Re-ranking all 18 Big Ten football helmets from worst to first
Re-ranking all 18 Big Ten football helmets from worst to first
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.
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.
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.
We 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.
18. Rutgers Scarlet Knights
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.
17. Illinois Fighting Illini
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.
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.
16. Minnesota Golden Gophers
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.
15. Purdue Boilermakers
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.
14. Washington Huskies
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.
Get more (Washington) news, analysis and opinions on Huskies Wire
13. Nebraska Cornhuskers
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.
Get more (Nebraska) news, analysis and opinions on Cornhuskers Wire
12. Northwestern Wildcats
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.
11. Maryland Terrapins
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.
10. Indiana Hoosiers
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.
9. Penn State Nittany Lions
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.
Get more (Penn State) news, analysis and opinions on Nittany Lions Wire
8. Wisconsin Badgers
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.
7. Oregon Ducks
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 best
Get more (Oregon) news, analysis and opinions on Ducks Wire
6. USC Trojans
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.
Get more (USC) news, analysis and opinions on Trojans Wire
5. Michigan State Spartans
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.
Get more (Michigan State) news, analysis and opinions on Spartans Wire
4. UCLA Bruins
UCLA'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.
Get more (UCLA) news, analysis and opinions on UCLA Wire
3. Iowa Hawkeyes
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.
Get more (Iowa) news, analysis and opinions on Hawkeyes Wire
2. Ohio State Buckeyes
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.
Get more (Ohio State) news, analysis and opinions on Buckeyes Wire
1. Michigan Wolverines
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.
Get more (Michigan) news, analysis and opinions on Wolverines Wire
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