25 college football programs with the most tradition

Sep 26, 2015; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Isaac Rochell (90) is congratulated by cornerback Cole Luke (36) after making a tackle against the University of Massachusetts Minutemen at Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame defeats Massachusetts 62-27. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 17, 2016; Lincoln, NE, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers safety Nate Gerry (25) celebrates after a tackle against the Oregon Ducks in the first quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports /

13. Nebraska Cornhuskers

The Nebraska Cornhuskers have had some of college football’s greatest teams of all time. ESPN puts two Husker teams, the 1971 and 1995 undefeated squads, in its top three of all college football teams in history. Nebraska also has the highest win total and best winning percentage in the NCAA over the past 50 years.

Overall, Nebraska has 46 conference titles, five national titles and three Heisman Trophy winners. They were the first team to win three titles in four years (1994, 1995 and 1997) since Notre Dame in 1946-1949.

Nebraska has plenty of traditions beyond winning that make it a worthy inclusion on this list. The Cornhusker defense has always been fearsome and is known as the Blackshirts. Traditionally, the starting defense wore black shirts in practice, building upon their intimidating reputation. Nebraska is also known for its wide-open walk-on program, which attracts many players from rural Nebraska. This program was started by longtime coach Tom Osborne and has actually produced 29 NFL players.

In recent years, Nebraska has tumbled down a few pegs in terms of national relevance. They have cycled through a few unsuccessful coaches since Osborne retired. Nebraska was a controversial inclusion in the 2002 BCS title game and was smoked by Miami by a score of 37-14. They have not been back to a top bowl since.

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