Sure, there is the excitement and spectacle of the NFL, but college football adds a layer of tradition, pageantry, and passion that is unparalleled. From the raucous tailgate parties to the marching bands and cheerleaders, the college football experience is an immersive celebration of American culture. One of the defining characteristics of college football is its enduring traditions. These customs have been passed down for generations and are an essential part of the game’s fabric. One of the most iconic and recognizable traditions in college football is the dotting of the i at Ohio State University. This ritual involves a sousaphone player marching onto the field and dotting the i in the word Ohio during the performance of a rousing brass and percussion rendition of Le Regiment. The moment is a testament to the love and pride that Buckeye fans have for their team and their school. Another tradition that always draws attention and cameras is the The Walk at Clemson University.
As the team arrives at Memorial Stadium, they make their way through a sea of adoring fans and a pregame parade of cheerleaders, the band, and, of course, the majestic tiger mascot, in its cage, along the way. Not to be outdone, Auburn University has its eagle flight prior to kickoff. Fans eagerly wait for the moment when the trained raptor soars over the crowd and lands at the 50-yard line. College football’s traditions are also intertwined with the history and culture of the regions where the teams are located. For example, at Texas A&M University, they’ve maintained the practice of the Corps of Cadets, a military-style organization that serves as a source of inspiration and pride for the school. The Corps’ march-in, which involves the cadets marching onto the field before the game, is a salute to the school’s military past and present. Another custom that sets apart college football is the mascots. Teams have created their own unique figures that represent their schools and regions. The University of Georgia’s bulldog, Uga, is one of the most beloved mascots in college football and is a symbol of adoration for fans of the South.
The University of Oregon’s Puddles the Duck is a delightfully wacky creature that always puts a smile on fans’ faces. This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to college football traditions. There are Jump Around at Wisconsin games, the Roll Tide chant at the University of Alabama, and many more that make the college football experience unforgettable. But why do we, as fans, love traditions so much? It’s because they provide a sense of belonging and connection to something larger than ourselves. Fans can look football betting information back on generations of supporters and feel like they are part of a community that has cheered on their team for decades. The college football traditions also serve as a reminder of the country’s heritage and the values it holds dear. They evoke memories of simpler times when the game was more about passion and love for the school than the professional contracts and paychecks of today’s NFL.