When Sam Houston State made the leap from the FCS to Conference USA, a lot of folks were focused on the schedule. Would the Bearkats hold their own against the big boys? Could Bowers Stadium handle the traffic? But for the die-hards, the question was much simpler: what are the guys going to look like?
Honestly, Sam Houston football uniforms have undergone a massive identity shift over the last few years. It wasn't just about moving up a division; it was about a total brand overhaul that coincided with a major apparel switch. If you haven't been paying close attention to the threads in Huntsville lately, you’ve missed a pretty fascinating transformation.
The Under Armour Era and the Great Rebrand
For a long time, the Bearkats had a look that felt, well, a bit dated. The old "SH" logo had a blue outline that made things look cluttered. It was hard to print on certain materials, and basically, it didn't pop on the field. In 2020, the university decided it was time for a facelift. They ditched the navy blue accents for the most part and leaned hard into a deeper, richer orange.
This wasn't just a color swap. It was a strategic move to coincide with their new partnership with Under Armour.
The current primary logo—that sleek "SH" with the paw in the middle—is designed to be visible from the back row of the stands. No more weird outlines. Just clean, aggressive lines. Under Armour brought in their high-performance templates, which meant the jerseys finally looked as fast as the players on the field.
💡 You might also like: Jake Ehlinger Sign: The Real Story Behind the College GameDay Controversy
Why the Colors Matter Now
In the old days, you'd see orange, white, and blue. Now? It’s basically all about the Orange and White, with some "Dark Grey" and "Black" thrown in for the "alt" games. The school's official palette is built around PMS 021 C, which is a vibrant, neon-adjacent orange that basically screams "Texas football."
Breaking Down the Current Kit
If you watch a game at Bowers today, you're going to see a rotation that feels much more "big time" than the sets they wore during the national championship run in 2020.
- The Home Orange: This is the bread and butter. It’s an orange jersey with white numbers. One of the cooler details is the paw print on the shoulders. It’s a subtle nod to the mascot without being over-the-top.
- The Stormtrooper Look: Fans love the all-whites. White helmet, white jersey, white pants. It’s a classic look for road games, especially when they play in the heat of a September afternoon in El Paso or Ruston.
- The "Blackout" Alternates: Every school does them now, but Sam Houston’s black uniforms actually look sharp because the orange pops so well against the dark fabric. They usually save these for the big mid-week "CUSA-tion" games that get national TV airtime.
The helmets have seen the most variety. We've seen the traditional orange lid with the white SH, but lately, they've experimented with white helmets and even a matte finish that looks incredible under the lights. The "KATS" script on the front bumper and "SAM HOUSTON" on the back are the small touches that make the gear feel premium.
The Move to FBS and the "Chrome" Craze
Transitioning to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) meant Sam Houston had to step up their recruiting game. And let's be real—18-year-old recruits care about the drip.
📖 Related: What Really Happened With Nick Chubb: The Injury, The Recovery, and The Houston Twist
One of the most talked-about updates for the 2024 and 2025 seasons has been the refinement of the metallic finishes. While some schools go for full-blown chrome helmets that look like mirrors, Sam Houston has kept it a bit more "collegiate traditional." They use a metallic flake in the orange paint that catches the sun just right.
It’s interesting to note that while the move to Conference USA brought more money, the team didn't go crazy with 50 different combinations like Oregon. They’ve kept a core identity. You know it's the Bearkats the second they walk out of the tunnel.
Real-World Performance vs. Aesthetics
The players aren't just wearing these because they look cool. The Under Armour fabric is the "ArmourGrid" tech, which is designed to be nearly impossible for defenders to grab. It’s tight. Like, really tight. If you’ve ever seen a lineman trying to put one of these on in the locker room, it’s a two-person job.
But that's the point. Less fabric for a defender to hold onto means a half-step advantage for a running back.
👉 See also: Men's Sophie Cunningham Jersey: Why This Specific Kit is Selling Out Everywhere
Common Misconceptions
A lot of people think the Bearkats still use blue because of the old logos. They don't. If you see a blue-trimmed Sam Houston jersey at a thrift store, it’s a relic. The "New Era" is strictly Orange, White, and Grey/Black. Another thing—some fans get frustrated that the "Walking Sammy" logo isn't on the helmets. While that logo is back for merchandising (and it looks awesome on a hat), the athletic department has stuck with the SH paw for the actual football helmets to maintain a "power" look.
How to Get the Look
If you're a fan looking to gear up, there's a difference between what the players wear and what you buy at the bookstore. The "authentic" jerseys sold to the public are usually the Under Armour replica line. They have the screen-printed numbers rather than the stitched tackle twill the players use.
- Pro Tip: Look for the "HeatGear" versions. Huntsville is humid. If you're wearing a heavy polyester jersey to a 2:00 PM kickoff in October, you're going to regret it by the second quarter.
The university just launched the Competitive Excellence Fund in early 2026, which is basically their way of navigating the new NIL landscape. Part of that involves more licensed apparel than ever before. We’re starting to see more player-specific jerseys where a portion of the sale goes directly to the athlete. It’s a brave new world.
What’s Next for the Bearkat Brand?
Looking ahead, expect to see even more experimentation with the "Grey" sets. There was some pushback from traditionalists when the grey was first introduced—some called it a "downgrade" compared to the old-school white—but it’s grown on the younger fan base. It provides a neutral base that makes the orange "SH" look neon.
Sam Houston is no longer the "little school from Huntsville" that wears whatever is on the clearance rack. They have a cohesive, professional brand that rivals any mid-major in the country. Whether they are playing under the Wednesday night lights or a Saturday afternoon sun, the sam houston football uniforms are now a key part of their recruiting pitch and their identity in the FBS.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Collectors:
- Check the Tags: If you are buying "authentic" gear, ensure it features the Under Armour "HeatGear" or "Threadborne" technology to ensure you aren't buying a cheap knockoff.
- Size Up: Under Armour's "Fitted" and "Compression" lines run small. If you want to wear a hoodie under your jersey for those rare cold Texas nights, go one size larger than your t-shirt size.
- Watch the Bumpers: If you’re a helmet collector, the 2024-2025 models are the first to consistently feature the 3D-molded "KATS" and "SAM HOUSTON" bumpers. These are the "holy grail" for local memorabilia seekers.