The Northern Iowa Panthers, representing the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) in Cedar Falls, are a dynamic force in NCAA Division I athletics. With 15 teams competing across various sports, they have earned recognition for their tenacity, especially in basketball and wrestling.

Meaning and History

Founded in 1895, the Panthers have cultivated a storied legacy intertwined with the evolution of collegiate sports in the U.S. Their remarkable performance in the 2010 NCAA basketball tournament, highlighted by an upset over top-seeded Kansas, remains a landmark moment. Similarly, their wrestling program boasts numerous All-American athletes and NCAA champions. These achievements underscore the Panthers’ enduring commitment to excellence, sportsmanship, and competitive spirit.

What Are the Northern Iowa Panthers?

The Northern Iowa Panthers symbolize resilience and dedication in collegiate athletics. They represent UNI in NCAA Division I competitions, showcasing standout performances in basketball, wrestling, and beyond. This legacy is built on cultivating elite athletes and fostering a culture of achievement and community pride.

Logo Evolution of the Northern Iowa Panthers

The Northern Iowa Panthers logo has undergone numerous transformations, reflecting the program's evolution and changing design trends.

1964 – 1967

The inaugural emblem featured a blue-and-purple anthropomorphic panther in athletic gear with “SCI” (State College of Iowa) emblazoned on its chest. The dynamic design depicted the mascot in motion.

1973 – 1976

In this iteration, the mascot adopted a more aggressive expression and faced the viewer. The design shifted to black and white, and the acronym changed to “UNI” (University of Northern Iowa).

1976 – 1983

This version retained the panther mascot but simplified its pose, making it appear as though the mascot was performing a playful dance.

1983 – 1986

A significant redesign introduced a bold, purple “UNI” acronym, complemented by a small, yellow panther crawling through the letter “U.”

1986 – 2000

This period featured a vertically-aligned, purple rectangle containing a stylized white panther face extending beyond the geometric bounds. The bottom of the rectangle displayed “Northern Iowa” in orange lettering.

2000 – 2001

The design shifted to interlocking letters, featuring “I” and “N” in this version.

2001 – 2002

An additional “U” was incorporated into the interlocking letters, representing “UNI.”

2002 – 2013

A bold redesign introduced a golden panther head with a purple outline beneath the acronym “UNI.”

2013 – 2014

This simplified logo removed the university’s full name, retaining the acronym and the iconic panther head.

2014 – 2021

A subtle update improved clarity and refined design elements, maintaining the emblem’s core identity.

2021 – Present

The current logo enhanced the yellow tones, replacing the previous orange accents, creating a more vibrant and cohesive aesthetic.

Northern Iowa Panthers Colors

The team’s colors—purple and gold—are vibrant and symbolic of their pride and excellence.

• Purple
  • Pantone: PMS 2617 C
  • HEX: #4B116F
  • RGB: (75, 17, 111)
  • CMYK: (79, 100, 0, 15)
• Gold
  • Pantone: PMS 124 C
  • HEX: #FFCC00
  • RGB: (255, 204, 0)
  • CMYK: (0, 27, 97, 0)

The Northern Iowa Panthers' rich history, vibrant colors, and evolving logos embody their legacy of resilience, competitiveness, and community spirit.