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; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Bradrick Shaw (7) picks up a first down with Georgia State Panthers defensive lineman Jalen Lawrence (97) missing a tackle during the first half of the Wisconsin Badgers-Georgia State NCAA football game. Mandatory Credit: Rick Wood-Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via USA TODAY NETWORK /

20. Wisconsin Badgers

It might not be pretty, but Wisconsin football is the epitome of Midwestern, brute force football. The Badgers are one of the founding members of the Big 10, beginning play in 1896. They have won the conference 14 times, including three straight from 2010 to 2012. Wisconsin has squared off 122 times with the University of Minnesota, which is the most-played rivalry in the FBS.

Wisconsin is known for its punishing ground game, which has earned them the title “Running Back U.” The nickname was coined under Hall of Fame coach Barry Alvarez in the 1990s and sticks to this day. Wisconsin has had two running backs win the Heisman, Alan Ameche and Ron Dayne. Dayne is the current record holder for rushing yardage and is tied with historic names like Marcus Allen and Ricky Williams for most 200-yard games.

More famous than the stable of running backs the school has churned out is the party-like atmosphere that pervades Camp Randall Stadium. The tradition of playing Jump Around at the start of the fourth quarter is truly a sight to behold.

Wisconsin has historically played second, third, or even fourth fiddle in the Big 10 to schools like Ohio State, Michigan and Penn State, but they have more than enough tradition to make this list.

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