Michigan opponent to wear historic-looking helmet against the Wolverines this season

Michigan is going to see a completely different looking opponent.

Trent Knoop | Aug 9, 2024

Michigan takes the field ahead of the Maryland game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. 09242022 Umfbextra 3 m go blue, michigan flag / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

When Michigan travels to Illinois on October 19th for a matchup against the Illini, Illinois will have a different look to it. That's because Illinois is set to honor former halfback, Red Grange. The Fighting Illini are going back in time and bringing out the 1924 look against the Wolverines.

Grange, a halfback, was known as the Galloping Ghost and was one of the most decorated players in Illinois' football history. He played for Illinois from 1923-1925. He was a three-time All-Big Ten member, Big Ten MVP in 1924, a two-time All-American, and helped Illinois become a national champion in 1923.

Illinois will have a differnt looking jersey with a blue turning to orange look, but the helmet is what's going to look completely different. When the maize and blue face the Illini, Illinois is going back in time and having a leather look to the helmet.

On October 19th, Illinois "will wear special uniforms to commemorate the iconic performance of the Galloping Ghost, Red Grange, in the stadium's Dedication Game against Michigan in 1924", per @IlliniFootball. pic.twitter.com/ml6y2G9mtZ
— FB_Helmet_Guy (@FB_Helmet_Guy) August 8, 2024

It's hard to believe Michigan would also wear an alternative jersey for this game, but it would be somewhat cool if the Wolverines came trotting out of the tunnel in an old-school look to take fans back in time. Either way, the Wolverines are going to be massive favorites when they take the field at Memorial Stadium in October.

"So iconic as far as the history of football."

Individually hand-painted, each helmet being worn in the Memorial Stadium Rededication Game went through an intricate process to be ready for game day on October 19th. #Illini // #HTTO // #famILLy pic.twitter.com/CxaZlPR449
— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) August 7, 2024