New Mexico Football Brings Back Turquoise Look
This fall, New Mexico Football is bringing back turquoise, a color with roots that run deep in the state’s culture and the Lobos’ athletic tradition. More than just a design choice, turquoise represents life, resilience, and identity. When the Lobos take the field in their United in Turquoise uniforms, they’ll be wearing a symbol of who they are — for the past they honor, for the state they live in, and for the future they represent.
The story of turquoise at UNM is rich and layered. The Lobos’ earliest colors in the 1890s were black and gold, but those never truly captured the essence of New Mexico. It was Harriet Jenness, a faculty member who taught art, drama, and music, who suggested crimson and silver to better reflect the landscape. Crimson for the evening glow of the Sandia Mountains, and silver for the Rio Grande winding like a ribbon through the valley. Her vision stuck, and cherry and silver became the official identity of the Lobos.
In 1973, turquoise was officially added to the palette of school colors, and for six seasons the football team made it their own. The Lobos wore turquoise jerseys at home, creating one of the most iconic looks in program history before returning to cherry and silver in 1980. Their last game in turquoise came in a 17-3 win over Wyoming on November 24, 1979, marking the end of an era.
The color made a return in 2013 as an alternate accent, with UNM donning white jerseys with turquoise numbers and trim against Fresno State. The Lobos continued to wear turquoise accents once a season through 2022, while experimenting with other alternates like silver and anthracite along the way. Still, fans longed for a true revival of the original 1970s turquoise look.
Now, that wait is over. For the first time in over four decades, New Mexico Football will once again wear the turquoise jerseys in their full glory, honoring the past while uniting players and fans in the vibrant identity of the state.
It’s more than a uniform. It’s a connection to heritage. A reminder of resilience. And a celebration of New Mexico itself.
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