After receiving a cease-and-desist letter from the NFL and Tennessee Titans in 2023, the Houston Cougars doubled down on their use of the classic colors most often associated with the Houston Oilers when they introduced “Houston Blue” alternate football and volleyball uniforms last fall.

“As a university deeply connected to the fabric of Houston, incorporating ‘Houston Blue’ into our uniforms is a powerful way to celebrate the city’s rich history,” athletic director Eddie Nuñez said in a statement. “From iconic blue street markers to the Houston Police Department’s signature blue police cars and helicopters, this color holds a special place in the hearts of Houstonians.”

The Cougars revealed they’ll wear the uniforms in at least one game each season against an in-state opponent, with the volleyball team debuting them in a 3-0 loss to Texas Tech on Nov. 9 and the football program wearing an updated design devoid of Oilers-inspired stripes in a 20-10 loss to Baylor on Nov. 23.

Meanwhile, the men’s basketball team joined the fun this week when they announced they’ll break out their own “Houston Blue” alternate uniforms for the first time when they host the Red Raiders on Feb. 1, with tipoff of that game set for 6 p.m. ET on ESPN2.

Like their football and volleyball counterparts, the light blue Jordan Brand uniforms are rather simple with a white script “Houston” wordmark outlined in red across the chest and matching numbers. The shorts also have a white star on the waistband.

The Cougars, who are 15-3 overall this season and 7-0 in Big XII play, hit the road for games at Kansas on Saturday and West Virginia on Wednesday before returning home for the debut of the “Houston Blue” uniforms, with fans also being asked to wear light blue that evening.

Photo courtesy of @UHCougarMBK on X/Twitter.