Illinois will wear hand-painted "leather" helmets this season

Illinois recently revealed some intricate hand painted helmets that are a throwback to the 1920's that Bret Bielema's program will wear this fall.

The Illini will wear the throwback helmets and uniforms for their game against defending national champion Michigan to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the game where Illinois legend Red Grange scored six touchdowns against the Wolverines.

Each helmet is individually hand painted with incredible detail to make them look like the helmets the Illini wore during that bygone era.

There are apparently only two individuals in the entire country that can airbrush helmets like this, and the Illini found theirs in southwest Nebraska in a town without a stoplight.

In the video below, Armando Villareal, the artist responsible for the helmets, takes you through the unique process and how they prepare the helmets.

Look for these to hit the field October 19th when the Wolverines visit the Illini in Champaign.