Skip to main content
Kansas State

Big Board: Ranking the best Kansas State helmets since 1989

On3 imageby: Drew Galloway07/28/25galloway__drew
Dalton Schoen 2019
Dalton Schoen/USA Today

Everyone loves talking about football uniforms and helmets. At Kansas State, alternate looks have been few and far between, which is why it is such a polarizing topic. There have been just seven helmets worn by K-State since 1989.

1.) Script Cats Kansas State helmet (2019 vs West Virginia)

Nov 16, 2019; Manhattan, KS, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers wide receiver Sam James (13) breaks away from Kansas State Wildcats defensive backs Walter Neil Jr. (15) and Denzel Goolsby (20) during the fourth quarter of a game at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports

This helmet was only worn once and Kansas State lost (a common theme), but I am a sucker for script helmets. I think it is such a clean look, and I like having a wordmark as a logo. Script Cats is also my go-to on College Football ’26 when I play as K-State.

2.) Silver Powercat (1989-present)

Dec 30, 2022; New Orleans, LA, USA; A Kansas State football helmet is displayed at the Sheraton Hotel in New Orleans in the final lead up to the Sugar Bowl. Ncaa Football Sugar Bowl Coaches Press Conference

I mean this has to be near the top. It is the icon of this list and has been the primary helmet for Kansas State for almost 40 years. The silver Powercat is such a clean look and is just what you think of when you think K-State football helmets.

3.) White Powercat (2019 Liberty Bowl, 2024 Rate Bowl)

Dec 26, 2024; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Detailed view of a Kansas State Wildcats helmet during the Rate Bowl at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

I get it, the striping is different on the Kansas State helmet. I don’t care.

I think the white Powercat helmet worn in the Rate Bowl last season and Liberty Bowl in 2019 is better. I like just the single stripe and it makes it more unique than the other helmets. Plus, it has actually won a game, unlike a lot of the others on this list!

4.) White Powercat K-State helmet (2019 vs Baylor)

Oct 5, 2019; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas State Wildcats wide receiver Dalton Schoen (83) makes a touchdown catch against Baylor Bears cornerback Raleigh Texada (13) during the fourth quarter of a game at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports

This is the double stripe one, and it is still a good look. Personally, I just like the single stripe K-State helmet more because it stands out for being the only single stripe look.

5.) Flag Willie (2022 vs Tulane)

Sep 17, 2022; Manhattan, Kansas, USA; Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Adrian Martinez (9) scrambles during the first quarter against the Tulane Green Wave at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports

I really like this helmet too and use it a bunch on College Football ’26. It just gets dinged a bit because using Flag Willie means you have to have numbers on the left side. Any use of alternate logos or wordmarks I’m all about, though. I hope this Kansas State helmet makes a return at some point.

Unfortunately, Adrian Martinez and the Wildcats lost in them.

6.) White camo Powercat (2016 vs Oklahoma State, 2017 vs West Virginia)

Nov 5, 2016; Manhattan, KS, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys safety Jordan Sterns (13) tackles Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Jesse Ertz (16) at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. The Cowboys won 43-37. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports

Of the two K-State camo helmets, this is clearly the better of the two. It still is not great, but it is a lot better than the other one. I understand what it is trying to be.

7.) Silver camo Powercat (2013 vs Iowa State)

Nov 2, 2013; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas State Wildcats running back John Hubert (33) stiff arms Iowa State Cyclones linebacker Jeremiah George (52) during the second half at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. The Wildcats defeat the Cyclones 41-7. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

The only real redeeming quality about this helmet is Kansas State blasted Iowa State 41-7 in them.

You may also like