Ranking the all-time OSU helmets

Kelly Hines wrote a fun post for the Tulsa World where she looked at OSU’s all-time record[1. Since 1961.] when wearing different helmets. I thought I’d take this mid-week opportunity to rank them all (with photos) because…why not?

Here we go…

1. 1967-68 — How they only wore this for two years is beyond me. How this wasn’t the logo on the new white helmet is even more beyond me.

2. 1969-72 — Apparently 1967-72 was the golden era for Oklahoma State helmets because these guys are incredible as well. I’m a big fan of the diagonal print.

3. 2009-2011 — I think I underestimated how much I liked this helmet. As I was going through all these I kept thinking “alternate white is better, alternate white is better.” Also, I may or may not need some consolation after Hines noted that these were basically retired. You got rid of the best helmet you had (by far) and replaced it with a bunch of Silly Petes. Just mind-boggling.

4. 1961-1966 — Roll Pokes.[1. Hell yes, that’s Walt Garrison!]

5. 2012-Present (carbon fiber) — I can’t help myself, I really can’t. One underrated touch is the Pete head in the front right above the face mask. Terrific.

6. 1993-94 — These were the Tone Jones years. This is the 90s version of the alternate white helmet from 2011.

7. 1967 (alt. orange) — This helmet was only worn four times. It’s just like No. 1 but with white numbers on the sides.

8. 1984-92 and 1995-2000 — This helmet was worn 171 times. I will not be mad to see it worn 172 times.

9. 1980-83 — Speaking of throwback logos. Here’s the one above but on a black helmet. I sort of like the white on black look with the orange (“orange”) jersey.

10. 2011-Present — I like these a lot, this is actually a really strong top 10.

11. 2013-Present (alt. white) — If these didn’t have silly Pete on them, they’d be top five. Probably No. 1 if they had the old cowboy-on-a-horse logo.

12. 1973-76 — I don’t really understand the whole burnt orange thing but the stripe down the middle is a great complement for the old-school OSU logo.

13. 2001-Present — It’s unfair that I have these so low. I don’t hate them, I’m just bored by 13 years of them.

14. 1977-79 — Just like No. 12 but without the stripe. I like the stripe.

15. 2012-Present — I like these better with the orange jerseys than just on their own. Would jump 10 (12?) spots with a black logo. Not sure why this is so difficult.

16. 2012-Present — Go away, Silly Pete.

17. 2012-Present — See above. These are the most “my gosh, is that a Fisher Price toy?” helmets OSU has ever worn. Looks like it’s supposed to be a fake mini helmet.

18. 2011-2012 — RIP, gray helmets…may ye never show your face again but thank you for that one magical afternoon in College Station. Also, can the carbon fiber helmets have your black face masks? Thanks!