By Nick Bartlett, SuperWest Sports activities
I’ve been at this sportswriting recreation for a number of years now, however with regards to enjoyable lists like this, I’m only a man speaking ball.
That mentioned, I wouldn’t take these rankings too critically. They’re my subjective tackle one thing that has little or nothing to do with what occurs in a recreation.
Your checklist is perhaps rather a lot completely different, and also you’re welcome to let me find out about it on X.
One closing be aware to keep away from confusion earlier than we get on to the rankings: The descriptions of the helmets are in my very own phrases and will not be “actually” appropriate.
However sufficient small speak, let’s take a look at the helmets!
The Prime 10
1. San Diego State Aztecs
The Aztecs’ helmet is in contrast to every other in faculty soccer.
Even when this had been a nationwide checklist, there’s an excellent likelihood they nonetheless make my prime 5. The pink and black coloration scheme works properly, however 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 faculty soccer is extra iconic than USC’s helmet.
The pink and yellow coloration scheme is hearth. Mix that with an intimidating emblem, and this lid will all the time be close to the highest of nationwide lists.
Simplicity is greatest, and the Trojans have mastered their look.
3. Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors
This helmet is vastly underrated. In truth, I used to be near placing it within the second spot.
The Rainbow Warriors function a black headpiece with a inexperienced “H,” and the Hawaiian islands by the earhole. Nice combo.
The addition of the Oregon-esque wings provides some aptitude to their type.
4. Arizona State Solar Devils
This has all the time been my favourite childhood helmet. I even requested to be “Sparky” for a Halloween costume—and I grew up in Seattle.
There’s one thing in regards to the maroon and gold coloration scheme that feels in unison with Tempe’s climate.
Mix that with a Satan’s pitchfork, and the local weather is true.
5. Oregon Geese
Yes, the Geese aren’t No. 1 on this checklist. Oregon most likely has the best uniforms, however this isn’t that.
The Geese’ winged helmets are fairly candy, but it surely’s simply not my factor. I’m extra of a inexperienced helmet with a yellow “O” sort of individual, which they nonetheless put on on occasion.
Don’t get me improper, the winged helmet is good.
6. Colorado Buffaloes
I keep in mind doing the Nice Helmet Rating Debate 5 years in the past when it was simply “Pac-12” helmets.
My debating companion on the time, Jack Folman, disagreed with me on the Buffaloes’ headpiece. He had them on the No. 1, whereas I had them at No. 8.
In 2025, I like Colorado’s headwear. The black and gold coloration scheme feels mountainous, which aligns completely with their mascot.
Jack, you had been on to one thing.
7. UCLA Bruins
Going again to 2020, there’s no larger discrepancy than the Bruins on my checklist. 5 years in the past, I had them because the worst helmet within the Pac-12; I need to’ve been excessive (simply kidding).
UCLA’s blue-and-gold coloration scheme pops within the daylight. It’s a bizarre coloration combo, however a strong helmet.
Kudos to the designer.
8. Washington State Cougars
I’m most likely biased, however the Wazzu Crimson and Gray helmet seems to be contemporary.
I believe it has to do with WSU’s emblem. The three letters typed to type a Cougar, which seems to be particularly good on their gray helmet.
I don’t know if the Cougs can afford new helmets, however their basic look remains to be timeless.
9. Utah State Aggies
These helmets caught me off-guard, they usually may’ve moved as much as No. 6 relying on the climate.
Utah State’s darkish blue-and-white coloration scheme is Hollywood-worthy. These headpieces are dope. The extra I take a look at them, the higher they get.
Additionally they don a cow-spotted alternate helmet.
10. Washington Huskies
Full disclosure: I dressed up in a Huskies uniform as a child, gold helmet and all (however ended up graduating from WSU).
These headpieces are kinda bizarre however cool, if you realize what I imply. I’m undecided if it’s nostalgia or the purple, however for me, they gotta be within the Prime 10.
There’s one thing in regards to the UW helmet that screams Pacific Northwest.
Subsequent 11-25 – Fast Notes
11. BYU — The Cougars ought to most likely be within the prime 10. Gotta love the blue.
12. Cal — Upon additional evaluation, the Bears have been moved up from No. 15. That cursive Cal emblem is slick.
13. San Jose State — Cool thought, however possibly slightly too trendy depiction of historic gear.
14. Arizona — Basic however primary, just like the desert surrounding Tucson.
15. Stanford — A bunch of geniuses in Palo Alto bought collectively…And got here up with a tree inside an “S”?
16. Wyoming — Upon additional evaluation, the Cowboys have been moved up from No. 20. Clear white with a rowdy rider.
17. Utah — Gritty and all enterprise, like these robust Ute groups.
18. Boise State — Distinctive look, however maybe an excessive amount of paint for a small canvas.
19 . Oregon State — I’m not a fan of the colour scheme, however I is perhaps if OSU introduced again Benny the Beaver.
20. UNLV — Generic soccer film helmet, however we’ll all watch the Vegas flick when the Rebels rise.
21. Air Pressure — A worse generic soccer film helmet. I like those the fighter pilots put on higher.
22. Fresno State — The cursive “Bulldogs” doesn’t work for me. I appreciated the cartoon Bulldog higher.
23. New Mexico – Gray on gray? The pink define and facemask assist, however I favor a emblem with extra distinction.
24. Colorado State — A subpar model of my highschool soccer staff’s helmet. That’s my bias; in any other case, not a foul look.
25. Nevada — Scary wolf, however possibly a bit too massive, just like the BSU Bronco.
Writes about soccer and basketball as a Senior Author and hosts “The Nick Bartlett Present” for SuperWest Sports activities.
