There’s nothing quite like the pageantry of college football on a crisp autumn Saturday, when stadium traditions transform a simple game into an unforgettable spectacle. From the moment fans file in to the final whistle, each program’s unique rituals reinforce why college football remains America’s most passionate fall pastime. While every fan base swears their team’s custom is the pinnacle of college traditions, 247Sports’ Grant Hughes recently attempted to rank them all—and at No. 1, he placed Virginia Tech’s legendary “Enter Sandman” entrance.
1. Virginia Tech – “Enter Sandman”
When Metallica’s iconic riff blares through Lane Stadium’s speakers and the Hokies storm onto the field in unison, goosebumps aren’t just common—they’re guaranteed. The synchronized headbanging that follows the first chorus has become synonymous with Virginia Tech football, uniting students, alumni, and visitors in an electric moment that few traditions can match.
2. Wisconsin – “Jump Around”
Camp Randall erupts midway through the third quarter as Kanye West’s “Jump Around” starts up, prompting more than 80,000 Badger faithful to leap in unison. The seismic shake ripples through the stands and even across Breslin Tower—proof that a well-timed beat can become as much of a weapon as any defensive front.
3. Florida State – Chief Osceola’s Spear Plant
Few entrances rival the drama of Seminole War Party leader Chief Osceola galloping his Appaloosa, Renegade, down to midfield before thrusting a flaming spear into Doak Campbell Stadium’s turf. The scene is primal, evocative of battlefield tradition, and a visceral reminder of the pageantry that makes college football truly unique.
4. Ohio State – “Dotting the ‘I’”
At Ohio Stadium, the Script Ohio march by the famed OSU “Scarlet and Gray” marching band culminates in the “dotting of the ‘i’” — a glittering, meticulously choreographed flourish that honors both the band’s heritage and the broader traditions of the university. It’s a moment of precision and pride watched by millions on TV and in person.
5. Auburn – “Rolling Toomer’s Corner”
After an Auburn victory in Jordan-Hare Stadium, fans flock to the neighboring intersection of College and Magnolia Avenues to celebrate by cheering, singing, and tossing handfuls of toilet paper into the trees that line Toomer’s Corner. The ethereal white streamers cascading through the oak branches have become emblematic of Tiger triumphs for generations.
Other notable traditions rounding out Hughes’s Top 10 include Nebraska’s “Tunnel Walk,” Tennessee’s “Vol Navy” boat flotilla on the Tennessee River, and Texas A&M’s “Midnight Yell” before the annual showdown with Texas. Each ritual carries its own lore and loyal devotees, cementing college football’s standing as a tradition-rich cultural phenomenon.
Virginia Tech Baseball Coach John Szefc Addresses the Faithful
Meanwhile, on the diamond, Virginia Tech baseball coach John Szefc took to social media in the wake of the Hokies’ second-round exit from the ACC Tournament at the hands of Clemson. In a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter), Szefc promised fans that the program will “be back stronger than ever in 2026.” It’s an ambitious vow: Virginia Tech has now missed the NCAA Tournament three straight seasons, despite a Super Regional appearance as recently as 2022. After a promising start to 2024, the Hokies’ offense sputtered in the latter half, and key injuries further derailed their postseason bid. As Szefc works to retool the roster and regain consistency, followers of Hokie baseball will be watching closely to see whether his assurances translate into a return to March’s dance.
Football Coach Brent Pry Bolsters Staff with New Strength Hire
On the gridiron side of things, first-year head coach Brent Pry has been busy reshaping his own staff. This week, Pry officially named Jeffrey Eaton as Associate Director of Strength and Conditioning, a move first reported several weeks ago. Eaton arrives from the University of Miami, where he spent the past three seasons overseeing athlete performance and injury prevention. His résumé also includes stints at Oregon (2019–21) and Purdue, giving him a wealth of Power Five experience. Improved strength and conditioning have been pinpointed as critical for Virginia Tech’s competitiveness in the ACC—and soon the Big Ten—making this hire a key piece of Pry’s broader plan to elevate training standards, reduce injuries, and foster a championship culture in Blacksburg.
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