Traditions are what make college sports special to fans across the nation. School pride and an appreciation for your specific team’s history separate the NCAA from its professional sports counterpart.
College football is no different. Those attending games in-person are able to experience those traditions firsthand. Many can only be seen at one particular stop.
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Traditions make each college football game unique. Every program is different, yet each custom is used in the same way – to pay homage in one way or another and continue what’s been passed down from others.
Below are nine of the most unique traditions in college football. You’ll be sure to see them each and every season when watching these particular schools compete on the gridiron.
Syracuse: The Burning of the Shoes
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This Syracuse tradition dates back to the 1980s. Players take their old shoes (and bad memories) from the year prior to burn.
It symbolizes a fresh start for the season to come. It’s since been passed down with head coach Fran Brown choosing to keep the custom going.
Ohio State: Dotting the I
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A veteran of the Ohio State University band is honored with a notable spot in the formation when the crew performs on the field.
The band spells out ‘Ohio’ in cursive script, and the fourth- or fifth-year team member is positioned above the ‘I.’
Auburn: Rolling Toomer's Corner
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Auburn football fans roll the trees of Toomer’s Corner, which borders the campus, with toilet paper after Tiger wins.
The tradition dates back to the 1960s and has survived an infamous poisoning to still go strong today!
Iowa: The Hawkeye Wave
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At the end of the first quarter during home football games, thousands of Hawkeyes fans can be seen waving in the direction of the Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital across the street.
The tradition is relatively new, but it’s one that’s made a lasting impression.
Texas A&M: Midnight Yell
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The night before every home game, the Aggies’ Yell Leaders gather to hype fans up for the upcoming matchup.
The event includes practicing yells (cheers) for Saturday’s action, as well as fables that detail how Texas A&M plans to beat its opponent.
Tennessee: Vol Navy
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The UT Armada, aka the Vol Navy, started in the 1960s. The awesome tradition sees more than 300 boats show up outside of Neyland Stadium for a floating tailgate.
Tennessee has one of two campuses in the nation that is accessible by boat. The Vol Navy shows its support each game.
Florida State: Sod Cemetery
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Spanning more than 70 years, this Florida State tradition involves taking chunks of sod from visiting stadiums after Seminole wins and burying them back in Tallahassee.
It started with a 1962 win over Georgia. Since, that list has grown to 114 games.
Army-Navy: Singing of the Alma Maters
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Win or lose, you’ll hear both the Army and Navy alma maters after each season’s annual rivalry.
Players first walk to the side of the losing team before then trudging along to the winning side. It’s a symbol of unity in an event that is much bigger than football.
Virginia: Fourth-Year Fifth
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This is maybe the most controversial of the traditions on the list. Virginia seniors look to finish a fifth of liquor during the day of the season’s final home game.
While university has done its part to warn on the dangers of alcohol abuse, the practice continues.
For more college football traditions, and the stories behind them, click here: The Origin Stories Behind College Football’s 9 Coolest Gameday Traditions