The energy, emotion, and pageantry of college football game days are unmatched. From time-honored traditions to quirky fan rituals, these moments define the essence of NCAA football. Here’s a look at some of the most iconic traditions that fans eagerly anticipate every season.

Dramatic Entrances

• Osceola and Renegade, Florida State: Since 1978, Osceola has led his horse, Renegade, onto the field, planting a flaming spear at midfield. This ritual, approved by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, is a breathtaking sight.
• Enter Sandman, Virginia Tech: Metallica’s "Enter Sandman" sets the stage as the entire stadium jumps in unison, creating seismic activity when the team runs onto the field.
• The Smoke, Miami: Since the 1950s, the Hurricanes have emerged through a cloud of smoke, a tradition born from the need to drum up fan interest.

Touching Tributes

• Hawkeye Wave, Iowa: Fans and players wave to children at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital after the first quarter, a heartwarming tradition that began in 2017.
• Spirit of Chucky Mullins, Ole Miss: Players touch a bust of Chucky Mullins, a former player paralyzed in 1989, embodying his mantra, "Never quit."

Music That Moves

• Jump Around, Wisconsin: Between the third and fourth quarters, Camp Randall Stadium shakes as fans jump to House of Pain’s hit song.
• Sweet Caroline, Pitt: Neil Diamond’s classic gets a Pitt twist, with fans singing "Let’s Go Pitt" during the chorus.
• Sandstorm, South Carolina: Darude’s techno anthem whips the crowd into a frenzy, especially during crucial moments.

Animal Mascots

• Ralphie’s Run, Colorado: A live bison leads the Buffaloes onto the field, a tradition dating back to 1966.
• Flight of the Eagle, Auburn: An eagle with a 6½-foot wingspan circles Jordan-Hare Stadium, a majestic pregame ritual.

Unique Fan Rituals

• Midnight Yell, Texas A&M: Aggies gather the night before games to practice their yells, a tradition since 1931.
• Tortilla Toss, Texas Tech: Fans throw tortillas onto the field after the opening kickoff, a quirky and unofficial tradition.

Halftime Spectacles

• Script Ohio, Ohio State: The marching band spells out "Ohio" in script, with a senior sousaphone player dotting the "i."
• Marching 100, Florida A&M: Known for their "Slow One" and halftime performances, this band is a must-see at Bragg Stadium.

The Total Package

• White Out, Penn State: Beaver Stadium transforms into a sea of white for the biggest home night game, creating an intimidating atmosphere.
• Saturday Night at Tiger Stadium, LSU: From tailgating to the Golden Band’s performance, LSU games are a celebration of Southern culture.

These traditions, whether decades-old or newly minted, showcase the passion and creativity that make NCAA football a beloved American pastime.