SMU Mustangs Helmet History

SMU's leather helmet was worn throughout the 1930s. Dates are uncertain. Worn during SMU's 1935 National Championship team.

Red shell. The raised ridge in the middle of the helmet was often a lighter shade of red.

The classic look of the great SMU teams of the 1940s and 1950s with Doak Walker, Kyle Rote, etc.

Red shell with gray masks

Facemasks were added partly because of the "butt block," in which a player would spear another player in the face; famous episode between Tiny Goss (SMU) and Jerry Coody (Baylor)*

Red shell with white-blue-white stripes, white numbers on the sides, gray facemask

This helmet was worn only on the road with the white jerseys and alternated for two years with the white helmet. Only time in SMU history that two helmets were worn during the same season.*

White shell with red-blue-red stripes, blue numbers on the sides, gray facemask

This helmet was worn only at home with the red jerseys and alternated for two years with the red helmet. Only time in SMU history that two helmets were worn during the same season.*

Red shell with white player numbers on sides, gray facemask

SMU went back to red helmets, with the addition of player numbers, which was the norm in the 1960s prior to widespread decals.

Red shell with white stylized mustang on sides, gray facemask

An addition of a stylized rearing mustang decal highlighted this helmet. Brands include Riddell and Wilson.

Red shell, gray facemask

SMU removed the stylized mustang decal for one year in anticipation of a more modern design; one which they have worn for the last 33 years, except for the Dave Smith era. Brands include Riddell and Wilson.

Red shell with white running mustang on sides, gray facemask

Classic helmet look during the Hayden Fry era. Brands include Riddell and Macgregor.

Silver shell with blue-red-blue stripes and gray facemask

Unusual design incorporate by head coach Dave Smith upon coming to SMU from Oklahoma State. Only time that SMU has worn silver helmets. Helmet shells are Macgregor.

White shell with blue-red-blue stripes and red running mustang outlined in blue on sides, red facemask

Ron Meyer ushered in a classic look at SMU upon his arrival in 1976. Unfortunately, the uniforms that matched the helmets were worn for only two years before a scaled-down, predominately blue look was used. Brands include Kelly, Macgregor, and Maxpro.

White shell with thin blue-white-red-white-thin blue stripes and blue running mustang outlined in red on sides, white facemask

SMU's first season under coach Forrest Gregg back from the NCAA "death penalty" saw a blue mustang used for the first time. Brands include Riddell.

White shell with thin blue-white-red-white-thin blue stripes and blue running mustang outlined in red on sides, red facemask

A slight change from the previous two years with red facemasks substituted for the white masks. A much better look, and only a year away from a return to the classic look instituted during the Ron Meyer era. Riddell helmets.

White shell with blue-red-blue stripes and red running mustang outlined in blue on sides, red facemask

Classic SMU helmet returns. Riddell helmets.

White pearlesque metallic shell with red running mustang outlined in blue on sides, red facemask

SMU follows the college "trend" by removing the stripes from the helmets. Hopefully, this will be a passing trend. Riddell helmets.

White shell with thin navy-white-red-white-thin navy stripes and red running mustang outlined in navy on sides, red facemask

SMU used this look for three seasons, incorporating navy instead of royal blue for the first time in the helmet colors and uniform design. Look is very similar to the 1991 SMU helmet. Riddell helmets.

Navy metallic shell, called "SMU pearlesque blue" with red stripe and red running mustang on sides, navy facemask

"New" look for 2003 is a first in many ways, as it is the first time that SMU has worn blue helmets and blue facemasks. Riddell helmets.

Navy metallic shell, called "SMU pearlesque blue" with red stripe and red running mustang outlined in silver on sides, navy facemask

Slight change for 2004; addition of silver outline around red pony on helmet. Riddell helmets.

Navy metallic shell, called "SMU pearlesque blue" with red stripe and red running mustang outlined in white on sides, navy facemask

Pony is now outlined in white. Best look of the navy helmet era. Riddell helmets.

White shell, red running mustang on sides outlined in royal blue, 1/2" royal blue-space-1" red-space-1/2" royal blue stripes. Red facmask

Classic white SMU helmets, with some tweaking, return for 2008 in June Jones first year. Return to royal blue from navy blue is a good move. Separated stripes on the helmet are the only difference from the "Mustang Mania" days. Riddell helmets.

White shell, red running mustang on sides outlined in royal blue, 1" red stripe with thin royal blue stripes on either side. Red facmask

Slight update to the SMU helmet this year, as the stripes have gotten thinner.