ORLANDO – UCF Athletics revealed its updated secondary logo Wednesday, introducing a new look to the brand as the university prepares to enter a new era of UCF Athletics in the Big 12 Conference. It is a culmination of a six-month process to bring the new Knighthead logo to life.
"We wanted to pump some life and attitude into the Knighthead logo by modernizing the already existing look," says Jimmy Skiles, associate athletics director for brand advancement.
The logo was designed in-house by the UCF Athletics #content design team, which includes director of #brand design Emma Schneider, #content designer Sahid Alpizar, and #content designer Josh Brdicko.
"Overall, the new Knighthead logo is more expressive, with a straight-on aggressive stare and new intimidating eyes," Schneider says. "We reference the University's connections to the space program and the university motto, 'Reach for the Stars' with the Polaris star in the center chest, and subtly in the shape of the shoulders.
"Many of the Knighthead logo's original characteristics still remain," Schneider continues. "The hair, the upper helmet, and the grills within the facemask are all still there, making it not necessarily a brand-new Knighthead logo, but an updated version that looks more focused and determined."
The new Knighthead secondary logo is being released now to impact retail orders for fall 2022. Merchandise with the new Knighthead logo will be introduced as supply chains allow throughout the winter and spring as the current Knighthead logo is phased out this academic year.
The UCF Brand Identity consists of the primary UCF stacked logo, this new secondary Knighthead logo, as well as the Knights and Script Knights word marks.