Collegiate Times

The college football landscape presents an eclectic array of personalities from each respective school’s fan base.

From the traditions that are continually passed onto students to the passion and excitement within each stadium, there is no other atmosphere like it. Looking at all 120 members of the NCAA FBS division, these schools made the cut as the most passionate fan bases.

1. Alabama Crimson Tide

No question about it, “Bammers” love them some college football. So much so that 'Bama even fills Bryant-Denny Stadium nearly to its 101,821 capacity for their annual spring game scrimmage.

In 2007, Bama set a college football record with 92,138 in attendance during head coach Nick Saban’s first season. Despite NCAA sanctions during the mid-90s and '00s, Bama came back last season to win its 13th national championship, and it appears as though the Tide will keep on rolling.

2. LSU Tigers

They don’t nickname Tiger Stadium “Death Valley” for no reason.

The stadium registered as an earthquake on seismographs after LSU quarterback Tommy Hodson completed a game-winning touchdown pass to Eddie Fuller against Auburn in 1988.

Additionally, West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith couldn’t figure out where the center was lined up in a game this year against LSU. To say the least, this is a fan base that brings the passion of college football to every game.

3. Ohio State Buckeyes

The Buckeye faithful continue to pack the “Horseshoe” every Saturday for one of college footballs most tradition-rich schools.

OSU is also involved in arguably the most heated rivalry in the land with Michigan. “The Game,” as its known, will see its 107th meeting between the two schools this year, with Michigan currently holding an edge in the series 57-43-6.

Additionally, fans continue to support one of the most successful programs in college football history boasting seven national championships and seven Heisman winners, including the only two-time recipient, running back Archie Griffin.

4. Michigan Wolverines

The Wolverines have fallen flat the past few seasons, most notably in a shocking loss to Appalachian State in 2007 and back-to-back losing seasons during head coach Rich Rodriguez’s first two years at the helm.

Nonetheless, the “Big House” continues to bring that classic college football atmosphere every Saturday, as all 109,901 seats are packed.

Another school that boasts an incredible tradition, the Wolverines have won 11 national championships and is the winningest program in college football history with 882 wins.

5. Oklahoma Sooners

In 2008, the Sooners were ranked the most prestigious school by ESPN since 1936.

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A version of this article appeared in the Oct 15 issue of the Collegiate Times.