Michigan to debut helmet stickers for first time since 1994

Michigan is trying to close the gap in its rivalry with Ohio State, and now it will be replicating something prominently done by the Buckeyes.

Jim Harbaugh confirmed on Monday that the helmets of Michigan players will feature wolverine stickers next weekend. The stickers will be awarded based on team, unit and individual accomplishments.

Harbaugh said Amara Darboh and Jake Butt received the most stickers following the team’s season-opening loss to Utah last week. Darboh received nine, while Butt was awarded with eight. The two were the team’s leading receivers and scored the Wolverines’ only touchdowns.

Both Darboh and Butt expressed support of the helmet sticker concept, saying that it helps promote the message of competition.

“I think it’s a great thing. Coach Harbaugh has preached competition. … When you go out there on the field, you try to earn everything. If you go out there and do your job, you’ll be rewarded. I think that’s the message he’s trying to send,” Darboh said of Harbaugh, via Scout.com.

Back when Harbaugh played for the Wolverines, the program used helmet stickers, so that likely is a reason why he is bringing them back. The practice was dropped in 1995 when Lloyd Carr became head coach.

MVictors.com shows the evolution of the stickers over the years: