Is your college football team known for being friendly? We’ve ranked the top 20 friendliest college fanbases in the USA - see if yours has made the cut!

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The Friendliest College Fanbases in the USA

College football is more than just a sport; it’s a way of life deeply woven into the cultural fabric of the United States. From coast to coast, college teams ignite a passion that unites fans, fuels fierce rivalries, and embodies regional pride. Whether it’s the roar of the crowd in the SEC’s packed stadiums, the historic traditions of the Big Ten, or the high-octane energy of the Big 12, college football represents more than athletic competition – it’s a celebration of community and identity.

Tailgating, with its mouthwatering BBQ, spirited chants and hours of camaraderie, is an experience in itself, often starting hours before kick-off, and continuing long after the final whistle. Each state has its unique rituals, mascots and customs, creating a mosaic of traditions that celebrate not only the teams, but the regions they represent. In states like Alabama, Ohio and Texas, college football is a great source of pride and a cornerstone of local culture.

However, name a fan base and most backers can immediately think of a particularly obnoxious specimen or three. Part of the problem is comparison – for instance, Michigan vs. Tennessee, or Ohio State vs. LSU. These are culture questions, not a matter of ticket sales or crowd noise. The real question is, which college has the friendliest fanbase?

We carried out some research on positive reviews and sentiment, to determine which college fanbases in the USA are the friendliest. Did your team make the top 20? Let’s find out!

1: Kansas State Wildcats

At Kansas State, traditions run deep. During athletic events, the iconic “Wabash Cannonball” song fills the stadium, sparking synchronized clapping, twisting and bending among fans. Generations of K-Staters have carried this legacy, transforming a simple tune into a powerful symbol of unity. Willie the Wildcat, their beloved mascot, leads the charge, rallying the purple-and-silver crowd and reminding everyone why K-State is the pride of Manhattan, Kansas.

Based at the Bill Snyder Family Stadium and part of the Big 12, the Kansas State Wildcats received 100% positive reviews and 43% positive sentiment. This gives them a total score of 10 out of 10, placing them firmly at number one in our rankings.

2: Texas Tech Red Raiders

Texas Tech fans live for the thrill of game day. The Masked Rider, a daring figure on horseback, storms onto the field, setting the tone for the high-energy Red Raiders. Guns Up hand signals, a spirited tradition, unite the crowd in Lubbock as they cheer their team to victory. The Raiderland pride, combined with iconic chants like “Fight, Raiders, Fight,” cements Texas Tech as a leading force in college football culture.

Calling the Jones AT&T Stadium their home and part of the Big 12, the Texas Tech Red Raiders received 90.5% positive reviews and 42% positive sentiment. This gives them a total score of 8.91 out of 10.

3: Georgia Bulldogs

Georgia Bulldogs fans bleed red and black, gathering in Athens to celebrate one of college football’s most storied programs. The revered “Calling the Dawgs” chant ignites the stadium, with fans barking in unison. Uga, their adorable yet formidable live bulldog mascot, epitomizes Georgia’s tenacity. Tailgating on the historic campus, complete with Southern charm and passion, ensures that every game day is unforgettable for faithful fans.

Sanford Stadium is where you’ll find the Georgia Bulldogs and they’re part of the SEC conference. They received 94.1% positive reviews and 34% positive sentiment. This gives them a total score of 8.16 out of 10.

4: Ohio State Buckeyes

The Ohio State Buckeyes boast a tradition-rich football culture that captivates fans nationwide. The iconic “Script Ohio” performed by The Ohio State University Marching Band is a breathtaking display of precision and pride. Brutus Buckeye, the energetic mascot, pumps up the scarlet-and-gray crowd, while chants of “O-H-I-O” echo across the Horseshoe. Game day in Columbus is a celebration of excellence, community and unwavering loyalty.

Playing at Ohio Stadium and part of the Big Ten, the Ohio State Buckeyes received 91.6% positive reviews and 30% positive sentiment. This gives them a total score of 7.35 out of 10.

5: Indiana Hoosiers

Indiana Hoosiers fans bring a unique energy to college football. Known primarily for their basketball prowess, the football program fosters a tight-knit community of crimson-and-cream supporters. The tradition of singing the school fight song, “Indiana, Our Indiana,” creates an electric atmosphere in Bloomington. As fans cheer from Memorial Stadium’s Rock, they celebrate the resilience and spirit of Hoosier Nation.

The Indiana Hoosiers play at Memorial Stadium and they’re part of the Big Ten. With 88.8% positive reviews and 32% positive sentiment, they receive a total score of 7.35 out of 10, giving them the joint 4 spot alongside the Ohio State Buckeyes.

6: Clemson Tigers

At Clemson, football is more than a game – it’s a way of life. “Howard’s Rock,” a talisman of good luck, is touched by players before they run down the hill into Death Valley, a spectacle known as the most exciting 25 seconds in college football. The Tiger Rag fight song and the powerful roar of Clemson’s orange-clad fans fuel the team’s drive. Clemson traditions are widely known as embodying unity, pride and relentless spirit.

Clemson Memorial Stadium and the ACC are at the heart of the Clemson Tigers. They received 93.9% positive reviews and 24% positive sentiment. This gives them a total score of 6.76 out of 10.

7: Oklahoma Sooners

The Oklahoma Sooners boast a game day experience steeped in tradition. The Sooner Schooner, a covered wagon pulled by horses, races onto the field, energizing fans. The rallying cry “Boomer Sooner” echoes as crimson-and-cream supporters cheer on their team. With a legacy of excellence and passion, Oklahoma football remains a cornerstone of pride for the state.

Playing their home games at the Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium and part of the SEC, the Oklahoma Sooners received 91.7% positive reviews and 25% positive sentiment. This gives them a total score of 6.67 out of 10.

8: Alabama Crimson Tide

Few traditions rival the fervor of Alabama Crimson Tide football. Fans clad in crimson and white fill the stadium, chanting the iconic “Roll Tide” battle cry. The Million Dollar Band provides a dynamic soundtrack, amplifying the game day energy. Tailgating under the sprawling Southern skies and admiring the Walk of Champions are hallmarks of this powerhouse program’s enduring legacy.

The Bryant-Denny Stadium and the SEC are where you’ll find Alabama Crimson Tide. They received 96.1% positive reviews and 21% positive sentiment. This gives them a total score of 6.56 out of 10.

9: Washington State Cougars

Washington State Cougars fans embrace a rugged, spirited culture in Pullman. The WSU flag, a symbol of Cougar pride, waves proudly at every ESPN College GameDay broadcast, connecting alumni across the country. Led by Butch T. Cougar, their energetic mascot, fans chant proudly “Go Cougs!” Tailgating in the picturesque Palouse region makes every game day a celebration of Washington State’s enduring camaraderie.

The Washington State Cougars play on Gesa Field at Martin Stadium and are part of the Pac-12 conference. They received 84.6% positive reviews and 29% positive sentiment. This gives them a total score of 6.52 out of 10.

10: Virginia Tech Hokies

Virginia Tech’s traditions are as unique as their nickname. “Enter Sandman” by Metallica blares through Lane Stadium, igniting an adrenaline-pumping crowd jump as the Hokies take the field. The “Hokie Stone” accents around campus symbolize strength and heritage, while fans clad in maroon and orange chant “Let’s Go, Hokies!” Whether through their electric entrances or loyal community, Virginia Tech football inspires pride across Blacksburg.

Coming in at number 10, the Virginia Tech Hokies are based at Lane Stadium and are part of the ACC. They received 94.4% positive reviews and 21% positive sentiment, giving them a total score of 6.38 out of 10.

The friendliest college fanbases #11-20

Sometimes 10 just isn’t enough, so we thought it would be a good idea to see which college teams made numbers 11 to 20 in our rankings:

·       #11: California Golden Bears (79.2% positive reviews + 30% positive sentiment = 6.11 out of 10)

·       #12: Washington Huskies (95.4% positive reviews + 18% positive sentiment = 6.07 out of 10)

·       Joint #13: Oregon Ducks (96.5% positive reviews + 17% positive sentiment = 6.04 out of 10)

·       Joint #13: Arkansas Razorbacks (92.3% positive reviews + 20% positive sentiment = 6.04 out of 10)

·       #15: BYU Cougars (80.8% positive reviews + 28% positive sentiment = 5.99 out of 10)

·       #16: TCU Horned Frogs (93.1% positive reviews + 19% positive sentiment = 5.98 out of 10)

·       #17: West Virginia Mountaineers (93.0% positive reviews + 19% positive sentiment = 5.97 out of 10)

·       #18: Minnesota Golden Gophers (89.0% positive reviews + 26% positive sentiment = 5.85 out of 10)

·       #19: Purdue Boilermakers (80.7% positive reviews + 26% positive sentiment = 5.71 out of 10)

·       #20: Auburn Tigers (94.9% positive reviews + 15% positive sentiment = 6.60 out of 10)

Want to show your team spirit? Back your favorite sports team, or discover our pick of the best colleges for tailgate parties.

Methodology

This dataset ranks 54 football teams in the FBS, based on how friendly their fanbase is. To do this, two different factors were used. Once the data for the factors was collected, the factors were then normalised, to provide each factor with a score of between 0 and 1. If data was not available, a score of 0 was given. The normalised values were then summed and multiplied by 5, to give each team a total score out of 10. The teams were then ranked from highest to lowest, based on their total scores. 

The factors used were:

·       Positive Reviews: The combined number of 4 and 5 star reviews for each team’s stadium on Tripadvisor. In the case of there being less than 10 total reviews or no stadium page for a team, we instead used Yelp reviews.

·       Positive Sentiment: The percentage of positive social media posts which include the prompt “Team Name” between November18, 2023 and November 17, 2024, according to Brandwatch.

The factors were then indexed, with high values receiving a high score, and low value receiving a low score. All data is correct as of 11/19/24.