The NFL and the Tennessee Titans have told the University of Houston to stop using the ‘Luv Ya Blue’ inspired jerseys that the Cougars donned in the Week 1 season opener against UTSA, sources confirm to Dave Campbells’ Texas Football. The newly minted Big 12 members honored their city by wearing the national colors of Houston, TX – baby blue and red. 

The Oilers left Houston after the 1996 season so that Bud Adams could find a city that would go in debt to build a brand-new stadium. He took the mascot – which they use about once a year to sell merchandise – and the colors. The University of Houston doesn’t believe it is breaking the copyright since nothing “Oilers” themed is on the jerseys. This fight comes down to colors and if the Cougars can brandish “Houston” on the front of jerseys designed in the same colors as the former hometown NFL team. 

Rice also used the ‘Luv Ya Blue’ color scheme in 2023 but they don’t appear to be included under the same trademark infraction, at least according to the NFL. One source tells me it could be for two reasons – one, the Owls put “Rice” on the front of the jerseys and two, the Oilers played at Rice Stadium as an AFL franchise from 1965 through 1967. 

The news was first reported by Joseph Duarte at the Houston Chronicle.