College football traditions are more than just pre-game rituals—they’re vibrant displays of passion, pride, and community that define the sport. Across the country, these traditions unite fans, and each one tells a story that transcends the game. Let’s explore ten unforgettable customs that keep the spirit of college football alive and prove why these moments are cherished by millions every season.
The Iowa Wave
Every game at Iowa’s Kinnick Stadium ends its first quarter with thousands of fans turning toward the Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. The crowd waves at young patients watching from the hospital windows. This tradition started in 2017 and has since grown into a symbol of compassion.
Jump Around at Wisconsin
Nothing gets fans fired up like the third-quarter transition at Camp Randall Stadium. When “Jump Around” by House of Pain echoes across the field, every fan leaps in unison. First introduced in 1998, the tradition was nearly halted due to safety concerns, but it proved too powerful to abandon.
Dotting the ‘i’ at Ohio State
Ohio State University’s Script Ohio performance by the marching band is legendary, but the real highlight comes when a senior sousaphone player dots the “i.” This dramatic moment, introduced in 1936, involves a slow, high-stepping march to the top of the “i,” followed by a ceremonious bow.
Ralphie’s Run at Colorado
Picture the thunderous hooves of a live buffalo charging across Folsom Field, led by five handlers sprinting at full speed. Ralphie the Buffalo has been the University of Colorado’s live mascot since 1967. Moreover, its handlers undergo rigorous training to safely guide the 1,200-pound animal.
Enter Sandman at Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech fans shake Lane Stadium to its foundation as “Enter Sandman” by Metallica blares through the speakers. It is an adrenaline-pumping entrance that began in 2000 and became a defining moment of Hokie culture. Fans jump so fervently that the movement once registered on a local seismograph, earning national attention.
The 12th Man at Texas A&M
The “12th Man” tradition at Texas A&M University honors the unwavering dedication of Aggie students. Dating back to 1922, this ritual began when a student, E. King Gill, left the stands to suit up, ready to play if needed. Today, the entire student section stands throughout the game to display loyalty and unity.
Singing “Take Me Home, Country Roads”
Few moments rival the emotional high of West Virginia University fans singing John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” after every victory. Since 1972, this post-game anthem has united fans in celebrating their Mountain State pride. The song’s lyrics make up for a tradition that transforms a simple win into a memory.
Rolling Toomer’s Corner at Auburn
Toomer’s Corner becomes a snowy wonderland of toilet paper after every Auburn Tigers victory. This quirky tradition started in the 1960s when fans used the corner’s oak trees as a focal point for celebration. Even after the original trees were poisoned in 2010, Auburn fans continued the ritual with new trees planted in 2015.
The Grove Tailgating at Ole Miss
The Grove at the University of Mississippi turns tailgating into an art form. The 10-acre park is filled with fans who set up elaborate tents adorned with chandeliers, fine china, and gourmet food. Since the 1950s, Ole Miss fans have transformed pre-game gatherings into a blend of Southern charm and fierce school pride.
The Vol Navy at Tennessee
Tailgating takes on a nautical twist at the University of Tennessee, where fans arrive at Neyland Stadium by boat. Known as the Vol Navy, this tradition began in the 1960s when a local radio announcer docked his boat before a game. Today, hundreds of boats gather along the Tennessee River to create a floating party.
10 Passionate College Football Traditions That Keep the Spirit Alive