Cougars Alternate Logo
The Houston Cougars have had a long and storied history in college sports, and their logo has been an important part of that. The current logo was adopted in 2011, but the team has had several alternate logos throughout its history. These alternate logos provide insight into how the team’s branding has evolved over time.
The first major change to the Houston Cougars' logo occurred in 1972 when they switched from their classic “Cougar Head” design to one featuring a cartoon-like cougar with sunglasses on his head and wearing an orange shirt with white stripes down each arm. This new look was intended to be more modern and fun than its predecessor—a move that proved popular among fans of all ages at the time. It remained unchanged until 1996 when it underwent another transformation; this time becoming much more realistic looking while still maintaining some elements of fun by adding stars around its ears as well as two large paw prints behind it on either side of a bold letter "H".
In 2009, after nearly 13 years without any changes being made to their primary or secondary marks, The University Of Houston decided once again that it was high time for something fresh: introducing yet another version that featured just a single paw print inside what looks like an abstract sunburst shape along with three distinct colors (red/white/blue) instead of two (orange & white). While this most recent iteration is quite different from those before it—and may not be everyone's favorite—it's certainly been successful so far given how often we've seen merchandise bearing these designs out there today!
2012 - Present
A sleek red modern looking cougar’s head inside a red oval circle. Designed by Joe Bosack
2012 - 2017
A sleek modern looking cougar’s head in red and blue inside a blue oval circle. Designed by Joe Bosack
2012 - 2017
Red interlocking beveled letters “UH” with white and red trim.
2012 - 2017
White interlocking beveled letters “UH” with white and red trim on a red background.
2003 - 2012
Red interlocking letters “UH” with blue and white trim and a cougars head growling.
2003 - 2012
A cougar’s head in red and blue with mouth wide open over the interlocked letters “UH” in red with white trim.
2003 - 2012
A cougar’s head in red and blue with mouth wide open.
2003 - 2010
A cougar’s head in a white with red and blue trim circle and a wordmark arched around the cougar “HOUSTON COUGARS” in red with blue trim.
2003 - 2010
A red paw with scratch marks.
2003 - 2010
A cougar’s head in red and blue with mouth wide open over a wordmark “HOUSTON” in red with blue and white trim.
1997 - 2000
Red interlocking letters “UH” with blue and white trim.
1996 - 2003
A red, white, and black front-facing cougar with red claw streaks behind.
1996 - 2003
A red paw with scratch marks.
1996 - 2003
A tan cougar standing on a wordmark “HOUSTON” in red with black formed background and “COUGARS” in red on a white banner.
1996 - 2003
A red and black cougar on the prowl.
1996 - 2003
Light brown and black cougar next to interlocked initials “UH” in red.
