(Logan, UT) - Nearly four years ago, president of the Nike brand and USU alumnus Charlie Denson started conversations with USU Athletics Director Scott Barnes about revamping the brand of USU.

After 17 years of what is known as the “U-State” logo, USU Athletics unveiled a new logo in a press conference Saturday. Nike revamped the USU image — which included an alternate uniform for 12 of the 16 Division I USU teams.

“I think it’s definitely an upgrade from last year,” USU senior running back Kerwynn Williams said. “Nike really did their thing and upgraded our jerseys real well. I’m glad that we have choices. Nobody will really know what we’ll come out with next — we just have a lot of different options we can do. I feel like Nike outdid themselves.”

Nike’s partnership with USU is a special opportunity, Barnes said.

“You need to understand that we are absolutely in rarified air,” he said. “Nike isn’t working with conferences. They are working with four or five of the elite schools in the country.”

Barnes also announced changes to Merlin Olsen Field at Romney Stadium and the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum. The stadium will receive new turf along with the new logos and a new jumbotron is currently being installed inside the Spectrum along with new logos.

Those changes are expected to be finished around July. Nike representatives — who were impressed with the USU student section during a home game against Idaho two seasons ago — decided to trademark the USU HURD with t-shirts and a new design.

About The HURD

The HURD is the student group that causes the mayhem in Romney Stadium and the Spectrum. They are students loud and proud to be a part of USU Athletics. The HURD is the largest club on campus and gives back to the community and society by participating in service projects around campus with the athletes of Utah State. Their goal is to support all University Athletic and Campus Recreation programs including; Football, Men's and Women's Basketball, Hockey, Women's and Men's Soccer, Volleyball, Lacrosse, Ultimate Frisbee, Gymnastics, and the Rugby Teams. The HURD is made of students who show up early and leave late.