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Illinois Football Unveils New Throwback Helmets for Purdue Showdown

Fourth of six retro Illini helmets will make an appearance against the Boilermakers on Saturday
Jason Langendorf|
Oct 30, 2010; Champaign, IL, USA; A detailed view of the Illinois Fighting Illini helmet during the pre-game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-Imagn Images
Oct 30, 2010; Champaign, IL, USA; A detailed view of the Illinois Fighting Illini helmet during the pre-game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-Imagn Images | Mike DiNovo-Imagn Images

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If, oddly, you happen to be a fan of both helmet swag and nostalgia, then you've come to the right place.

On Saturday, when Illinois (4-1) hosts Purdue (1-4) in Champaign, Illinois, at 2:30 p.m. CT, fashion-conscious fans will be treated to retro-look headgear for the Illini players. The idea: Celebrate bygone but beloved eras of Illinois football and the upcoming 100th anniversary of Memorial Stadium while also making the program some extra dough. (The game-worn throwback helmets are being sold to I FUND and Varsity I members, as well as the general public – if supplies remain.)

The official team website describes this week's Four Stars helmets thusly: "Famously worn during Dick Butkus' years at Illinois, the Fighting Illini wore versions of the four-star helmets from 1962-68. Players' numbers were featured under the four stars, and the helmet donned a gray facemask with white-blue-white center stripes."

We can think of another description:

Sweet.


The Illini have already worn three different throwback helmet versions for 2024 home games – the Block I, the Underlined Illini and the Arched Illini – and have two more variations on the way. (Players will wear the Block I helmet again for the Nov. 16 home finale against Michigan State,)

For the remainder of this Illini season – including a real treat for next week's 100th anniversary commemoration against Michigan – home is where the helmet is.

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Jason Langendorf
JASON LANGENDORF

Jason Langendorf has covered Illinois basketball, football and more for Illinois on SI since October 2024, and has covered Illini sports – among other subjects – for 30 years. A veteran of ESPN and Sporting News, he has published work in The Guardian, Vice, Chicago Sun-Times and many other outlets. He is currently also the U.S. editor at BoxingScene and a judge for the annual BWAA writing awards. He can be followed and reached on X and Bluesky @JasonLangendorf.

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