jenny taft
Reporter & Moderator
When I’m asked why I love covering the sport of college football, one of the main reasons that always comes to mind is its rich tradition.
I’ve been lucky enough to see many of these traditions in exhibits and in person, but some stand out more than others. Seeing the crowd “jump around” at Camp Randall Stadium or watching Ralphie run on the field at Folsom Field is part of what makes this sport special. Speaking of Ralphie, my good friend and colleague at FOX Sports, Joel Klatt, heard that I was putting together this list and had a special request.
Joel Klatt promotes Jenny Taft’s top 10 college football traditions
So I’ve done my best to come up with what I think are the top 10 college football traditions (with bonus picks). When reading my list, please keep the following in mind: This is debatable.
Feel free to share your thoughts on your favorite traditions.
1. Wisconsin: Fly around.
“Jump Around” is my favorite college tradition for nostalgic reasons. Both of my parents attended the University of Wisconsin, and that’s where they met. My grandfather was one of the vice-chancellors of the university in the 60s. My first memory of college football was going to a game with my family, completely in awe of the pregame festivities before kickoff. One thing I can say for sure is that when I first visited Wisconsin, I was obsessed with college football. You don’t want to miss the excitement in the stadium when Camp Randall is hopping.
2. Iowa: Iowa Wave
It all started with one Hawkeye fan. Krista Young decided it would be special to wave to the young patients at Stead Family Children’s Hospital during the game. At first it was one wave, but now 70,000 football fans make their way from the field to the hospital, waving in unison between the first and second quarters.
Over the years, I have been fortunate enough to meet several patients who believe that this tradition truly represents hope and love in so many ways.
3. Colorado: Ralphie’s Run
Ralphie’s Run is one of the funniest traditions in college football, and is considered one of the oldest traditions, starting in 1967 (P.S. – the QB was Joel Klatt at the time!). One of my favorite aspects of Ralphie’s Run is the “Ralphie’s Handlers” who are placed around the field and run with Ralphie as he runs around the field in a horseshoe shape.
PS – Did you know that Ralphie is always a female bison? Male bison can weigh up to 2,200 pounds, while females can weigh closer to 1,200 pounds. In any case, there’s zero chance I’ll ever do this with Ralphie, but I’d really love to see it on display!
4. Virginia Tech: Introducing the Sandman
It’s hard to match the atmosphere at Virginia Tech when Metallica or “Enter Sandman” is playing. The tradition began in 2001 when band members began jumping up and down to warm up during called games. Other band members joined in, and the bouncing tradition spread throughout the stadium. I also love how Metallica shows their support for this tradition and this song by playing various video messages to the fans in the stadium.
5. Pennsylvania: Whiteout
People often ask me about the loudest atmosphere in college football. It’s not often you have to wear both sound-cancelling earbuds to hear a producer, but Penn State is a place where you do. Add in the “whiteout” and the noise, and the atmosphere of Happy Valley becomes unforgettable. This is a must-see experience for college football fans.
6. Army and Navy: Sing your alma mater
This game is one of the oldest and most storied traditions in college football. This rivalry says it all when it comes to the incredible history and tradition of two critically important programs that protect our freedoms.
One special tradition that accompanies this game is that after the game, both teams sing each other’s alma mater, with the losing team singing first. A beautiful touch to tradition and the ultimate respect between the Army and Navy.
7. Notre Dame: Play like a champion
A few years ago, our crew visited Notre Dame and thankfully our colleague Brady Quinn gave us a behind-the-scenes tour of the historic football facility and locker room. When you look at that sign, it really embodies the essence of college football.
8. Oklahoma: Sooner Schooner
In case you’re wondering, yes, I have been on a Sooner Schooner. And it was in the same game that the schooner was turned over.
It’s definitely one of the greatest traditions in college football, and there’s no doubt that riding aboard the Sooner Schooner is just as awesome as you’d expect.
9. Ohio: Dotted i
My list of top college football traditions would not be complete without the highlight of the halftime performance of “Script Ohio” by the Ohio State Marching Band: “Dot the i’s.” Unfortunately, halftime is always very busy for me, but when I’m at Ohio Stadium, I do my best to enjoy the “dot the i’s.” This is a very special honor, usually performed by advanced sousaphone players. The Ohio State University Marching Band will love it!
10. Michigan: Mr. Brightside
Over the past few years, I have been fortunate enough to watch the University of Michigan’s football program return to glory. I’ll never forget what “Mr. Brightside” felt like when the University of Michigan finally beat Ohio State in the Big House in the snow in 2021. It’s falling all around us. It was an incredibly picturesque scene and one of my favorites from the post-match interview with Aidan Hutchinson.
Aidan Hutchinson, Heisman conversation after ‘The Game’ performance
Since then, the Wolverines have won three straight against the Buckeyes. Will this be the year that Ohio State turns things around, or will Michigan continue its winning streak? Either way, it’s a great day to be a Michigan fan when Michigan State football is “back” and “Mr. Brightside” is playing.
Bonus Pick: Tennessee: Vol Navy
I would love to experience this tradition firsthand someday! “Vol Navy” is a University of Tennessee tradition in which fans dock their boats on the Tennessee River and have a floating tailgate party before the game. It all started back in 1962, when radio broadcaster George Mooney and a friend decided to take a boat to Neyland Stadium to avoid traffic. Love it! Yachts, houseboats, and sailboats all arrive on Tuesday to ensure you have the perfect spot for your party.
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