If college football fans know Western Kentucky—traditionally much more successful on the hardwood than the gridiron—for one thing, it’s for its unorthodox mascot.
The Muppet-like Big Red has been entertaining Hilltoppers fans since the 1979-80 men’s basketball season, and his profile has only increased since Western Kentucky jumped up to the FBS in 2009. Now, the creature ranks among the nation’s most beloved mascots, and is trumpeted as such on the university’s official website.
On Tuesday, the Hilltoppers will pay tribute to their beloved mascot with special helmets for their home game against Liberty. The helmets will include a different logo for each of seven position groups, depicting Big Red passing, running and playing other positions.
What's better than one Big Red?
Seven. pic.twitter.com/BM2UXFlRNo
— WKU Football (@WKUFootball) October 20, 2023
Western Kentucky revealed the helmets with a promotional video depicting Big Red showing off his skills in Houchen Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium, the Hilltoppers’ longtime home in Bowling Green, Ky.
With Western Kentucky’s 63-10 loss to Ohio State a month in the rearview mirror, it’s hard not to think of a potential mascot helmet-off between Big Red and Brutus Buckeye as a missed opportunity.
These Big Red helmets 🔥🔥
(via @WKUFootball) pic.twitter.com/76Nadzoh58
— SI College Football (@si_ncaafb) October 20, 2023
