Fansided

College football’s 15 most passionate and loyal fanbases

By John Buhler

Sep 10, 2016; Lincoln, NE, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers fans get ready for the game against the Wyoming Cowboys at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Lincoln, NE, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers fans get ready for the game against the Wyoming Cowboys at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 4, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; Fans in the Texas student section cheer during the game between the Texas Longhorns and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Texas won 50-47 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 4, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; Fans in the Texas student section cheer during the game between the Texas Longhorns and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Texas won 50-47 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Texas Longhorns

There is not a more valuable brand in college athletics than the Texas Longhorns football team. In Texas, people love their Longhorns. Texas has the best facilities, an outstanding football tradition, elite high school football talent in-state, and even its own television network.

When Texas football is good, college football is better. The Longhorns give the Big 12 serious bite when they are humming as a program. It amplifies the Red River Rivalry’s significance with Oklahoma, as well as pushes to other Texas schools to step their game up.

Hook ‘Em Horns is probably the most recognizable hand gesture in college athletics. The burnt orange Longhorn logo is symbolic with college football. Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium is one of the best football venues in the Southwest. Texas fans are about as rabid as they come.

Yes, there are other programs that have won more National Championships and have had more Heisman Trophy winners than Texas. However, from an optics standpoint, a college football novice would instantly think that this was the most storied program in the sport strictly on how massive, loyal, and wide-reaching the Longhorns fanbase is.

Next: 6. Georgia Bulldogs

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