Knights Primary Logo
The Central Florida Knights have had a long and storied history, dating back to the mid-1960s. The school's primary logo has gone through several iterations over the years, each one reflecting the changing times and culture of UCF. From its original design to its current modern look, every version of UCF’s logo captures something unique about this historic university.
UCF first adopted a shield as its primary logo in 1965 when it was founded as Florida Technological University (FTU). The shield featured an orange knight on horseback with two swords crossed behind him and FTU written across his chest plate. This iconic image represented strength and courage for students at FTU during turbulent times in American history such as civil rights protests throughout college campuses nationwide.
In 1978, after becoming known simply as the University of Central Florida (UCF), they updated their official seal by adding more detail to represent aspects like knowledge or wisdom that are associated with higher education institutions such as universities or colleges. In addition, they changed up the colors from black & white outline drawing into full-color illustration featuring shades of blue & gold which is still used today. Over time, minor changes were made but overall it remains mostly unchanged since then. Today, many people recognize this classic symbol which represents not only UCFs strong academic tradition but also serves as a reminder for all those who wear it proudly that hard work pays off no matter what challenges life throws your way!
2017 - Present
Initials “UCF” in gold with white highlights on a formed black background arranged in a diagonal pattern.
Changed their color gold.
2012 - 2017
Initials “UCF” in gold with white highlights on a formed black background arranged in a diagonal pattern.
2007 - 2012
A gold and black knight holding a sword above gold with white highlight wordmark “UCF.”
2003 - 2007
A gold and black knight holding a white jousting pole cutting through the initials “UCF” in black and wordmark “GOLDEN KNIGHTS” in black.
1993 - 2003
A white and black knight holding a white jousting pole cutting through the initials “UCF” in gold and wordmark “KNIGHTS” in black.
1985 - 1993
Initials “UCF” in white with black trim on a state of Florida in gold with a white star.
1979 - 1985
A round logo in white with a black border that features a white and black Knight atop a kicking horse, with an arched wordmark “Fighting Knights” below in black.
1970 - 1979
A profile of a white and black knight head with a helmet was designed by Florida Technological University (FTU) employee and graphic artist Dorothy Cannon, who aligned the schools’ athletics mascot with the university seal, which prominently features a Pegasus, the winged horse of Greek mythology. It was in 1978 when Florida Technological University changed its name to the University of Central Florida.
