A History Etched in Blue and White The Evolution of the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders Football Helmet

Unlike some college football teams with a rich history of dramatic helmet design changes, the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders (MTSU) have maintained a relatively consistent look throughout their existence. However, this doesn't mean their helmets haven't evolved, reflecting the changing landscape of college football and the team's own identity. Here's a look at the key points in the Blue Raiders' helmet design history:

Early Days (Pre-1960s):

Information on the exact design of MTSU's earliest football helmets is scarce. However, it's safe to assume they followed the basic leather helmets common in the early to mid-20th century, likely lacking any specific team markings or logos.

The Birth of the Blue Raider (1960s-1970s):

The 1960s marked the introduction of the iconic "Blue Raider" mascot, a costumed white-winged horse. This period likely saw the first appearance of a team logo on the helmet, possibly a simple depiction of the Blue Raider itself.

Stripes and Simplicity (1980s-1990s):

The 1980s and 1990s saw a more standardized helmet design emerge. The basic structure remained a white shell, likely with a single blue stripe running down the center. This simple design emphasized the team's colors and offered a clean, professional look.

Entering the FBS Era and the "Flying M" (2000s-Present):

In 2000, MTSU transitioned from the Ohio Valley Conference to the Sun Belt Conference, and later to Conference USA (C-USA) in 2013. This period of increased exposure coincided with a subtle but significant change to the helmet design. The single center stripe was replaced with a stylized "M" logo, often referred to as the "Flying M," incorporated into a wider blue stripe. This change offered a more modern and distinctive look, while still retaining the core blue and white color scheme.