By Nick Bartlett, SuperWest Sports
I’ve been at this sportswriting game for several years now, but when it comes to fun lists like this, I’m just a guy talking ball.
That said, I wouldn’t take these rankings too seriously. They’re my subjective take on something that has little or nothing to do with what happens in a game.
Your list might be a lot different, and you’re welcome to let me know about it on X.
One final note to avoid confusion before we get on to the rankings: The descriptions of the helmets are in my own words and may not be “literally” correct.
But enough small talk, let’s look at the helmets!
The Top 10
1. San Diego State Aztecs
The Aztecs’ helmet is unlike any other in college football.
Even if this were a national list, there’s a good chance they still make my top five. The red and black color scheme works well, but the addition of the Mayan Calendar makes this a winner in my eyes.
San Diego State’s headgear is elite.
2. USC Trojans
No headgear in college football is more iconic than USC’s helmet.
The red and yellow color scheme is fire. Combine that with an intimidating logo, and this lid will always be near the top of national lists.
Simplicity is best, and the Trojans have mastered their look.
3. Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors
This helmet is vastly underrated. In fact, I was close to putting it in the second spot.
The Rainbow Warriors feature a black headpiece with a green “H,” and the Hawaiian islands by the earhole. Great combo.
The addition of the Oregon-esque wings adds some flair to their style.
4. Arizona State Sun Devils
This has always been my favorite childhood helmet. I even asked to be “Sparky” for a Halloween costume—and I grew up in Seattle.
There’s something about the maroon and gold color scheme that feels in unison with Tempe’s weather.
Combine that with a Devil’s pitchfork, and the climate is right.
5. Oregon Ducks
Yes, the Ducks aren’t No. 1 on this list. Oregon probably has the coolest uniforms, but this isn’t that.
The Ducks’ winged helmets are pretty sweet, but it’s just not my thing. I’m more of a green helmet with a yellow “O” type of person, which they still wear from time to time.
Don’t get me wrong, the winged helmet is nice.
6. Colorado Buffaloes
I remember doing the Great Helmet Ranking Debate five years ago when it was just “Pac-12” helmets.
My debating partner at the time, Jack Folman, disagreed with me on the Buffaloes’ headpiece. He had them at the No. 1, while I had them at No. 8.
In 2025, I like Colorado’s headwear. The black and gold color scheme feels mountainous, which aligns perfectly with their mascot.
Jack, you were on to something.
7. UCLA Bruins
Going back to 2020, there’s no bigger discrepancy than the Bruins on my list. Five years ago, I had them as the worst helmet in the Pac-12; I must’ve been high (just kidding).
UCLA’s blue-and-gold color scheme pops in the sunlight. It’s a weird color combo, but a solid helmet.
Kudos to the designer.
8. Washington State Cougars
I’m probably biased, but the Wazzu Crimson and Grey helmet looks fresh.
I think it has to do with WSU’s logo. The three letters typed to form a Cougar, which looks especially nice on their grey helmet.
I don’t know if the Cougs can afford new helmets, but their classic look is still timeless.
9. Utah State Aggies
These helmets caught me off-guard, and they could’ve moved up to No. 6 depending on the weather.
Utah State’s dark blue-and-white color scheme is Hollywood-worthy. These headpieces are dope. The more I look at them, the better they get.
They also don a cow-spotted alternate helmet.
10. Washington Huskies
Full disclosure: I dressed up in a Huskies uniform as a kid, gold helmet and all (but ended up graduating from WSU).
These headpieces are kinda weird but cool, if you know what I mean. I’m not sure if it’s nostalgia or the purple, but for me, they gotta be in the Top 10.
There’s something about the UW helmet that screams Pacific Northwest.
Next 11-25 – Quick Notes
11. BYU — The Cougars should probably be in the top 10. Gotta love the blue.
12. Cal — Upon further review, the Bears have been moved up from No. 15. That cursive Cal logo is slick.
13. San Jose State — Cool idea, but maybe a little too modern depiction of ancient gear.
14. Arizona — Classic but basic, like the desert surrounding Tucson.
15. Stanford — A bunch of geniuses in Palo Alto got together…And came up with a tree inside an “S”?
16. Wyoming — Upon further review, the Cowboys have been moved up from No. 20. Clean white with a rowdy rider.
17. Utah — Gritty and all business, like those tough Ute teams.
18. Boise State — Distinctive look, but perhaps too much paint for a small canvas.
19 . Oregon State — I’m not a fan of the color scheme, but I might be if OSU brought back Benny the Beaver.
20. UNLV — Generic football movie helmet, but we’ll all watch the Vegas flick when the Rebels rise.
21. Air Force — A worse generic football movie helmet. I like the ones the fighter pilots wear better.
22. Fresno State — The cursive “Bulldogs” doesn’t work for me. I liked the cartoon Bulldog better.
23. New Mexico – Grey on grey? The red outline and facemask help, but I prefer a logo with more contrast.
24. Colorado State — A subpar version of my high school football team’s helmet. That’s my bias; otherwise, not a bad look.
25. Nevada — Scary wolf, but maybe a bit too big, like the BSU Bronco.
Writes about football and basketball as a Senior Writer and hosts “The Nick Bartlett Show” for SuperWest Sports.
