Nov 1, 2014; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Florida Gators helmet against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half at EverBank Field. Florida Gators defeated the Georgia Bulldogs 38-20. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Many schools around the country have gone rogue from the traditional helmets, but in my opinion, the best helmets in college football are the most traditional.
Everybody has an opinion about the craze that is today’s college football uniforms. The kids like style and swagger; the older fans like tradition and heritage. I on the other hand like a bit of both.
The most sleek and stylish helmets in college football typically have a back story. When you watch Michigan/Ohio State you see tradition; you see two of the most recognized helmets in all of college football. The helmets haven’t changed much and neither has the rivalry. The game stands along, just like the two teams’ helmets.
The same can be said about other rivalries. The more things change, the more they stay the same.
Although some schools have gone AWOL with their uniforms, it seems that the most successful programs in the country have elected to keep their traditional helmets, with slight modernization.
Whether you like the fancy Nike uniforms that Oregon sports, or just the plain blue and whites of Penn State, you’ll love our countdown of the top 30 helmets in college football.
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Sep 21, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; A Vanderbilt Commodores helmet rests on the field during the first half against the Massachusetts Minutemen at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Next: No. 29 Kentucky
Oct 24, 2013; Starkville, MS, USA; Kentucky Wildcats helmet during the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium. Mississippi State Bulldogs win the game against Kentucky Wildcats 28-22. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports
Next: No. 28 Purdue
Aug 30, 2014; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Purdue Boilermakers defensive back Frankie Williams (24) is congratulated by his teammates after an interception and run back in the first half at Ross Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sandra Dukes-USA TODAY Sports
Next: No. 27 Minnesota
Aug 29, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; A general view of a Minnesota Golden Gophers helmet during the fourth quarter against the UNLV Rebels at TCF Bank Stadium. The Gophers won 51-23. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Their gold helmets, however, aren’t. There’s something just icky about their gold. I’ll admit it looks sharp, sometimes, but the gold helmets on top of a gold jersey just looks too vibrant for my liking.
One suggestion I have for Minnesota would be to, well, there really isn’t much else they could do. They already have a white, maroon, and gold, more like yellow, helmets, so I guess the only way for them to go would be black.
I’m picturing an all-black helmet, with a black face mask, with the yellow ‘M’ on the sides, and a single maroon stripe going down the middle.
The Golden Gophers’ helmets aren’t the best in college football, but they aren’t the worst. They rank number 27 on our list of college football’s best helmets.
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27
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Big Ten, Minneapolis, MN
The Minnesota Golden Gophers have one of the worst color schemes in all of sports, but somehow, with their simple helmet design, they pull it off.
Minnesota’s maroon helmets are simple. They use both colors, maroon and gold, and their logo fits. It’s not too big, not too small. It just works for them.
Their gold helmets, however, aren’t. There’s something just icky about their gold. I’ll admit it looks sharp, sometimes, but the gold helmets on top of a gold jersey just looks too vibrant for my liking.
One suggestion I have for Minnesota would be to, well, there really isn’t much else they could do. They already have a white, maroon, and gold, more like yellow, helmets, so I guess the only way for them to go would be black.
I’m picturing an all-black helmet, with a black face mask, with the yellow ‘M’ on the sides, and a single maroon stripe going down the middle.
The Golden Gophers’ helmets aren’t the best in college football, but they aren’t the worst. They rank number 27 on our list of college football’s best helmets.
Next: No. 26 Arizona State
Sep 5, 2013; Tempe, AZ, USA; Detailed view of the helmet of Arizona State Sun Devils defensive tackle Will Sutton against the Sacramento State Hornets at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Next: No. 25 Arizona
Oct 25, 2014; Pullman, WA, USA; Arizona Wildcats helmet sits during a game against the Washington State Cougars during the second half at Martin Stadium. The Wildcats beat Cougars 59-37. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Next: No. 24 USC
Nov 1, 2014; Pullman, WA, USA; Southern California Trojans helmet sit during a game against the Washington State Cougars during the second half at Martin Stadium. Trojans eat Cougars 44-17. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Next: No. 23 LSU
Oct 11, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; LSU Tigers helmet lays on the sidelines against the Florida Gators during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. LSU Tigers defeated the Florida Gators 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Next: No. 22 Kansas State
Oct 18, 2014; Norman, OK, USA; Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Jake Waters (15) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
My favorite part about their helmets is that they perfectly match their pants. I’m a big fan of helmets matching pants, and in Kansas State’s case, both the helmet stripe and color match the team’s pants, in every combination.
I’d like to see Kansas State experiment with a white helmet, thus adding white pants to their wardrobe. I don’t think it would hurt, and it would look a heck of a lot better than an experimental purple helmet.
Kansas State’s helmets are the bomb, but they rank only 22nd on our list of the greatest helmets in college football.
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22
Kansas State Wildcats
Big 12, Manhattan, KS
Kansas State’s helmets are unique. There aren’t many purple and silver teams in college football, and the Kansas State Wildcats have hit a home run with their helmets.
Their helmets are simple. They aren’t flashy. Their logo isn’t ginormous. They’re perfect.
My favorite part about their helmets is that they perfectly match their pants. I’m a big fan of helmets matching pants, and in Kansas State’s case, both the helmet stripe and color match the team’s pants, in every combination.
I’d like to see Kansas State experiment with a white helmet, thus adding white pants to their wardrobe. I don’t think it would hurt, and it would look a heck of a lot better than an experimental purple helmet.
Kansas State’s helmets are the bomb, but they rank only 22nd on our list of the greatest helmets in college football.
Next: No. 21 Wisconsin
Aug 31, 2013; Madison, WI, USA; A Wisconsin Badgers helmet sits on the field during warmups prior to the game against the Massachusetts Minutemen at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 45-0. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Next: No. 20 Texas A&M
Sep 13, 2014; College Station, TX, USA; A Texas A&M Aggies helmet rest on the field prior to the game against the Rice Owls at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Next: No. 19 Oklahoma
Oct 19, 2013; Lawrence, KS, USA; An Oklahoma Sooners helmet sits on the field before the game against the Kansas Jayhawks at Memorial Stadium. Oklahoma won the game 34-19. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Next: No. 18 Texas
Jul 21, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Charlie Strong speaks to the media during the Big 12 Media Days at Omni Dallas. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Next: No. 17 Nebraska
Nov 15, 2014; Madison, WI, USA; A Nebraska Cornhuskers helmet sits on the field during warmups prior to the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 59-24. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
As you know, and can see above, Nebraska uses a different ‘N’ in their primary logo than on their helmet. I think if Nebraska ever wanted to modernize their helmets a bit, they could use their more modern logo, versus using the same ‘N’ they have used since the beginning, basically.
They’ve gotten a little funky in recent years with their helmets, but their traditional simple design is better than all of their new ideas, and if they incorporate my new idea, they could easily improve their old helmets.
Nebraska’s helmets aren’t in dire need of change, but they might could use some if they want to move higher on our list of the greatest helmets in college football.
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Nebraska Cornhuskers
Big Ten, Lincoln, NE
I grew up admiring Nebraska football, but in this day and age, their helmets could use a bit of an upgrade.
Their helmets are cool, don’t get me wrong, they’re easily one of my favorites in all of college football, but there is something about their ‘N’ that could use a little modernizing.
As you know, and can see above, Nebraska uses a different ‘N’ in their primary logo than on their helmet. I think if Nebraska ever wanted to modernize their helmets a bit, they could use their more modern logo, versus using the same ‘N’ they have used since the beginning, basically.
They’ve gotten a little funky in recent years with their helmets, but their traditional simple design is better than all of their new ideas, and if they incorporate my new idea, they could easily improve their old helmets.
Nebraska’s helmets aren’t in dire need of change, but they might could use some if they want to move higher on our list of the greatest helmets in college football.
Next: No. 16 Florida State
Dec 31, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Florida State Seminoles helmet at press conference at the L.A. Hotel Downtown in advance of the 2015 Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Next: No. 15 Georgia
Nov 2, 2013; Jacksonville, FL, USA; A Georgia Bulldogs helmet sits on the sideline during the first half of the game against the Florida Gators at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports
Next: No. 14 Clemson
Nov 29, 2014; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) hands off the ball to Clemson Tigers running back Wayne Gallman (9) during the second half at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Next: No. 13 BYU
Nov 9, 2013; Madison, WI, USA; A Brigham Young Cougars football helmet during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Next: No. 12 Michigan State
Nov 29, 2014; University Park, PA, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver R.J. Shelton (12) runs with the ball during the third quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Michigan State defeated Penn State 34-10. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O
The only thing I do not like about Michigan State’s helmets are their large helmet stripes that run down the middle of the helmet. The stripe is too big for my liking, but who really cares what I think.
To improve their existing helmet I’d recommend using a matte finish over the green; I think that would look good. My other idea would be to use a plain white helmet, with a white face mask, and a green spartan logo, maybe throw in a smaller green stripe down the middle.
Michigan State’s helmets are elite, but they rank just outside the top 10 on our list of the greatest helmets in college football.
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Michigan State Spartans
Big Ten, East Lansing, MI
The Michigan State Spartans’ helmets easily rank among the elite helmets in all of college football with their unique green and white color scheme.
They easily have one of the coolest helmet logos in college football, and their simple helmet design really fits what I like in a helmet.
The only thing I do not like about Michigan State’s helmets are their large helmet stripes that run down the middle of the helmet. The stripe is too big for my liking, but who really cares what I think.
To improve their existing helmet I’d recommend using a matte finish over the green; I think that would look good. My other idea would be to use a plain white helmet, with a white face mask, and a green spartan logo, maybe throw in a smaller green stripe down the middle.
Michigan State’s helmets are elite, but they rank just outside the top 10 on our list of the greatest helmets in college football.
Next: No. 11 Miami
Sep 28, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes helmet on the sidelines against the South Florida Bulls during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Miami Hurricanes defeated the South Florida Bulls 49-21. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Next: No. 10 Auburn
Jan 1, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Auburn Tigers helmet during the second half in the 2015 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Wisconsin Badgers defeated the Auburn Tigers 34-31 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Next: No. 9 UCLA
Nov 8, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Paul Perkins (24) rushes against the Washington Huskies during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Next: No. 8 Alabama
Apr 18, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Deionte Thompson (14) carries the ball for the Crimson team during the annual A-Day game at Bryant Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Next: No. 7 Tennessee
Oct 14, 2013; Knoxville, TN, USA; A helmet on display after the announcement that the Tennessee Volunteers and Virginia Tech Hokies will play a football game on Sep. 10, 2016 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
I think, if Tennessee wanted to go away from their ‘Power T’ logo for just a game, using the same white helmet as above, they could add an orange silhouette of Tennessee to the sides of their helmets, replacing the ‘Power T’. If you wanted to get really fancy, which I wouldn’t, you throw in some checkerboard to that helmet somehow.
Tennessee’s helmets are elite and unique, but they aren’t the best in college football. They rank seventh on our list of the greatest helmets in college football.
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7
Tennessee Volunteers
SEC, Knoxville, TN
I hate to say this, but the Tennessee Volunteers have one of the greatest helmets in college football, period.
Growing up hating everything about Tennessee Volunteers, but speaking objectively, the Volunteers’ iconic ‘Power T’ logo and simple helmet design really works for them. It’s sharp. Ouch, that hurts to say.
I think, if Tennessee wanted to go away from their ‘Power T’ logo for just a game, using the same white helmet as above, they could add an orange silhouette of Tennessee to the sides of their helmets, replacing the ‘Power T’. If you wanted to get really fancy, which I wouldn’t, you throw in some checkerboard to that helmet somehow.
Tennessee’s helmets are elite and unique, but they aren’t the best in college football. They rank seventh on our list of the greatest helmets in college football.
Next: No. 6 Penn State
Nov 16, 2013; University Park, PA, USA; General view of a Penn State Nittany Lions helmet prior to the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Next: No. 5 Michigan
Nov 29, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Devin Gardner (98) runs against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won the game 42-28. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports
Next: No. 4 Florida
Nov 1, 2014; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Florida Gators helmet against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half at EverBank Field. Florida Gators defeated the Georgia Bulldogs 38-20. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Next: No. 3 Stanford
Nov 28, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal wide receiver Devon Cajuste (89) can
Next: No. 2 Ohio State
Jan 1, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; General view of an Ohio State Buckeyes helmet prior to the 2015 Sugar Bowl against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Ohio State have experimented with their helmets in recent years, with poor results, in my opinion, but their simple silver helmets are simply iconic.
They can’t do much with their helmets, but if they wanted to use a helmet with their ‘blocked O’ logo on the sides, I don’t think it would hurt.
Obviously, they shouldn’t change their helmets because everyone else is because they have what other teams want, one of the sharpest helmets in college football.
Ohio State’s helmets are second to one, as the Buckeyes, despite having one of the sharpest helmets in the country, rank second on our list behind the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
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2
Ohio State Buckeyes
Big 10, Columbia, OH
Ohio State’s helmet is easily one of, if not, the best helmet in all of college football.
The Buckeyes’ helmets aren’t the most extravagant, but their uniqueness mixed with their tradition really creates one of the cooler designs in all of college football.
Ohio State have experimented with their helmets in recent years, with poor results, in my opinion, but their simple silver helmets are simply iconic.
They can’t do much with their helmets, but if they wanted to use a helmet with their ‘blocked O’ logo on the sides, I don’t think it would hurt.
Obviously, they shouldn’t change their helmets because everyone else is because they have what other teams want, one of the sharpest helmets in college football.
Ohio State’s helmets are second to one, as the Buckeyes, despite having one of the sharpest helmets in the country, rank second on our list behind the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Next: No. 1 Notre Dame
Nov 8, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; Detailed view of a Notre Dame Fighting Irish helmet on the sidelines against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. Arizona State defeated Notre Dame 55-31. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
–What’s your favorite college football helmet? Let us know in the comments section.