The 5 Best Game Day Traditions in College Sports

Gameday traditions are a cornerstone of college sports, providing a unique blend of history, school pride and community. Fans rally around these rituals, passing them down through generations, and they help define the spirit of each school. Here, we explore five of the best traditions, plus a few honorable mentions that bring fans together in the name of sport.

Honorable Mentions

Howard’s Rock – Clemson University: Before each home game, Clemson players rub “Howard’s Rock” for luck before running down the hill at Memorial Stadium. This tradition, dating back to 1967, began with Coach Frank Howard’s use of the rock as a doorstop. Now elevated to sacred status, the rock symbolizes grit, unity and the anticipation of battle on the field.

“Enter Sandman” – Virginia Tech: Virginia Tech kicks off each home game with Metallica’s “Enter Sandman,” pumping up fans as the Hokies rush the field. The tradition began in 2000 and has become an electric moment in college football, with the stadium pulsating as 65,000 fans jump and cheer in unison.

Toomer’s Corner – Auburn University: Auburn fans gather at Toomer’s Corner after every big win, decorating the trees with toilet paper in celebration. Despite setbacks like the poisoning of the original trees in 2010, Auburn fans revived this tradition in 2017 with new oaks, keeping the spirit alive.

5. “Jump Around” – University of Wisconsin

At the end of the third quarter, Camp Randall Stadium erupts as 80,000 Badger fans begin to “Jump Around” to the House of Pain classic. The tradition started in 1998 when a technical glitch led the stadium to play the song by chance, and it quickly became a campus staple. The entire stadium turns into a giant mosh pit, igniting the energy of both players and fans for the final quarter.

4. Hawkeye Wave – University of Iowa

Since 2017, Iowa fans, players and staff have taken a moment after the first quarter to wave at the children watching from the nearby Stead Family Children’s Hospital. Overlooking Kinnick Stadium, the hospital is home to patients who join in on the festivities. A heartwarming addition to college football traditions, the Hawkeye Wave unites the stadium in a simple yet powerful act of kindness.

3. Dotting the “i” – Ohio State University

Ohio State’s “Script Ohio” has been a beloved pregame tradition since 1936. The highlight is “dotting the i,” in which a senior sousaphone player steps forward to take their place as the dot atop the formation. Occasionally, a notable guest is chosen for the honor. The tradition emphasizes precision, pride and a deep sense of Buckeye heritage.

2. Army-Navy Game

Dating back to 1890, the Army-Navy game is more than a football game – it’s a patriotic display and a fierce rivalry representing the U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Naval Academy. Cadets and midshipmen march before the game, and fans from all walks of life gather to witness the disciplined spectacle. Each year, this game gets its own week, serving as the grand finale to the regular college football season, embodying honor and tradition.

1. Penn State White Out

The Penn State White Out tops the list as one of the most intense, visually striking traditions in college sports. Since 2004, Penn State fans have “whited out” Beaver Stadium for one marquee home game each season. The sight of more than 100,000 fans clad in white, creating an intimidating “sea of white,” is a powerful example of collective school spirit.