Football teams are recognized for their players, coaches, stadiums, and accomplishments among many reasons, but one thing in particular distinguishes teams from each other — their logo.
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Everyone — even those who are not devoted football followers — can recognize the Cowboys, Steelers or Patriots just by seeing their insignia appear in any form of media. While D2 football teams may not have the same level of notoriety, that does not mean their brand is any less majestic and appealing.
Of the hundreds of teams in D2 football, only a few logos can be considered in the elite tier. But to decide the best, we have called upon you the fans to vote for one of the following choices we have listed below.
The poll at the bottom of the page close Friday, August 11 at 10 a.m. Pacific.
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Limestone Saints
Limestone looks similar to the New Orleans Saints, but the stylized version of the Fleur-de-lis is just as beautiful when combined with the blue, yellow, and white color scheme that the Saints use for their athletic brand.
Another nice option that the college can use is the Fleur with a word mark for Saints, using more of the yellow that is just in-lined with the Fleur. The bright pop of the letters contrasts the subtle tones for the Fleur and makes for great use on programs and other printed media.
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East Stroudsburg Warriors
A total redesign occurred in the middle of the 2016-17 academic year for East Stroud, and boy did it deliver. Gone is an old big font look that covered many of the athletic program's uniforms and in its place has arrived a gorgeous new font style, compact logo, and an actual depiction of a warrior.
Whomever was part of the process for the rebranding of the athletic department gets an A from me in the grade book, as they turned what was once a passable logo into one of — and possibly the best depending on your vote — logos in the entire country.
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Hillsdale Chargers
The Charger logo for Hillsdale puts shame to that of the Los Angeles Chargers, and gives fans something else to look at and enjoy than just a lightning bolt. Instead, Hillsdale — now a member of the G-MAC after moving from the GLIAC — utilizes a very menacing horse to brand their teams and impose some fear into those that look into the eyes of the beast.
You will notice though, that if you tilt your head — or the logo — sideways, you'll find the traditional Charger lightning bolt in the horses' head, and also as part of the outline of hair on the neck of the animal. A different variation, but still holding true to tradition of a classic moniker.
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Missouri Western Griffons
This is a logo you will constantly find on some of those articles that detail sports logos with hidden messages, and it does so quite cleverly I believe. Without giving it away, just look at the outline of the logo itself and try to figure out what it might resemble within the program itself.
Stepping away from the secret meaning behind it, the black and gold is of course a brilliant combination, and the griffon is a seldom used mascot that is characterized well enough here to give a look at to what the mythical creatures would resemble if they were real.
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Bemidji State Beavers
A more simplistic mascot than a Griffon or Charger, the Beavers keep their logo just as simple with a green and white background behind a very life-like beaver. Oregon State took the road of a stylized beaver, but Bemidji kept it simple and clean, and in my own opinion it is much easier to take in.
Added props are given to the fact the beaver is not a common mascot and that unique factor stands out amongst all D2 schools. Northern-based schools are not as prominent across the division as those in the South or East, but make sure you pay close attention to the Beavers and a logo you won't soon forget.
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Upper Iowa Peacocks
A conference rival of Bemidji, Upper Iowa joins East Stroudsburg in the fact they just went through a redesign of their logo — and might I say wow. This redesign was sorely needed from the previous look, and brings UI into the upper tier of looks across D2.
What stands out now are the color usage and darker tones along with the more realistic peacock. Peacock is not a mascot you'll find many other places in any sport, but they still manage to make it look intimidating as it protrudes from the side of the picture.
Taking a look at the old logo, you'll definitely see that Upper Iowa made a huge jump with their look, and could even be the best in D2 Football now.
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Which D2 Football Team has the Best Logo
