Rutgers football helmets throughout the years

Although many college football fans might not think of Rutgers when they start thinking about national names, they have danced with being a ranked team since head coach Greg Schiano returned to the sidelines. As a result,  they are getting a few more national games.

One common theme on social media over the last few years has been the reaction to the changes and occasional special-themed uniforms. The Scarlet Knights have debuted several refreshed, modern looks including updated helmets over the last few decades.

From single letters to entire team names, from leather helmets (not pictured) to pictures of knights, let’s revisit some of the best helmet designs from Rutgers football past. Let us know your favorite and which ones should reappear in the comment section.

1869-1950’s: Leather Helmets

Paul Robeson is seen as an all-American football player at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, N.J., 1917. (AP Photo)

Rutgers is described as “the birthplace of college football,” and nothing says first-ever collegiate football game in the country like leather helmets. Starting with the classic brown, Rutgers did also sport all-white and white with a red stripe down the middle during the leather phase.

1981-2000: The ‘Rutgers’ era

(AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)

The red, almost orange helmets of the early ’80s are iconic. The Scarlet Knights started a trend in 1981 by having the full name of ‘Rutgers’ appear that would last the majority of the next two decades.

Below are some other variations, including the ‘N.J.’ model.

Doug Pensinger/ALLSPORT

Al Bello /Allsport

2001-2011, 2015-current: The Schiano eras

David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

With the arrival of high profile head coach Greg Schiano, Rutgers was looking to start a new era in the Scarlet Knights football program. With the new attitude and leadership came new uniforms and helmets. Shortly after…