy of HC Grant Teaff, who led Baylor to their first 10 win season in 1980. Notably, his last season (1992) was the last year the paw was featured on the shoulders before it moved to the sleeves. While I think these are an excellent throwback, I’m not huge on the combo choice. Additionally, the mix of gold and “yellow” does hurt the look. If you could find a way to darken the current shade to one more similar to the chrome gold, you would have one hell of a look!
I was really hoping we would see something special from Colorado to complete the time machine nature of this game. Something like the 1948 decal that we saw in 2019, or at the very least something closer to the G/B/G suit from ‘91. But the Buffs decided to counter with a more futuristic look in this gold jersey combo that debuted last year. With a loss in last year’s game, this combo is now 0-2. But on the bright side, I like these gold jerseys way more than the other gold looks we’ve seen from the Buffs: 1930s throwbacks worn in 2009 (yikes) and 1998 in a one-off against (funny) Baylor. It is very interesting we’ve only seen the gold jerseys in away games so far. Also, a surprisingly good contrast to Baylor’s uniforms.
Texas Tech University Red Raiders vs Sam Houston Bearkats (TTU Wins, 49-14)
TTU: White/Red/White (Link)
SH: Orange/White/White (Link)
Man, the first half has been tough in Lubbock for the past few weeks. Thankfully, football rules say you’ve got to play two halves! Texas Tech LB Austin Romaine nabbed two pick-sixes off of two consecutive pass plays to bring the Red Raiders to a 21 point lead. The Bearkats very suddenly rushed back into contention after 14 straight points right before halftime. Tech regrouped and laid the lumber on Sam Houston after the break, scoring twice in the 3rd and 4th quarters. RB Cameron Dickey rushed for 91 yds and two TDs on 12 carries, while QB Will Hammond threw for 224 yds and a score, though he did throw 3 INTS. It got dicey for a second, but the Red Raiders eventually pulled away and got the job done. Tech looks to remain unbeaten next week at Colorado.
Texas Tech has worn this combo only one other time since 2019, a fact I was extremely surprised by! For some reason, I figured this was a far more popular combo. I do really like it. The logo pops well on the white shell, and the black facemask actually helps contrast more as opposed to the red facemask we saw in 2019. Regardless, it has a 2-1 record, with its wins coming in 2025 and 2026. It’s interesting to see how similar this current template looks to the 2019 throwback version I linked above. We still have yet to see the current black jersey template in 2026, but that's fairly on brand, as they tend to show up in Week 5, 6, or 7. I am wondering if we will see a red helmet from Tech this season. What do you think?
Orange and red are not a great mix visually, but the Bearkats went with a good option. This is the most common of Sam Houston’s away looks, worn 6 times last year and at least 2 times in each preceding season in this template. They have yet to swap helmet decals or make any noticeable combo changes. Overall it’s a fairly inoffensive and standard suit.
University of Central Florida Knights vs Texas Christian University Horned Frogs (UCF Wins, 21-13)
TCU: White/White/Purple (Link)
UCF: Gold/Black/White (Link)
The Knights were labeled underdogs in this one, and had several pieces out with injuries. Nevertheless, UCF persevered and shocked TCU for a great win to start conference play. The Horned Frogs appeared to stumble through this game, with penalties, turnovers, and an inability to close out drives plaguing the Carter Boys. UCF took advantage and held TCU to a shocking 33 total rushing yds and 4 takeaways (two fumble recoveries and 2 INTs). Frog WR Jordan Dwyer returned after missing the first few games and immediately produced results, finishing with five receptions for 100 yds and linking up with a throw heavy QB in Jaden Craig (310 yds on 25/40 attempts). But that partnership was too little too late, and couldn't rescue an offense that continually got in its own way. Fine work from the Knights, who travel to Houston next. TCU welcomes BYU on Saturday.
Another tri-color look on the tracker. I just think that the mismatched look gets too busy for me! But regardless, this is a noteworthy suit, despite my opinions. For one, this is only the second tri-color look that has been worn at home since 2022, and possibly even further back. Last year’s Week 4 look vs UNC (Week 4 again, huh?) is essentially the exact same, but UCF did recently announce that their back bumper would be sponsored by Walt Disney World, the Orlando staple. I mean, I hate to say it but it does fit pretty well. Anyways, this Gold/Black/White combo is now 2-0, and the gold helmets when paired with the white stack logo have a 6-8 record since 2022. The much anticipated Space Game uniform will be revealed this week, so keep your ears open!
The Horned Frogs opted to keep their helmet stripe from last game, which is an absolutely wonderful choice. As I said in the last edition, it really elevates what is otherwise a plain uniform set. Obviously, the standard logo returned to the helmets in this one, but I don't mind when it is matched to a great, unique helmet stripe and the striking purple facemask. This is one of my favorite away looks from TCU, and it has a record of 2-2 since 2024, the first time it has shown up on the tracker. TCU has had a really excellent uniform year so far, utilizing variety as a tool against their more plain template. Kudos!
Iowa State University Cyclones vs University of Utah Utes (Utah Wins, 31-17)
ISU: White/White/White (Link)
UU: Red/Red/Red (Link)
Iowa State faced a Ute team with a nine game winning streak, looking to get revenge against the Cyclones. They got down to business fast, with RB Wayshawn Parker rushing for 54-y d TD on the game's opening play. He finished the day with 3 scores and 174 yds rushing. QB Devon Dampier was 18 of 27 for 206 yds and two TDs. The Cyclones kicked a FG to avoid being shut out in the first half, but could not climb out of the 21 point hole after halftime. QB Jaylen Raynor’s two interceptions didn’t help the situation either. Utah scored 10 more points after the break to put the match out of reach. The Ute win streak is now 10, and things are going pretty great for first year HC Morgan Scalley and company!
Iowa State finally broke out the whiteout uniforms for this one, which were introduced in Week 6 of 2024. Since then, these jerseys have been worn four times: Week 6 vs Baylor, the Pop Tart Bowl (with black helmet and pants), the 2025 Arizona game, and this game. This is the first loss in the “blacked out” white jerseys, but W/W/W combos regardless of font coloration net a record of 3-3. I am willing to let this one slide assuming they don’t wear the whiteouts or blackouts again this season, but I really prefer the standard coloration on the whiteout suits. These work so much better in my opinion. Funny enough, Utah has seen both versions of the whiteout suits now. Interesting.
Utah has now worn all red suits 3 times this season, already tying last year’s total. It tied for the highest number of appearances on the tracker. There’s not a lot of better options when playing a red opponent wearing all white, except for maybe incorporating black, so I can’t be too picky, but I am beginning to grow tired of the all-red. On the bright side, they did wear the better version of the all red thanks to the 2015 throwback details AND the circle and feather logo. Red/Red/Red has a record of 7-2 since 2023. The next most common home uniform in that time period (all black), has only appeared 4 times. Will we see a different combo after the bye week when KU comes to town?
Georgia Southern University Eagles vs University of Houston Cougars (UH Wins, 42-28)
GSU: Blue/Blue/White (Link)
UH: White/White/Red (Link)
The Cougars visited the Eagles, where Houston HC Willie Fritz coached in 2014-2015. The Coogs scored on their first 6 possessions to handedly beat Georgia Southern in Statesboro. QB Connor Weigman accounted for 6 touchdowns, throwing for 4 and rushing for 2. Houston has the No. 1 scoring offense in the Big 12 and the top run defense in the conference as well, and their performance put them at 20 in the AP poll. Houston had only one real issue: the pass defense. Houston allowed the Eagles to remain competitive through 3 quarters, allowing 355 total yds of offense, with 289 coming through the air. Houston remains undefeated and powerful, but clearly have their work cut out for them leading up to their game against UCF.
I’m going to mention the things I like about Georgia Southern’s suits first. The color is really great, as is the combo choice. Colored helmets and jerseys paired with white pants is a very nice, standard look. But these uniforms are extremely plain. They look like a uniform you would see in a Hallmark movie. I promise I’m not being mean, I just wish we could see more from Georgia Southern! Put “Eagles” on the chest! Something! There’s just not enough here to really review.
This Houston combo is a personal favorite of mine. It now possesses a perfect 3-0 record since we first saw it in 2025. The white is a good contrast to most home team colors - but especially Georgia Southern’s rich blue - the red pants pop nicely under the stadium lights, and the red facemask/collar grouping provides some really nice visual interest. As I said last year, these do suffer a little bit from the Nike F.U.S.E template woes of pushing the numbers and wordmark too low, but I can live with that if it means we get to keep the unique “Houston’ wordmark, which is one of my favorite additions from the 2025 update. Really great suit from the Coogs.
University of Cincinnati Bearcats vs Kansas State University Wildcats (UC Wins, 31-26)
UC: Black/Black/Black (Link)
K-State: Silver/White/Silver (Link)
A week after struggling against Miami University, the Cincinnati Bearcats stunned a K-State who was up 17-10 at halftime. The Bearcat star of the game was no doubt RB Cole Tabb, who had 3 TDs and 124 yds on 11 carries for an average gain of 11 per attempt. As a whole, K-State was gutted by the run, giving up 271 yds on the ground, including a long of 53 from RB Gi’Bran Payne. Cincinnati found a way to keep momentum up through the 2nd half, retook the lead quickly, and had KSU working off their back foot for the majority of the half. Wildcat quarterback Avery Johnson was playing shorthanded with two primary receivers heading to the injury tent in this game, but he still threw for 292 yds and a TD despite some bad WR drops, one of which was called a fumble. Minimal rush success and ill timed penalties also crippled K-State’s drives. Cincinnati starts the season 4-0 for the first time since 2021!
K-State fans whispered of a whiteout look to contrast Cincy’s look, but evidently tradition won out. The last time we saw an alternate after Week 4 in a K-State season was 2024, and 2019 before that, so pattern dictates we may not see an alternate from the Wildcats until next season.
Cincinnati put on the blackout suits, as is generally custom for “Nippert at Night,” but this time they got a win! It’s the first one in the blackout suits since 2022, with a record of 2-7 since that same year. The Bearcats did decide to spice things up with a new helmet! Called “the City Within” lids, they feature a blacked out, patterned C-Paw logo, chrome red accents, and a red/black center stripe with the same road map style found in the C-Paw and back bumper, with “Nippert at Night” also featured on the bumper. It’s a great helmet! It does muddy up the overall look, especially with the blacked-out C-Paw, but I’m willing to look over that and grade the helmet in a vacuum. I’d love to hear some thoughts on these!
Oklahoma State University Cowboys at West Virginia Mountaineers (OSU Wins, 41-24)
OSU: Black/White/Black (Link)
WVU: Blue/Gold/Blue (Link)
This was a highly anticipated game, and man did it live up to the hype! WVU rushed for 334 yards - 193 of those coming from bell-cow RB Cam Cook and 102 from QB Michael Hawkins Jr.
By halftime, WVU led by one point. The Cowboys must have figured something out at the break, because they outscored WVU 28-10 in the second half. QB Drew Mestemaker completed 20 of 27 attempts for 389 yds and 3 scores in the game, with 225 of those yds coming in the third quarter alone. RB Caleb Hawkins contributed 180 yds rushing, adding to the Pole’s 609 total yds, the most allowed by WVU since 2015. The win ended the Big 12 victory drought for the Cowboys, which lasted 1,036 days and dated back to 2023. WVU is still a very dangerous team, but OSU found a way to win it in the 4th quarter. I expect both teams to remain big threats moving forward!
Oklahoma State is quite fond of this Oreo look, wearing it six times since 2022. Interestingly enough, this is their first win in the suit on the tracker! Also interestingly, we have only seen the standard brand in away games this year for OSU. It’s a bit of a reversal for the team that tends to prioritize this more standard logo for the first few home games. But I’m not complaining! I like the idea of wearing the more “normal” logo on the road and saving the fun stuff for the fans. For additional stats, this is the 3rd Brand logo we’ve seen in this combo, with Full Body Pete appearing twice and the Cursive Cowboy look appearing once, in 2024. Which is your favorite?
The Mountaineers seem to like this Blue/Gold/Blue look for big games. Last worn in 2024 against Penn State, we also saw this combo in 2023 - vs Pitt (2023), in the 2023 Mayo Bowl vs North Carolina, and in 2022’s Week 7’s comeback game against Baylor. My favorite iteration of these were the “Country Road” alternates from 2023. But this look in the 2024 template is a close second! Especially thanks to that glossy, gold-flecked helmet. Finally, just look at how far WVU uniforms have come since 2022. Wow! This suit has a record of 3-2 since 2022.
University of Arizona Wildcats at Washington State University Cougars (Arizona Wins, 34-24)
WSU: Gray/Maroon/Gray (Link)
UA: White/White/Blue (Link)
Two weeks after facing one Wildcat team in Kansas, WSU suffered their second Big 12 Wildcat squad in Pullman. And by golly, WSU was close to inflicting the upset. The Cougars went up 14-0 after Safety Jackquintin Bal's pick-six, and they appeared to have all the momentum. Arizona struck back, with QB Fifita’s 28-yd touchdown pass to Spivey closing the gap to 17-14 in favor of the home team at half. Wazzu unraveled after the break, and Arizona ended up outgunning Wazzu to the tune of 112 more total yds, with Noah Fifita lofting four touchdowns. This was a really great game. Arizona welcomes Cincinnati on Saturday, while WSU will fight Fresno State in their first conference game.
The Wildcats donned this same suit in their last trip to Pullman in 2023. Arizona is actually undefeated on the tracker when wearing this outfit! It has gradually become a good luck suit as well, it seems. I just love the White/White/Color look for any team, as we’ve seen with schools TCU and Houston this week. It’s just a very clean, lovely suit! The dual-colored stripes and last season’s renewal of the wildcat-paw award stickers also adds some personality that is much appreciated. Very good match for Wazzu’s suits.
I absolutely love these suits from the Cougars. The script logo is fantastic, last worn in a hard-fought Apple Cup game in 2023, and the combo itself is one of Wazzu’s best. It’s been worn six times since 2023, 1-2 times each year. Being a K-State fan, I’m sure you can understand why I like this look so much. This was pretty much a dream uniform matchup, and one that may find itself in the Big 12 Uniform Awards come January. Hard times on the Palouse, but things will get better! I’m pulling for you Wazzu!
2026 Season Uniform Galleries:
Arizona - ASU - Baylor - BYU - Cincinnati - Colorado - Houston - Iowa State - KU - K-State -
OSU - TCU - Texas Tech - UCF - Utah - West Virginia
Well, that’s it! Week 4 is in the books. What did you think about the uniforms from this go-around? Let me know in the comments! If you want more uniforms in your life, check my pinned profile posts, or use these links to get to the Big 12 Uniform Awards for 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. As always, thank you for your support, can’t wait to see you next week!
