Football History

The Tulane Green Wave football helmet has undergone a transformation mirroring the evolution of the sport itself. Early Tulane helmets were simple, often lacking the intricate designs common today. As the game grew in popularity, so too did the complexity of helmet designs.

The Green Wave's helmet has generally maintained a green color scheme, a nod to the team's name. However, variations in shade, stripe patterns, and logo placements have occurred over the years. Modern Tulane helmets often incorporate sleek designs, advanced technology, and team-specific graphics. While the helmet's core elements remain consistent, subtle changes have helped to create a distinctive look that reflects the spirit and tradition of the Green Wave program.

As Tulane football continues to evolve, it's likely that the helmet design will follow suit. Whether it's through technological advancements or creative redesigns, the Green Wave helmet will undoubtedly remain a symbol of the program's identity and pride.

The Cornell Big Red football helmets have undergone a significant transformation over the years, mirroring the evolution of protective headgear in the sport. Early helmets were basic leather shells offering minimal protection, gradually evolving into the plastic models of the mid-20th century. These helmets often featured a single stripe or a simple Cornell "C" logo.

As safety concerns grew, so did helmet complexity. The Big Red adopted designs with increased padding and facemasks. The iconic Cornell red color remained a constant, but variations in stripe patterns and logo placement emerged. In recent years, the team has embraced advanced helmet technology, incorporating features for improved protection and comfort. While the helmet's primary purpose is safety, it also serves as a visual representation of the team's identity and tradition.

Check out the collection of Cornell helmet transitions that the Helmet History crew has collected.

The Penn Quakers football helmet has undergone a significant evolution reflecting the changing landscape of the sport. Early helmets were rudimentary, offering little protection. As the game grew more physical, so did the headgear.

The Quakers' helmet design has generally maintained a classic look. The iconic red and blue stripes, representing the university colors, have been a staple for decades. However, the helmet's shape and materials have dramatically improved with advancements in technology. Modern Penn helmets incorporate cutting-edge safety features, such as advanced padding and shock absorption, while still preserving the team's traditional aesthetic.

In recent years, Penn has experimented with variations on the classic design, including alternate helmet colors and patterns. These innovations add a contemporary touch while honoring the team's rich history.

The Harvard Crimson football helmet has undergone a relatively modest evolution compared to many other programs. The foundation of the Harvard helmet has remained consistent: a classic, crimson shell. Early helmets were leather and offered little protection, but as the game became more dangerous, advancements in materials and design were adopted.

The most noticeable changes have occurred in the facemask and decals. Early helmets often lacked facemasks entirely or featured simple bars. Over time, facemasks became more complex to protect players' faces. Decals, too, have evolved. While the core crimson color remains, the placement and design of the Harvard logo and other markings have varied over the years. Despite these alterations, the Harvard Crimson helmet maintains a timeless and traditional aesthetic, reflecting the university’s history and prestige.

The Columbia Lions football helmet has undergone a relatively modest evolution compared to many other programs. Early iterations likely mirrored the simplistic designs of the era, offering little more than basic protection. As helmet technology progressed, the Lions adopted more advanced models, incorporating stripes and logos.

A defining characteristic of the Columbia helmet has been its simplicity. White is the predominant color, often with a single blue stripe down the center. Logos have varied over the years, including the Columbia “C,” a lion head, and combinations thereof. While the helmet's design has evolved with advancements in safety and aesthetics, the core elements of white, blue, and the Columbia identity have remained consistent, creating a classic and recognizable look.

The UTEP Miners football program, though relatively young, has undergone significant changes in its helmet design. Reflecting the program's journey, the helmets have evolved from simple to more sophisticated looks.  

Over time, the helmet design continued to refine, with variations in logo placement and color schemes. The Blazers experimented with different shades of green and gold, as well as incorporating the mascot in various sizes and positions. While the core elements of the helmet remained consistent, the subtle changes reflected the program's growth and desire to create a strong visual identity.