Brent Yarina, BTN.com Senior Editor, July 16, 2013

Illinois Helmet

Illinois introduced several new looks during Tim Beckman's disappointing 2-10 inaugural season. From things as minor as blue facemasks and helmet stickers to things as major as a matte blue helmet and new uniform combinations (all-blue; orange top, blue pants), the Illini mixed it up quite a bit. There will be more change in 2013.

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The team confirmed its new primary lid, pictured above, Tuesday, and said it's "in the middle of an 18-month rebranding process with Nike that will likely result in new logos and/or uniforms in 2014."

This helmet is an improvement over the previous script "Illinois" design. No, a block "I" isn't overly exciting (Indiana's had success with it, both new and old), but this is a good change. More important, it's something new, something that replaces the unpopular design Illinois has worn since 1989.

Also of note: Illinois' matte blue helmet from last season will serve as the team's secondary lid.

ht: cbssports.com

About Brent Yarina BTN.com web editor Brent Yarina covers football and men's basketball for BTN.com. He writes the popular uniform feature "Clothes Call," which also focuses on the latest cosmetic changes across Big Ten arenas and stadiums. Read all of his work here. You can subscribe to Yarina's RSS feed and follow him on Twitter @BTNBrentYarina.