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; Norman, OK, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer speaks with his team during the second half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Ohio State Buckeyes

Contrary to popular belief, there is quality football played north of the state of Tennessee in the United States. Ohio State is the first team from the north/Midwest to crack the top 10 of this list, and the Buckeyes are definitely worthy.

Ohio State has won eight national titles, spanning seven different decades. This program has been the model of consistency. Buckeyes have won seven Heisman Trophies, which ties Notre Dame for the most in NCAA history. Archie Griffin is also the only two-time winner of the award.

The Buckeyes have had a string of high-profile (if not controversial) head coaches. Paul Brown (the guy they named the Cleveland Browns after) won the school’s first title. Woody Hayes made Ohio State into a powerhouse, won five national titles, and got himself fired after punching a Clemson player during the 1978 Gator Bowl. Jim Tressel was the most successful coach at OSU since Hayes was fired, winning a national title but seeing his tenure come to an end amidst the Tattoogate scandal. The current head coach, Urban Meyer, secured a national title in 2014 and has completely reworked the Ohio State offense, which once relied heavily on ball control and the I-formation, into a speedy, spread dynamo.

As far as traditions go, Ohio State is deserving of a few buckeye leaves on the side of their helmet. Brutus is one of the most easily recognized mascots in sports, the Horseshoe is one of the loudest stadiums in the country, and the rivalry with Michigan is one of the best in the NCAA. Still, none of that holds a candle to the OSU band and their script “O-H-I-O” with a ceremonial dotting of the i.

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