Northwestern's already vast helmet collection is growing. On Thursday, the Wildcats unveiled a white alternate lid that they will wear in the season opener at Cal. The new helmet brings Northwestern's collection to five.

[ RELATED: Wisconsin unveils new red alternate helmet ]

There's the primary, the patriotic, which the Wildcats will wear in Week 2, and the matte black "N" logo. While it's not in the rotation as of now, a Northwestern spokesman said the team still has the stickers for the matte black oversized Wildcat logo. That being the case, particularly in this day and age, we'll count it.

Of all the Northwestern helmets, this one might be the sharpest – especially when paired with the all-white uniform. It's a modern approach to Penn State and Texas' classic – and excellent – road looks. It also marks the first time Northwestern will don a white helmet since 1980.

Good job, Northwestern. Now, it's all about keeping the helmets straight every week.

A former Wildcat seems to like the new look, too: