Nothing gets the crowd fired up at a college football game quite like a good song blasting over the stadium –but in some cases, one song might send a different feeling through the stands. Whether it be from the school marching band or the stadium speakers, once fans hear the beginning, they are all on the same page when certain songs come on. Many schools have that one song that has become a tradition and right of passage for every student and fan to join in with, and in this article we will be breaking down the most iconic tunes that send a shock through the stadium, taking into account historical significance, connection to the university and overall nostalgia. 

Related: 12 Songs to Get You Pumped for Game Time

11. UCF – “Kernkraft 400”

While a lot of stadiums across the country see masses of jumping fans when “Kernkraft 400” comes over the speakers, no one does it quite like the fans of UCF. Appropriately nicknamed “The Bounce House”, fans of the knights put their own spirited twist on the beat adding in a chant to fire up their home squad at every home game. While the tradition itself may not be unique, supporters of UCF earn a spot on this list for their over the top spirit for the tune. 

10. Alabama – “Rammer Jammer”

The farewell from Alabama Crimson Tide fans to the opposing team after winning a home game is nothing short of ruthless. While not a full song, the Rammer Jammer tradition is led with music from the Alabama marching band in the closing seconds of already won games. Fans make no attempt to spare their vocal cords as they remind the opposing team “we just beat the hell out of you!”

9. Ohio State – “Hang on Sloopy”

After receiving support from the band director, “Hang on Sloopy” was added to the repertoire of the Ohio State band, and went on to receive resounding support from the crowd when tested during a game. Thus began a tradition that has been sustained for over 50 years by the Buckeye band and crowd. Spirited game goers eventually added in a chant of “O-H-I-O” during the main chorus to put a more personal Ohio State spin on the classic. 

Related: Rate Ohio State University

8. USC – “Tusk”

A rendition of “Tusk” by the USC Trojan marching band sends a chill through the entire stadium. Known for its horn section, the ominous sounds that emanate from the band during this song has become a staple of every USC football game. In typical fashion, Trojan fans have adapted a new version of a particular bridge in the song which is intended for mortal rival UCLA and features some colorful vocabulary from the USC student section. 

7. Virginia Tech – “Enter Sandman”

This Metallica classic serves as the entry song for the Hokies football team at each home game. While this song again may be common at a lot of college football games, Hokies fans have been known to literally shake the stadium when this song comes over the loudspeaker. In fact, the members of Metallica are even included as part of the pre-game hype in a video that they recorded for Virginia Tech after seeing their stunning display. 

6. Tennessee – “Rocky Top”

This southern classic has been adopted into the Vols culture since it first started being played at Tennessee football games in the 1970's. Fans have no hesitation in showing their love for their state during the chorus “…Good ole Rocky Top, Rocky Top Tennessee.” If you ever find yourself at a Volunteers football game be prepared to have this song stuck in your head for several days after–Vols band members play this song multiple times a game, but they certainly don't have to worry about anyone getting tired of it. 

5. Alabama – “Sweet Home Alabama”

Naturally “Sweet Home Alabama” from Lynyrd Skynyrd would find its way into the stadium at every Alabama football game. A frequent part of both pre-game and in-game festivities, Crimson Tide fans wave flags and other items dawning the crimson and white colors during the song with seemingly endless energy and spirit. The entire stadium chanting “Roll, Tide, Roll” before each rendition of the chorus serves as a nice hometown addition to the southern state classic. 

4. Notre Dame – “I'm Shipping Up to Boston”

When you see the Fighting Irish mascot running around the field it should make perfect sense why this classic, celtic rock-esque song by Dropkick Murphys has become a frequent audio choice at every Notre Dame football game. Played as a portion of the pre-kickoff routine at every home bout, Fighting Irish fans let loose the Irishman in themselves in support of their team in the upcoming battle. 

3. West Virginia  – “Country Roads”

In obvious fashion this legendary John Denver hit has become the football game and state anthem of the entire state of West Virginia. The sound of the first few words “almost heaven, West Virginia”, brings every fan in the stadium at every Mountaineers game to their feet. When this jam comes on during the pre-game presentation at every home matchup, WVU fans put their arms around one another and sway back and forth together while belting the melodic words, showing their love for their state and team. 

2. Michigan – “Mr.Brightside”

This 2003 hit by The Killers has become a go-to song on the playlist for every game at the fabled Big House; and every other event on campus for that matter. In the third quarter of every home game, the Wolverines student section makes sure they can be heard by the entire city of Ann Arbor. While the student section is the first to start the singing, it never takes long for the rest of the stadium to join in. It's safe to say that every fan in the Big House knows the words to this iconic song…and if they don't, they will by the time they leave. 

Related: Rate the University of Michigan

1. Wisconsin – “Jump Around”

Since 1998 the fans at Wisconsin Badgers home games have been hearing this 1992 song during the fourth quarter, and it is safe to say that a Badgers football game wouldn't be the same without it. Seeing this sea of red and white going wild at every game is a sight that is nothing short of spectacular. Little do Wisconsin football diehards know, their favorite part of the game might not always be the safest. During a renovation in 2003 structural strength tests had to be done before allowing the song to be played at the next home game, but once safety was ensured, fans went right back to jumping as high and hard as they could to encourage their beloved Badgers.

 
What's your favorite game day tradition? Let us know at [email protected]

* Originally published on September 6, 2022, by Tyler Traskos