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The top fanbases in the nation
Posted on 9/11/19 at 2:08 pm
Posted on 9/11/19 at 2:08 pm
Agree or disagree? Selected comments on SEC teams. Source: SaturdayBlitz
50. Arizona State (Pac-12)
49. Syracuse (ACC)
48. Iowa State (Big 12)
47. KENTUCKY (SEC)
With the exception of Vanderbilt’s academic-centered pedigree, the SEC is overflowing with some of the nation’s best fanbases. Kentucky gets the benefit of a zealous base willing to commit wholeheartedly, especially when times are good. Game days in the south aren’t something to be trifled with, even at a basketball school. Fans show up in droves and back their team each and every Saturday.
46. Baylor (Big 12)
45. Boston College (ACC)
44. North Carolina (ACC)
43. Pittsburgh (ACC)
42. MISSISSIPPI STATE (SEC)
The cowbells are one of the most well-known traditions in college football, beloved by State fans while simultaneously drawing the ire of every opposing fan base. Outside of the cowbells, Mississippi State fits right in with their conference brethren, albeit with less historical success and a more arduous path to sustaining any sort of future dominance.
41. ARKANSAS (SEC)
A powerhouse of culture and history, the Arkansas Razorbacks dominate their region like few fanbases in the sport, creating a Nebraska-esque pocket of passion in the midwest. The decline of the program from its heydays in the Southwest Conference is unmistakable. However, the cries of “Woo Pig” can still be heard throughout all of those stadiums. They might not be in their glory days anymore, but the Arkansas faithful remain strong.
40. N.C. State (ACC)
39. BYU (WCC)
38. SOUTH CAROLINA (SEC)
Sandstorm blaring through Williams-Brice Stadium on a warm Saturday afternoon is a hallmark of college football’s most endearing traditions. The football team has its ups and downs, but the atmosphere is fantastic.
The success has dwindled since Holtz's and Spurrier's days — they’ve passed the seven-win mark just once after Spurrier’s departure in 2015. But, their zeal and love for the Gamecocks continues on.
37. Washington State (Pac-12)
36. West Virginia (Big 12)
35. Colorado (Pac-12)
34. Utah (Pac-12)
33. Georgia Tech (ACC)
32. Texas Tech (Big 12)
31. Iowa (Big 10)
30. TCU (Big 12)
29. Boise State (MWC)
28. OLE MISS (SEC)
The Grove. The Walk of Champions. Hotty Toddy. Football tradition and pageantry reach their peak every Saturday in Oxford, MS when the Rebels prepare to take the field. The Rebels support their team with fervent passion, showing up in force whether the opponent is Alabama or Alabama State. The road to sustained success is long, and most understanding Rebels realize their odds of reaching the pinnacle are slim. But that “What if” keeps them in their seats, waiting, for that one magical season when the stars align and everyone wants to know what’s going on in Oxford.
27. Michigan State (Big 10)
26. UCF (AAC)
25. UCLA (Pac-12)
24. Wisconsin (Big 10)
23. Stanford (Pac-12)
22. Oklahoma State (Big 12)
21. AUBURN (SEC)
The list of national championship-winning programs in the modern era is extremely short. Auburn has a title of their own and resides in the thick of the SEC footprint where, for better or worse, the emotions tend to be more extreme. The passion of the Tigers’ fans is evident, even if it does waver between elation and disgust more frequently than most could comprehend. That back and forth is really the only knock on a fanbase which holds their own against the best in college football.
20. Washington (Pac-12)
19. Virginia Tech (ACC)
18. Notre Dame (INDEP)
17. Oregon (Pac-12)
16. Miami (ACC)
15. Florida State (ACC)
14. TENNESSEE (SEC)
By almost every metric, Tennessee is one of the most impressive brands in college athletics. A series of unfortunate coaching hires have stumped the Vols’ upside in the 21st century. All of the facilities, administrative support and fan fervor can’t outdo the negative impacts of having the wrong man on the sideline. But, Tennessee hasn’t been able to get out of their own way. Broken coaching searches and internet mocking are more indicative of where Tennessee has been in recent past than their 1998 national title. There’s no reason the Vols won’t turn it around.
13. Texas (Big 12)
12. TEXAS A&M (SEC)
The 12th Man, the corps of cadets and the century tree serve as constant reminders of Texas A&M’s rich tradition. Want passion? It lives in Aggieland. They’ve spent all the money they can spend, hired the best coaches they can hire and recruited at a level like never before. Now it’s time to put everything together on the field. The fans will always be there, waving their towels and yelling like crazy. They just hope they’ll have something exciting to yell about in the near future.
11. Penn State (Big 10)
10. GEORGIA (SEC)
The heir apparent to Nick Saban in the SEC, Kirby Smart has picked up right where Mark Richt let off. The Bulldogs are recruiting at an extraordinary rate and have quickly surged to the top of the SEC East, a position they’ve held for the better part of two decades. Georgia still has the feel of a sleeping giant. For as much potential the Bulldogs have and as faithful as their fans have been, it feels like they should have more than a couple of runner-up finishes to their name. The fans can’t be blamed for the hiccups of the team on the field. For as much as the coaching and playcalling has left fans frustrated the near 100,000 on hand every Saturday at Sanford Stadium haven’t wavered. That loyalty is a mark of each of the nation’s best fanbases, a tier in which the Bulldogs unquestionably belong. If Georgia needs a scapegoat for their stumbling, it can’t be the fans.
9. LSU (SEC)
Another SEC fanbase who loves their football more than almost anything else, the LSU faithful are the purple and gold fanatics of the south. Situated a short drive from New Orleans, Baton Rouge has become a sports mecca of its own. When it comes to the peaks of college football’s most zealous and perhaps a bit over the top crowds, LSU belongs in the conversation. The Tiger tailgate scene is legendary and the party never ends early. As long as you’re not wearing the visiting teams’ colors, checking out a LSU game is an experience every college football fan should find a way to partake in.
8. USC (Pac-12)
7. Nebraska (Big 10)
6. FLORIDA (SEC)
Most of the world has never seen the Florida Gators play a home game, but they’ve heard about the swamp. The Gator chomp is one of the most iconic hand motions in a game full of theatrics and enthusiasm. When it comes to sifting through the college football fanbases in Florida, choosing the best truly becomes an exercise of splitting hairs. What separates the Gators from the rest is the longevity and consistency of their success and the overflowing crowds at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium tip the scales. Florida has had their rough spots, but true to their SEC roots, the fanaticism has never dwindled.
5. Clemson (ACC)
4. Michigan (Big 10)
3. Oklahoma (Big 12)
2. ALABAMA (SEC)
Alabama is the gold standard of the SEC. The Crimson Tide have carried that standard, following their team across the country every postseason with complete confidence the results will be worthwhile. Losing is uncomfortable for any fanbase, but particularly so for the Alabama faithful. The Tide just don’t do it very often. When failure does befall them, the team and the community are quick to dust themselves off and prepare for a rebound the following season. The Tide have impeccable credentials, but one other fanbase has taken one step further towards true fanaticism.
1. Ohio State
50. Arizona State (Pac-12)
49. Syracuse (ACC)
48. Iowa State (Big 12)
47. KENTUCKY (SEC)
With the exception of Vanderbilt’s academic-centered pedigree, the SEC is overflowing with some of the nation’s best fanbases. Kentucky gets the benefit of a zealous base willing to commit wholeheartedly, especially when times are good. Game days in the south aren’t something to be trifled with, even at a basketball school. Fans show up in droves and back their team each and every Saturday.
46. Baylor (Big 12)
45. Boston College (ACC)
44. North Carolina (ACC)
43. Pittsburgh (ACC)
42. MISSISSIPPI STATE (SEC)
The cowbells are one of the most well-known traditions in college football, beloved by State fans while simultaneously drawing the ire of every opposing fan base. Outside of the cowbells, Mississippi State fits right in with their conference brethren, albeit with less historical success and a more arduous path to sustaining any sort of future dominance.
41. ARKANSAS (SEC)
A powerhouse of culture and history, the Arkansas Razorbacks dominate their region like few fanbases in the sport, creating a Nebraska-esque pocket of passion in the midwest. The decline of the program from its heydays in the Southwest Conference is unmistakable. However, the cries of “Woo Pig” can still be heard throughout all of those stadiums. They might not be in their glory days anymore, but the Arkansas faithful remain strong.
40. N.C. State (ACC)
39. BYU (WCC)
38. SOUTH CAROLINA (SEC)
Sandstorm blaring through Williams-Brice Stadium on a warm Saturday afternoon is a hallmark of college football’s most endearing traditions. The football team has its ups and downs, but the atmosphere is fantastic.
The success has dwindled since Holtz's and Spurrier's days — they’ve passed the seven-win mark just once after Spurrier’s departure in 2015. But, their zeal and love for the Gamecocks continues on.
37. Washington State (Pac-12)
36. West Virginia (Big 12)
35. Colorado (Pac-12)
34. Utah (Pac-12)
33. Georgia Tech (ACC)
32. Texas Tech (Big 12)
31. Iowa (Big 10)
30. TCU (Big 12)
29. Boise State (MWC)
28. OLE MISS (SEC)
The Grove. The Walk of Champions. Hotty Toddy. Football tradition and pageantry reach their peak every Saturday in Oxford, MS when the Rebels prepare to take the field. The Rebels support their team with fervent passion, showing up in force whether the opponent is Alabama or Alabama State. The road to sustained success is long, and most understanding Rebels realize their odds of reaching the pinnacle are slim. But that “What if” keeps them in their seats, waiting, for that one magical season when the stars align and everyone wants to know what’s going on in Oxford.
27. Michigan State (Big 10)
26. UCF (AAC)
25. UCLA (Pac-12)
24. Wisconsin (Big 10)
23. Stanford (Pac-12)
22. Oklahoma State (Big 12)
21. AUBURN (SEC)
The list of national championship-winning programs in the modern era is extremely short. Auburn has a title of their own and resides in the thick of the SEC footprint where, for better or worse, the emotions tend to be more extreme. The passion of the Tigers’ fans is evident, even if it does waver between elation and disgust more frequently than most could comprehend. That back and forth is really the only knock on a fanbase which holds their own against the best in college football.
20. Washington (Pac-12)
19. Virginia Tech (ACC)
18. Notre Dame (INDEP)
17. Oregon (Pac-12)
16. Miami (ACC)
15. Florida State (ACC)
14. TENNESSEE (SEC)
By almost every metric, Tennessee is one of the most impressive brands in college athletics. A series of unfortunate coaching hires have stumped the Vols’ upside in the 21st century. All of the facilities, administrative support and fan fervor can’t outdo the negative impacts of having the wrong man on the sideline. But, Tennessee hasn’t been able to get out of their own way. Broken coaching searches and internet mocking are more indicative of where Tennessee has been in recent past than their 1998 national title. There’s no reason the Vols won’t turn it around.
13. Texas (Big 12)
12. TEXAS A&M (SEC)
The 12th Man, the corps of cadets and the century tree serve as constant reminders of Texas A&M’s rich tradition. Want passion? It lives in Aggieland. They’ve spent all the money they can spend, hired the best coaches they can hire and recruited at a level like never before. Now it’s time to put everything together on the field. The fans will always be there, waving their towels and yelling like crazy. They just hope they’ll have something exciting to yell about in the near future.
11. Penn State (Big 10)
10. GEORGIA (SEC)
The heir apparent to Nick Saban in the SEC, Kirby Smart has picked up right where Mark Richt let off. The Bulldogs are recruiting at an extraordinary rate and have quickly surged to the top of the SEC East, a position they’ve held for the better part of two decades. Georgia still has the feel of a sleeping giant. For as much potential the Bulldogs have and as faithful as their fans have been, it feels like they should have more than a couple of runner-up finishes to their name. The fans can’t be blamed for the hiccups of the team on the field. For as much as the coaching and playcalling has left fans frustrated the near 100,000 on hand every Saturday at Sanford Stadium haven’t wavered. That loyalty is a mark of each of the nation’s best fanbases, a tier in which the Bulldogs unquestionably belong. If Georgia needs a scapegoat for their stumbling, it can’t be the fans.
9. LSU (SEC)
Another SEC fanbase who loves their football more than almost anything else, the LSU faithful are the purple and gold fanatics of the south. Situated a short drive from New Orleans, Baton Rouge has become a sports mecca of its own. When it comes to the peaks of college football’s most zealous and perhaps a bit over the top crowds, LSU belongs in the conversation. The Tiger tailgate scene is legendary and the party never ends early. As long as you’re not wearing the visiting teams’ colors, checking out a LSU game is an experience every college football fan should find a way to partake in.
8. USC (Pac-12)
7. Nebraska (Big 10)
6. FLORIDA (SEC)
Most of the world has never seen the Florida Gators play a home game, but they’ve heard about the swamp. The Gator chomp is one of the most iconic hand motions in a game full of theatrics and enthusiasm. When it comes to sifting through the college football fanbases in Florida, choosing the best truly becomes an exercise of splitting hairs. What separates the Gators from the rest is the longevity and consistency of their success and the overflowing crowds at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium tip the scales. Florida has had their rough spots, but true to their SEC roots, the fanaticism has never dwindled.
5. Clemson (ACC)
4. Michigan (Big 10)
3. Oklahoma (Big 12)
2. ALABAMA (SEC)
Alabama is the gold standard of the SEC. The Crimson Tide have carried that standard, following their team across the country every postseason with complete confidence the results will be worthwhile. Losing is uncomfortable for any fanbase, but particularly so for the Alabama faithful. The Tide just don’t do it very often. When failure does befall them, the team and the community are quick to dust themselves off and prepare for a rebound the following season. The Tide have impeccable credentials, but one other fanbase has taken one step further towards true fanaticism.
1. Ohio State
This post was edited on 9/11/19 at 2:14 pm
45
Posted on 9/11/19 at 2:09 pm to RatRodDawg
No one sells out a 60k+ stadium for an 8-4 team quite like Mississippi State. 
LSU shouldn't sniff the top 10 if we're being honest.
LSU shouldn't sniff the top 10 if we're being honest.
This post was edited on 9/11/19 at 2:10 pm
Posted on 9/11/19 at 2:09 pm to RatRodDawg
L O frickin L.
Posted on 9/11/19 at 2:09 pm to RatRodDawg
This looks like a list of the worst fans bases.
Posted on 9/11/19 at 2:10 pm to RatRodDawg
USCjr and LSU too low, UF and Bama too high.
Posted on 9/11/19 at 2:11 pm to RatRodDawg
USC over LSU? The frick 
Posted on 9/11/19 at 2:11 pm to RatRodDawg
Putting Texas within 10 of A&M (regardless of their absolute positions)?
List is shite.
Seems to be more about the programs than the fans.
List is shite.
Seems to be more about the programs than the fans.
Posted on 9/11/19 at 2:13 pm to RatRodDawg
South Carolina at 38 is a joke. UCLA at 25? They had 60k empty seats for their loss last week.
Posted on 9/11/19 at 2:15 pm to RatRodDawg
#1 is LSU
Posted on 9/11/19 at 2:16 pm to RatRodDawg
Any list that ranks Miami as having the #16 best fan base is straight up garbage.
Posted on 9/11/19 at 2:17 pm to RatRodDawg
Teams that don't belong in this list:
48. Iowa State (Big 12) - I have friends that go to school in Ames, I have been twice and it isn't even close to what COMO is... that's why they come to visit me for game-days
45. Boston College (ACC) - your kidding me right?
33. Georgia Tech (ACC) - Georgia's little brother made this list, hey it is cool it is in Atlanta i guess?
26. UCF (AAC) - "The Champs" made the list?
This list BLOWS
48. Iowa State (Big 12) - I have friends that go to school in Ames, I have been twice and it isn't even close to what COMO is... that's why they come to visit me for game-days
45. Boston College (ACC) - your kidding me right?
33. Georgia Tech (ACC) - Georgia's little brother made this list, hey it is cool it is in Atlanta i guess?
26. UCF (AAC) - "The Champs" made the list?
This list BLOWS
This post was edited on 9/11/19 at 2:19 pm
Posted on 9/11/19 at 2:21 pm to RatRodDawg
Where’s MIZzou?
Where’s MizZOU?
Where’s MizZOU?
Posted on 9/11/19 at 2:23 pm to Draconian Sanctions
quote:
USC over LSU? The frick
"USC and the Rose Bowl are woven into the DNA of college football. A packed house and national focus will forever surround the Trojans, regardless of how well the team on the field is or isn’t playing. With so much else to do in Los Angeles outside of football, the downside to the rough times can be rather jarring. USC has cultivated enough goodwill to keep their fans in the seats, but the threat of greener pastures will always loom large.
Heisman trophies, national championships and winning have been woven through USC since the program was created, reaching its peak in the early 2000s under Pete Carroll. Fight On!, USC’s fight song is one of the most memorable tunes in the country.
USC's fans are still pretty feisty despite the failings of late on the field. It's the only West Coast program that would fit in the SEC quite nicely with all its tradition, etc. But, I think I'd put both UGA and LSU a tad above USC right now.
Posted on 9/11/19 at 2:24 pm to RatRodDawg
quote:
USC and the Rose Bowl are woven into the DNA of college football. A packed house...
Stopped reading right there.
This post was edited on 9/11/19 at 2:49 pm
Posted on 9/11/19 at 2:25 pm to scrooster
quote:
Where’s MIZzou?
Missouri & Vandy were the only SEC programs left out of the list. Sorry 'bout that. :(
Posted on 9/11/19 at 2:26 pm to scrooster
Im willing to bet we have a fan base better than ASu or Baylor
Posted on 9/11/19 at 2:26 pm to Ag Zwin
quote:
Stopped right there.
LOL!! Packed house? I don't think so! The first part, YES!!
Posted on 9/11/19 at 2:27 pm to Lou2theZou
quote:
33. Georgia Tech (ACC) - Georgia's little brother made this list, hey it is cool it is in Atlanta i guess?
Ive gone my entire life without ever meeting a Tech fan
Posted on 9/11/19 at 2:29 pm to RatRodDawg
South Caroline way too low.
That team sucked yet they fill the joint and are loud.
Alabama, on the other hand, has the most spoiled fans.
LSU too high, they don’t stay for the whole game.
That team sucked yet they fill the joint and are loud.
Alabama, on the other hand, has the most spoiled fans.
LSU too high, they don’t stay for the whole game.
Posted on 9/11/19 at 2:32 pm to BobLeeDagger
quote:
No one sells out a 60k+ stadium for an 8-4 team quite like Mississippi State.
When UK seated 67K (officially) it was not uncommon to see crowds over 70K in the stands. While this seems odd today even for a winning team, often times UK was losing and still selling over capacity.
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