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 4, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; Bevo XV, the Texas Longhorns mascot, 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

Very few college football teams would be able to carry their own television network, but Texas does. The Longhorns were valued at $805 million in 2012. Football is a religion in the state of Texas, and the Longhorns may be the biggest point of pride.

Texas ranks third all-time in wins and ranks second in the number of bowl appearances. The Horns have won 32 conference titles and four consensus national titles, most recently winning in 2005. That 2005 Rose Bowl will forever be remembered as one of the best games in the history of the NCAA, as Vince Young scored with 20 seconds left to push Texas to a 41-38 win over heavy favorite USC.

In terms of football traditions, Texas boasts a live longhorn steer, Bevo, the world’s largest drum, Bertha (Purdue University disputes this claim), and the famous “Hook ‘Em Horns!” hand signal. Texas and Oklahoma share the Red River Rivalry. There is also an in-state rivalry with Texas A&M. Both rivalry games have been played over 100 times. Texas, set in Austin, is not necessarily known for the over-the-top tailgates of the SEC, but if you’re a fan of smoked meat and barbecue, there may not be a better campus to visit.

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