You Won’t Believe Which Big Ten Helmet Just Climbed to the Top in Our Shocking Re-Rank!

As the college football landscape shifts beneath our feet, and the offseason’s hush settles in, it’s the perfect moment to pivot from Xs and Os to something a bit more visual—the helmets. With the Big Ten now a sprawling conference boasting 18 teams, including some fresh faces from the Pac-12, I figured this offseason lull is prime time to dive into an all-encompassing ranking of the Big Ten’s helmets. Not just a rundown of logos slapped on plastic shells, but a thoughtful breakdown that weighs color schemes, design finesse, and yes—the storied legacies they carry with them. It’s not about on-field glory here, but the flair and tradition these helmets bring to the gridiron’s grand stage. Having already dissected everything from team power rankings to quarterback matchups and conference schedules, it seemed only fitting to give you this unique take. So buckle up—let’s dig into which helmets stand tall, which stumble, and what makes each one a standout or a letdown in this ever-evolving conference canvas. LEARN MORE

The article ranks the helmets of all 18 Big Ten football teams.
The ranking considers factors such as color scheme, logo design, and historical significance.

Oregon’s helmet is tough to rank. The program deployed as many as seven helmets during the 2024 season. Some of those rank near the top of this list, while a few would rank near the bottom. Oregon gets points for each of their helmets’ aesthetics, but doesn’t crack the top tier due to the lack of a go-to design. Most designs are also a bit too flashy when compared to the Big Ten’s bestUCLA’s classic blue and gold color scheme perfectly displays the script lettering. These are one of the more underrated helmets in the conference and the entire sport. The word’s underline is a differentiating factor.Nebraska’s helmet is a classic and represents one of college football’s blue-blood programs (of the 1990s). But our criteria must be applied consistently throughout the conference. Just a normal-font ‘N’ on a white background isn’t very creative.The same blurb for USC can be translated to Michigan State’s helmet. The Spartans rank better due to their green and white color scheme — one that allows the logo to pop.

18. Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Washington’s helmet has a lot of flash. But like with Minnesota, that flash isn’t always necessary. While its ‘W’ emblem lacks character, at least it isn’t as large as Minnesota’s ‘M.’ This is far from a bad helmet. The Big Ten has too many good and great ones for this to reach the top 10.

17. Illinois Fighting Illini

Oct 1, 2022; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini helmet during warmups prior to the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Not much has to be written about Ohio State’s helmet. The Buckeye stickers are a unique touch that adds life to the silver background. The team’s success also helps this ranking.While Indiana’s helmet isn’t traditionally correlated with winning, it deserves props for its design. The first major plus is the red and white color scheme, which is both simple and effective. The ‘I-U’ logo is also unique, besting most helmets that only contain the first letter of the team’s name.

Oct 19, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini players take the field before a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Nov 26, 2022; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; A Minnesota Golden Gophers helmet sits on the sidelines during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

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15. Purdue Boilermakers

Nov 18, 2023; Evanston, Illinois, USA; A detail view of a Purdue Boilermakers helmet on the sideline during a game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

Illinois’ place on this list may be more due to the color scheme than the helmet design itself. Like Rutgers, it includes a mostly nondescript letter, contrasting with the ‘Illini Orange’ background. A blue helmet with an orange ‘I’ would look better.

14. Washington Huskies

Jan 8, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Detailed view of Washington Huskies helmet during the 2024 College Football Playoff national championship game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Teams were in action on the practice field just six weeks ago. That period led to tangible updates for the upcoming season, as seen in our updated Big Ten power rankings. Six weeks from now, teams will be preparing for fall camp with the season fast approaching.Maryland did well to return to its classic ‘Terps’ helmet from the design with the state flag on the crown. While the old flag helmet checks the interesting box, it’s a bit too complex to be an every-week look. This simple design, especially the white lettering on a red base, is a good match for the program’s uniforms.

13. Nebraska Cornhuskers

Oct 6, 2018; Madison, WI, USA; A Nebraska Cornhuskers helmet sits on the sidelines during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Since we’ve already ranked every team in the Big Ten for 2025, ranked every quarterback (including recent UCLA transfer Nico Iamaleava), and both ranked and re-ranked every conference schedule, it’s time for a non-football look at the conference.As much as I’d like to rank Wisconsin within the top five, our criteria must be applied evenly. The No. 8 ranking is due to the ‘motion W’ having more life than most letter-only helmets in this ranking. Wisconsin’s red and white color scheme is also a classic. This helmet ranks well, but it can’t compete with the more complex logos.

12. Northwestern Wildcats

Nov 11, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; General view of a Northwestern Wildcats helmet on the sidelines during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

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11. Maryland Terrapins

EUGENE, OREGON - NOVEMBER 9: A Maryland Terrapins helmet sits on the bench before the game against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium on November 9, 2024 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Ali Gradischer/Getty Images)

USC’s Trojan logo is the reason for this strong ranking. The logo is unique and looks way better than just a simple letter would. The helmets of USC NFL draft prospects at the Senior Bowl stick out, which is a complement to the design and color scheme.

10. Indiana Hoosiers

Oct 24, 2020; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers raise their helmets after the game at Memorial Stadium. The Indiana Hoosiers defeated the Penn State Nittany Lions 36 to 35. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

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9. Penn State Nittany Lions

Nov 17, 2012; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions helmet sits on the field prior to the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Iowa’s helmets are a classic. The gold and black color scheme is unmatched, perfectly accenting a Hawkeye logo that is both simple and complex. Iowa’s place in the top three shouldn’t change moving forward.Purdue’s gold and black color scheme works well, although the helmet doesn’t have much else going for it. The ‘P’ would work better without the middle space filled in with gold. The helmet also receives a minor downgrade after the team’s 1-11 record last season.

Dec 30, 2011; Los Angeles, CA, USA; General view of the Wisconsin Badgers helmet for the 2012 Rose Bowl at media day at the Marriott Los Angeles Downtown. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

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7. Oregon Ducks

Oregonâ€™s chrome helmets on Oregon wide receiver Justius Lowe as the Oregon Ducks face the Ohio State Buckeyes Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, in the quarterfinal of the College Football Playoff at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif.

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Apr 15, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; USC Trojans helmets on the field before the start of the annual 2017 Spring Game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum . Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Get more (USC) news, analysis and opinions on Trojans WireWe will do that through an updated power ranking of the Big Ten’s 18 helmets. We initially compiled this ranking last offseason, before the four former Pac-12 powers officially took the field as Big Ten members. Here is an updated ranking, now entering year two of the expanded conference.

5. Michigan State Spartans

Nov 24, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; A Michigan State Spartans helmet sits on a bench during the second half game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports

As an aside, Illinois is downgraded for the kits it unveiled for its 2024 game against Michigan. Helmets included, these should not be worn again.Penn State’s helmets are a classic. The program’s rich history influences this ranking, as a program like Rutgers or Illinois would likely rank last on this list if it deployed a blank helmet.

4. UCLA Bruins

Jul 29, 2022; Los Angeles, CA, USA; A detailed view of UCLA Bruins helmet during Pac-12 Media Day at Novo Theater. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Get more (Ohio State) news, analysis and opinions on Buckeyes WireGet more (Nebraska) news, analysis and opinions on Cornhuskers Wire

3. Iowa Hawkeyes

Oct 14, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; General view of Iowa Hawkeyes helmets prior to the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Rutgers’ helmets lack much flavor or creative design. While the ‘R’ is simple, in a good way, it isn’t correlated with much on-field success since Rutgers became a Big Ten member. There aren’t any truly ‘bad’ helmets in the conference. This one just doesn’t stand out from the pack.Michigan claims the No. 1 spot for the second year in a row. The wolverine claw is a simple touch, but it adds significant life to the design. The helmet’s color scheme also helps. Michigan’s uniform-helmet combination is simple and consistent, but is one of the best in the sport.

2. Ohio State Buckeyes

Nov 4, 2023; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes helmets rest on the field before the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

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1. Michigan Wolverines

Dec 2, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; The helmet of Michigan Wolverines running back Blake Corum (2) before the Big Ten Championship game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

The depths of the college football offseason are upon us. While the class of 2026 recruiting cycle is picking up steam, June marks the midway point between spring practice and fall training camp.Northwestern’s purple ‘N’ contrasts well with the black background. The helmet receives a bump due to the letter’s font. More work was put into its design than many logos ranked lower on this list.

While Minnesota’s maroon and gold color scheme works well, its helmet contains far too much flash. The best helmets are both subtle and elaborate, not just an oversized ‘M’ in a shiny font.