Players had been asking for it. They begged, pleaded and implored. They wanted a new uniform and helmet.

Through Mike Kramer’s first three seasons, the Bengals sported the same look. A white helmet with an orange and black stripe down the middle and an I intercrossed with an S on each side. Below that, a black top for home games, a white top for away games and either black or white pants.

It’s a classic look for the Bengals. Kramer likes it. If it was his choice, they would have two sets of uniforms. One for home games, one for away and the styles would never vary.

“I don’t see the Yankees changing their uniform,” Kramer said. “The Giants have played in the same uniform for a very long time and they’ve won a couple world championships.”

But in the world of college football, just about everyone is branching out when it comes to uniforms. The University of Oregon is famous for wearing outlandish colors and combinations, but the Ducks are just the start.

In the Big Sky Conference, Montana, Eastern Washington, Montana State and others have delved into the uniform competition. It’s exciting for fans. Recruits dig it.

“It’s a trend,” Kramer said. “I also have an iPhone. ... I’m computer literate. I used to have a Twitter account. ... I’m hip. I’m up. But I’m a traditionalist also.”

Traditionalist or not, Kramer finally acquiesced to his players’ request last season when the Bengals unveiled new all-gray uniforms. He went one step further during fall camp by going with a second helmet for the upcoming season. It’s orange with large “Texas” flakes. The flakes will make sure the helmet shines under the lights, according to ISU equipment manager Tyson Munns.

Funded entirely by boosters, Idaho State ordered 110 orange Riddell speed flex helmets that cost roughly $325 each. The Bengals wore them the first two days of practice to break them in. They will keep them in storage until they wear them in a game for the first time (which game is still under wraps).

Munns said once people in the community saw the orange domes, other donors came forward excited about the opportunity to buy another helmet. Before choosing orange, Munns said they also considered a gray helmet.

At the moment, though, ISU will stick to the white and orange helmets. The orange top isn’t finished yet, either. Munns said they’re looking at two options for logos. One is the I and the S, same as the white helmet. The other is something unique. It’s Idaho State’s Bengal head logo in solid matte white.

Munns said the company they’re going through hasn’t quite got the colors right for the Bengal head. They’re also putting a white stripe down the middle with a black outline.

Kramer may not love it. But his players — and future recruits — will.

“I love all the new gear. I love it,” said senior cornerback Khary Livingston-Coleman. “It makes me feel better on the field. It makes me feel faster.”