Fansided

Ranking the 10 best college football fight songs

By Phil Poling

12 November 2016: USC quarterback #14 Sam Danold leads the Trojan band in a song after the game against Washington. USC defeated Washington 36-13 at Husky Stadium on November 12, 2016, in Seattle, WA. (Photo by Jesse Beals/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
12 November 2016: USC quarterback #14 Sam Danold leads the Trojan band in a song after the game against Washington. USC defeated Washington 36-13 at Husky Stadium on November 12, 2016, in Seattle, WA. (Photo by Jesse Beals/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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September 21, 2013: A general view of the Word of Life mural, also known as ‘Touchdown Jesus’ which adorns the facade of the Hesburgh Library on campus before the football game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Michigan State Spartans, at Notre Dame Stadium, in South Bend, IN. Notre Dame Fighting Irish defeated Michigan State Spartans by the score of 17-13. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon SMI/Corbis via Getty Images)
September 21, 2013: A general view of the Word of Life mural, also known as ‘Touchdown Jesus’ which adorns the facade of the Hesburgh Library on campus before the football game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Michigan State Spartans, at Notre Dame Stadium, in South Bend, IN. Notre Dame Fighting Irish defeated Michigan State Spartans by the score of 17-13. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon SMI/Corbis via Getty Images) /

No. 1: Notre Dame Fightin’ Irish

The best of the best in fight songs, aka, “Victory March,” belongs to the University of Notre Dame. Composed in the early 1900’s by brothers Michael and John Shea, the university was officially licensed to play it by 1928. And over the course of a near-century since, plenty have enjoyed their efforts.

Like most school’s and their fight songs on game day, “Victory March,” is a routine tune at South Bend tailgates. But it’s up-tempo beat demands more than just an ear to listen with – toes are tapping, heads are bobbing, lips are whistling. This song’s great even for people without rhythm!

The song reflects its title very well, too. Whereas USC’s, “Fight On,” sounds like preparation for or continuation of a battle, Notre Dame’s, “Victory March,” echoes the arrival of an army returning from battle.

“Cheer, cheer for old Notre Dame,
Wake up the echoes cheering her name,
Send a volley cheer on high,
Shake down the thunder from the sky.
What though the odds be great or small
Old Notre Dame will win over all,
While her loyal sons are marching
Onward to victory.”

Next. Best college football players of all time from every state. dark