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 10, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; USC Trojans defensive back Adoree Jackson (2) scores on a 79-yard punt return in the third quarter against the Utah State Aggies during a NCAA football game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

3. University of Southern California Trojans

Like Michigan, USC has won 11 national championships and produced scores of elite talent. Throughout history, USC’s program has produced several dynastic runs, winning three titles in the 1930s, two in the 1960s, four in the 1970s, and two in the 2000s.

In terms of raw production of elite football players, USC is unmatched. Seven Heisman Trophies have been won by Trojans, including three in rapid succession (Carson Palmer, Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush) during the mini-dynasty of the early 2000s. In addition to dominating the Heisman ranks, USC is also prominently featured in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, with a leading 12 members hailing from the school.

Wisconsin prides itself on producing great running backs, but the true leader in that department is USC. O.J. Simpson, Marcus Allen, Anthony Davis, Bush and LenDale White all passed through the program. Very few universities would be able to assemble an all-time team that would be able to knock off USC.

In terms of pure pageantry, USC also stands above most. There is an allure to playing in Los Angeles, and for years, USC was the city’s primary football team. USC’s cheerleaders are California cool in an effortless way, and the team plays in the LA Coliseum, a venue that has seen plenty of its own history. As with many of the teams on this list, USC has a time-honored, simple uniform design that’s instantly recognizable.

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