Top 10 Best College Football Traditions That Inspire Fans
Every fall, the magic of college football electrifies campuses across the country. But it’s not just the touchdowns, the rivalries, or even the underdog victories that make it special. The heart of college football lies in its traditions—the unique rituals that bring fans together, generation after generation.
From the spine-tingling roar of a stadium to heartfelt moments that tug at your emotions, these traditions are what make game day unforgettable. They’re more than just routines; they’re a way for fans to show love for their teams, connect with their communities, and feel like part of something bigger.
At GameChange, we know how important these traditions are. That’s why we’re here to help you make an impact—not by funding individuals, but by strengthening the programs, facilities, and experiences that keep these traditions alive. When you support GameChange, you’re doing more than cheering from the stands; you’re ensuring that your favorite rituals will inspire fans for generations to come.
Why College Football Traditions Matter
More Than Just a Game
College football traditions go beyond the final score. They’re a living, breathing part of the sport that unites fans, players, and alumni in ways that other sports simply can’t replicate. These rituals create a sense of belonging that lasts long after the game ends, tying generations together through shared moments of joy, pride, and even heartbreak.
Think about it: when you stand in the crowd during Wisconsin’s "Jump Around" or wave to the kids at the Iowa Children’s Hospital, you’re not just a spectator—you’re part of something bigger. These moments remind us that college football isn’t just about the players on the field; it’s about the energy and passion that fans bring to the experience.
The Memories That Last a Lifetime
For many, these traditions are the highlight of their college years. They’re the stories people tell their kids and grandkids, the moments that turn casual fans into lifelong supporters. Even decades later, alumni come back to their campuses, reliving those cherished traditions as if they were stepping into a time machine.
Traditions matter because they transform a simple game into a celebration of pride and unity. Whether it’s a pre-game chant, a halftime ritual, or a post-game victory song, these customs are the heartbeat of college football.
Top 10 Best College Football Traditions
College football traditions are as diverse as the schools that carry them. Each has a story, a reason, and a crowd that proudly keeps it alive. Here are ten of the best, spanning from emotional moments to wild game-day rituals.
1. Jump Around – Wisconsin Badgers
When the third quarter ends at Camp Randall Stadium, the air buzzes with anticipation. Then, as the first beats of House of Pain’s Jump Around hit, the entire stadium erupts. Fans, students, and alumni bounce together in a display of energy so electric, it’s impossible not to feel the excitement. This tradition isn’t just fun—it’s a way of showing that the Badgers never quit.
2. The Kinnick Wave – Iowa Hawkeyes
Sometimes, the smallest gestures create the biggest impact. After the first quarter of every home game, Iowa fans turn toward the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, just beyond the stadium. They wave to the young patients watching from above. It’s a moment that’s as heartfelt as it is simple, showing that football can bring a community together for a cause much bigger than the game.
3. Howard’s Rock and Hill Run – Clemson Tigers
At Clemson, it’s all about tradition and pride. Before every home game, players touch Howard’s Rock for good luck and then charge down the hill onto the field. Dubbed the "most exciting 25 seconds in college football," this tradition fires up the crowd and sets the stage for game day like no other.
4. Dotting the 'i' – Ohio State Buckeyes
When the Ohio State marching band performs the iconic Script Ohio, all eyes are on one moment: the dotting of the 'i'. This honor, usually given to a senior sousaphone player, is steeped in pride and precision. For fans and band members alike, it’s a symbol of excellence that defines Buckeye culture.
5. 12th Man – Texas A&M Aggies
Texas A&M’s "12th Man" isn’t just a tradition; it’s a mindset. Aggie fans stand for the entire game, symbolizing their readiness to step in for the team if needed. This unwavering support embodies the spirit of loyalty and commitment that makes college football so special.
6. Enter Sandman – Virginia Tech Hokies
As Metallica’s Enter Sandman blares through Lane Stadium, Hokies fans jump in unison, creating a scene so intense it’s felt by everyone, even the opposing team. This entrance ritual isn’t just intimidating—it’s a statement of unity and determination.
7. Vol Navy – Tennessee Volunteers
On game days at Neyland Stadium, the Tennessee River comes alive with fans tailgating on boats. Known as the "Vol Navy," this floating tailgate party is as much a part of Volunteer tradition as the orange and white checkerboard end zones.
8. Play Like a Champion Today – Notre Dame Fighting Irish
For Notre Dame players, touching the "Play Like a Champion Today" sign is a sacred moment before taking the field. It’s a reminder of the legacy they carry and the excellence they strive for—a simple gesture that speaks volumes.
9. Boomer Sooner – Oklahoma Sooners
When the Oklahoma Sooners score, the iconic Sooner Schooner races across the field, led by two spirited horses. It’s a celebration of victory and tradition that’s uniquely Oklahoma.
10. March On – Army-Navy Game
Before this historic rivalry game, cadets and midshipmen march onto the field in full formation. It’s a display of discipline, unity, and respect that sets this game apart from any other in college football.
The Evolution of Traditions
College football traditions are a blend of timeless rituals and evolving moments that adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the sport. While some traditions have remained untouched for decades, others have grown or shifted to reflect modern values and new generations of fans.
Honoring the Past
Many traditions are rooted in history, representing the identity of a team and its community. Take Ohio State’s Script Ohio, for example—a tradition born in 1936 that continues to be a highlight of every Buckeye game. The same goes for Clemson’s hill run, which began in the 1940s as a simple entry from a nearby street but has since transformed into one of college football’s most thrilling pre-game rituals.
These traditions remind us of where we’ve been. They connect fans, young and old, through shared experiences that feel timeless, even as the world around them changes.
Adapting to the Present
Some traditions evolve to reflect the values and challenges of today. Iowa’s Kinnick Wave, introduced in 2017, is a perfect example of a new tradition that’s become a beloved part of college football culture. By waving to the children in the nearby hospital, Hawkeye fans have shown how sports can be a force for good, creating a moment that resonates far beyond the stadium.
Technology, too, has shaped how traditions are experienced. From live-streamed pre-game ceremonies to social media trends like recreating game-day chants, fans now engage with traditions in ways that weren’t possible a few decades ago.
Building the Future
What’s exciting about college football traditions is that they’re never set in stone. New ones emerge all the time, blending fresh ideas with the spirit of the game. The potential for innovation is endless, as fans, players, and schools find new ways to celebrate their teams while honoring the traditions that came before.
At their core, these rituals—old and new—share one thing in common: they unite fans in their love for the game. That’s why it’s so important to support initiatives, like GameChange, that preserve these traditions and ensure they thrive for future generations.
How Fans Keep Traditions Alive
The Heartbeat of Game Day
It’s the fans who breathe life into college football traditions, turning simple moments into unforgettable rituals. Without their passion and dedication, traditions would fade into the background. Whether it’s a freshman learning the words to their school’s fight song or alumni returning to relive their favorite game-day rituals, fans are the driving force behind the traditions we cherish.
Passing the Torch
Every tradition thrives because it’s passed from one generation to the next. Parents teach their kids the chants they grew up singing, and older students guide newcomers through the game-day rituals that define the fan experience. It’s like a living legacy, connecting generations and keeping the school spirit alive.
For example, Texas A&M’s 12th Man isn’t just about standing for the game; it’s about understanding the responsibility and loyalty that come with being an Aggie. Fans ensure these values endure by sharing the meaning behind the tradition with each new wave of students.
Stories That Inspire
Behind every tradition are countless stories of fans who’ve gone above and beyond to keep them alive. Whether it’s a group of alumni organizing pre-game events, students rallying their peers for a midnight yell, or a community supporting their team through thick and thin, these efforts prove that traditions are as much about people as they are about football.
How GameChange Empowers Fans
GameChange plays a vital role in helping fans preserve these cherished traditions. By donating to support facilities, team programs, and the overall fan experience, you’re directly contributing to the rituals that make game day so special. It’s about more than just the game; it’s about ensuring that future generations get to feel the same pride and joy that these traditions bring.
Conclusion
College football traditions are the soul of the game, uniting fans in moments of pride, passion, and community. Whether it’s the thrill of jumping to "Jump Around" or the heartfelt connection of the Kinnick Wave, these rituals create memories that last a lifetime. But traditions don’t sustain themselves—they rely on the dedication of fans and the resources that keep them alive.
By supporting GameChange, you’re not just cheering from the stands—you’re actively shaping the future of your team’s legacy. Your contributions help improve facilities, enhance the fan experience, and ensure that the next generation can carry these traditions forward. Together, we can celebrate the spirit of college football and keep it thriving for years to come.
FAQ
What are some of the most iconic college football traditions?
Some of the most iconic traditions include Wisconsin’s "Jump Around," Clemson’s "Howard’s Rock and Hill Run," and Iowa’s heartfelt "Kinnick Wave." Each has its own unique story and meaning, making game day unforgettable.
Why are college football traditions so important?
Traditions are more than just fun—they connect fans, players, and alumni across generations. They create a sense of pride, belonging, and community that defines the college football experience.
Can new traditions still emerge in college football?
Absolutely! Traditions like the Kinnick Wave prove that new rituals can quickly become beloved parts of the game, showing how college football continues to evolve while honoring its roots.
How can I help preserve my favorite team’s traditions?
You can support your team through GameChange, which focuses on enhancing athletic facilities, fan experiences, and team programs to keep these traditions alive and thriving.
Do these traditions vary from school to school?
Yes! Each school has its own unique traditions, from Oklahoma’s "Boomer Sooner" to Notre Dame’s "Play Like a Champion Today" sign. These differences are what make college football culture so rich and diverse.