5. The University of Northern Kentucky

They adopted the “Norsemen” nickname in 1971, when the then–Northern Kentucky State College launched its athletic program. The logo is simple and sleek, featuring only a black-and-white color combination, its classic and I’m a fan. Fun fact; The nickname “Norsemen” was chosen through a newspaper competition. I’m putting NKU’s vintage logo at the number five spot.

4. Murray State University

Coach Porta’s alma mater, home of the Mustangs from Murray, Kentucky, takes the number four spot for me. The MSU logo features a rather upset-looking mustang wearing an MSU (Murray State University) sweater in the iconic navy and gold, with the “M” for Murray State in the background.

3. The University of Louisville

Their first logo, debuted in 1953, shows an angry cardinal perched atop the Louisville “L.” This logo influenced the Cardinals for years to come—especially the 1978–2000 Louisville Cardinals logo, which is arguably one of the best in college sports history. However, this original logo feels a little underwhelming in my opinion and doesn’t intimidate me in the slightest, which I believe is a key factor in a great logo.

2. Eastern Kentucky University

The Colonels logo debuted in 1968, marking the transition from the school’s former nickname, the “Maroons,” to the “Colonels.” The logo features a drawing of Colonel Harland Sanders, the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken, still wearing the school’s signature maroon jacket. In the design, the Colonel is tipping his cap and raising his cane in the air—a detail that I think makes the logo especially cool, and that’s why I put them at the number two spot.

1. University of Kentucky 

Here comes the big dogs of logos—or should I say cats? As a Kentucky Wildcats fan, I show no bias when saying this original logo is much better than the original Louisville logo. It has the perfect amount of blue and white, I personally love the blue tint, and I love how the wildcat is pouncing straight toward its prey. This is, without a doubt, the best vintage college logo in the state of Kentucky.