some helmets hve them on bot sides and some dont

It might be positions that they play.

the stars r their for the people who do good or show progress the people that have a lot of stars have done a lot this season for their team the one's with little stars mean they haven't done much

Each player gets a little sticker for a helmet each time they take a BCS pollster behind the field house, get down on their knees, and convince him that they are deserving of a number one ranking.

They are buckeyes for good play on the field.

They are awarded for making significant plays and for consistency of performance.

It is similiar to be given the game ball for being the best player on the field.Although,OSU players receive,or are awarded with more frequency stars on buckeye helmets,than a game ball.In other words,more than one OSU player can be awarded a star for their helmet.Game balls are still more important to be awarded to.

Number of concussions sustained during the course of the season.