The Idaho Vandals are the athletic teams representing the University of Idaho, based in Moscow, Idaho. Known for their strong competitive spirit, the Vandals compete in a variety of sports, including football, basketball, and track and field. With over 15 varsity teams, the Vandals have built a reputation for excellence in collegiate athletics, particularly in the Big Sky Conference, where most of their teams compete, with the exception of the football team, which competes in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).

History of the Idaho Vandals Logo

The Idaho Vandals' logo has undergone several significant changes since its inception, reflecting both the evolution of the team and shifting cultural trends. Here’s a look at the key moments in the history of their logo:

1966: The First Vandal Logo

The first logo of the Idaho Vandals was introduced in 1966. It depicted the face of a bearded Vandal wearing a gold helmet. Next to the Vandal was the letter “I” with the word “Idaho” written inside it. This logo set the tone for the Vandals' identity, combining a fierce image with the state’s pride.

1973: A More Cheerful Vandal

In 1973, the logo was redrawn, marking a shift in tone. The Vandal’s face was made happier, with a more approachable expression, possibly reflecting the evolving nature of the team’s spirit and the broader cultural change in sports branding.

1983: Gender Inclusivity

The 1983 redesign was significant for introducing both male and female representations. The logo now featured the iconic bearded Vandal as well as the silhouette of a female face, symbolizing the university’s commitment to gender equality, particularly in light of Title IX regulations, which required schools to offer equal opportunities for women in sports.

1992: A Bold New Look

In 1992, the Vandals unveiled a completely new design, focusing on the letter “I” as the centerpiece of the logo. This large, yellow “I” was outlined in black, and the word “Vandals” was placed in white with a thinner black outline. The typeface used for “Vandals” was a playful, handwritten style, with the end of the “S” extending beneath the word to form a dynamic underline that connected with the "V."

2004: Updated Handwritten Font

By 2004, the Vandals updated their typography once again. The handwritten style remained, but the outline of the letters was bolded, which improved legibility. The updated logo retained the yellow and black color palette, keeping the Vandals’ identity consistent while enhancing its visual clarity.

Idaho Vandals Athletics

The Vandals' athletic teams have made a strong impact on the collegiate sports scene. Their most notable achievements have come from their football and basketball programs:

• Football: The Idaho Vandals football team was established in 1893 and has a rich history, competing in various conferences and winning several conference championships. The team has appeared in three bowl games, and in 2017, Idaho became the first FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) school to voluntarily drop to the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).
• Basketball: The Idaho Vandals men's basketball team has seen success, particularly in the 1962-63 and 1981-82 seasons, when they had their best showings. The women’s basketball team is also highly competitive within the Big Sky Conference.

Idaho Vandals Colors

The official colors of the Idaho Vandals reflect a combination of gold and black, with a touch of silver. These colors symbolize the university's pride and excellence in both academics and athletics:

• Athletic Gold:
  Pantone: PMS 4515
  HEX: #B3A369
  RGB: (179, 163, 105)
  CMYK: (13, 19, 62, 28)
• Academic Gold:
  Pantone: PMS 3514
  HEX: #EAAB00
  RGB: (234, 171, 0)
  CMYK: (0, 27, 100, 0)
• Metallic Gold:
  Pantone: PMS 871
  HEX: #86754D
  CMYK: (44, 45, 76, 17)
• Silver:
  Pantone: PMS 877
  HEX: #B3A369
  RGB: (128, 128, 128)
  CMYK: (0, 0, 0, 50)
• Black:
  Pantone: PMS Process Black
  HEX: #000000

Legacy and Identity

The Idaho Vandals are a respected name in college sports, with a proud tradition in both men's and women's athletics. The evolution of their logo reflects the shifting attitudes toward inclusivity and the desire to present a bold, forward-thinking identity. Today, the Idaho Vandals continue to strive for excellence in sports while staying true to their historical roots, representing the University of Idaho with pride and tenacity.