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; South Bend, IN, USA; A detail of the Word of Life Mural, commonly known as Touchdown Jesus on the side of the Hesburgh Library at the University of Notre Dame before the game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Nevada Wolf Pack at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Love ’em or hate ’em, no college football team has risen to a national level quite like the Irish. They are one of the few teams that have transcended regional allegiances. It’s hard to say exactly what it is that allows Notre Dame to grip the entire nation, but their long tradition of excellence and their ties to the Catholic Church have to help. Notre Dame was also one of the most dominant teams in the 1920s and 30s, when college football first captivated the nation.

The Irish have 11 consensus national titles, as well as 11 contested titles, a leading seven Heisman Trophy winners and nearly 500 players drafted to the NFL. Notre Dame also has its own television agreement with NBC, ensuring their games are seen all across the country.

Some of the biggest names in the history of college football have been Golden Domers, including Joe Montana, Alan Page, Tim Brown, Paul Hornung and Jerome Bettis. Knute Rockne and his Four Horsemen captivated the nation and are still spoken of to this day.

The Irish have also helped to further their reputation by seeking out titanic rivalries with programs like USC, Michigan, Michigan State and the Naval Academy. Maintaining their independent status has allowed Notre Dame to continue to cultivate their biggest rivalries, and that is a treat for college football fans.

Everything about the Notre Dame football experience is steeped in tradition. There’s Touchdown Jesus, the stadium which overlooks a beautiful campus, the shiny gold helmets, freshly painted for each contest and the angry leprechaun. This is truly an iconic program, and college football is better off when the Irish are contending for national titles.

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