The level of football played by colleges and universities mostly by NCAA rules and guidelines. Enjoy the history of the collegiate brand of the gridiron!
College Football
College Hall of Fame
Dive into the gridiron greats with this collection of articles exploring the lives and legacies of American college football Hall of Fame players. Each piece delves into the on-field heroics that secured their place in history, from jaw-dropping touchdowns to strategic brilliance. But these articles go beyond the stats, uncovering the personal stories that shaped these legends. You'll discover their journeys from high school prospects to national stars, the challenges they overcame, and the impact they left on the game they loved. Whether you're a die-hard fan or simply appreciate sporting excellence, this collection offers a captivating look at the men who forever changed the landscape of college football.
The College Football Hall of Fame is a hall of fame and interactive attraction devoted to college football. The National Football Foundation members select historic players, coaches, and contributors who rose above their peers in collegiate gridiron history to their College Football Hall of Fame. We are happy to help this legendary museum celebrate the stars and innivators of the gridiron with these individual tributes.
Army West Point Black Knights Football Program
While the Black Knights haven't claimed a national championship, their rivalry with the Naval Academy Midshipmen in the annual Army-Navy Game is one of the most storied and celebrated traditions in American sports. This contest, first played in 1890, transcends the sport itself, embodying the spirit of competition and the dedication of future military officers.
The Black Knights have produced numerous notable players, including Heisman Trophy winners Glenn Davis (1946) and Doc Blanchard (1945). Michie Stadium, their home field, is a historic venue that reverberates with the echoes of past gridiron battles.
The Army Black Knights represent more than just a football team. They symbolize the values of duty, honor, and country, embodying the spirit of the United States Military Academy.
Kentucky Wildcats Gridiron Traditions and History
Forget Bourbon and bluegrass, there's a different kind of elixir coursing through the veins of Kentuckians: Wildcat football. This series dives headfirst into the rich, and sometimes turbulent, history of the Kentucky Wildcats football program. We'll traverse sun-drenched victories, gut-wrenching defeats, and everything in between, uncovering the iconic figures, legendary matchups, and defining moments that have shaped the Wildcat identity.
From the early days of "Football Frank" Boggs and the birth of the "Run, Baby Run" tradition, to the explosive offenses of Babe Laufenberg and Tim Couch, we'll rewind the clock and relive the gridiron battles that cemented Kentucky's place in Southeastern Conference lore. We'll dissect the rivalry that runs deeper than bourbon rivers with the Tennessee Volunteers, and explore the unique bond between Lexington and its beloved Wildcats.
But history isn't just about victories; it's about overcoming adversity. We'll examine the lean years, the coaching carousels, and the moments where Wildcat faith was tested. We'll celebrate the resilience of this program, its ability to rise from the ashes and redefine expectations.
Maryland Terps Gridiron Traditions and History
From the sandy shores of the Chesapeake Bay to the hallowed ground of Byrd Stadium, we delve into the tapestry of Terrapin tradition, unraveling the threads that bind generations of fans and players. Witness the birth of a nickname, whispered amidst campus lore. Feel the ground rumble as Heisman heroes break tackles and launch bombs. Hear the thundering chorus of "Fight, Fight, Fight for Maryland!" echo through the stands, a battle cry passed down from father to son, daughter to mother.
But this journey isn't just about past triumphs. We navigate the winding paths of rivalry, relishing the heart-pounding clashes with Virginia Tech and Penn State. We explore the peaks and valleys of seasons past, learning from setbacks and celebrating hard-fought victories. We introduce you to the faces that shape the legacy – the iconic coaches, the record-breaking athletes, the superfans whose devotion burns brighter than the Maryland state flag.
Purdue Boilermakers Football Program History
From the gridiron's earliest days to the modern era of high-flying offenses, we'll explore the evolution of Purdue football. We'll delve into the strategies, the rivalries, the triumphs, and the challenges that have shaped the Boilermakers into the program they are today.
We'll introduce you to the legendary coaches who left an indelible mark on the program, the star players who captured the hearts of fans, and the unforgettable games that have become etched in Boilermaker lore. Whether you're a lifelong fan or just discovering the Boilermakers, there's something for everyone in this exploration of Purdue football history.
Join us as we celebrate the past, analyze the present, and look forward to the future of a program that continues to inspire passion and loyalty.
Boiler Up, Hammer Down!
Washington Huskies Gridiron Traditions and History
Here is a summary of the Huskies football program:
-Early Years: Washington played independently for 26 years (1889-1915) before joining the Pacific Coast Conference (PCC) in 1916.
-Conference Evolution: The PCC morphed into various iterations: AAUW, Pacific-8, Pacific-10, and ultimately the current Pac-12. Washington and California remained members throughout.
-Big Ten Shift: In 2023, Washington and Oregon were accepted into the Big Ten Conference, starting in 2024.
-Championships: Washington claims two national championships: 1960 (Helms Athletic Foundation) and 1991 (Coaches Poll). The latter title was split with Miami (AP Poll).
Washington University Bears of St Louis Football Program History
The program's history is peppered with notable figures. Perhaps most significantly, the legendary coach Jimmy Conzelman, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, spent time coaching the Bears.
While he is more widely known for his professional career, his time at Washington University adds a significant layer to the school's football narrative. The school also saw players like Irv Kupcinet, who went on to a long career in journalism, play for the team.
SMU Mustangs Football Program History
In the early to mid-20th century, SMU football ascended to national recognition, becoming a Southwest Conference powerhouse. The Mustangs cultivated a reputation for exciting, high-scoring offenses, captivating fans and drawing national attention. Names like Doak Walker became synonymous with SMU football, symbolizing the program's golden era. However, the program's history is also intertwined with controversy, most notably the "death penalty" imposed by the NCAA in 1987, which dramatically altered the trajectory of the program.
Appalachian State Mountaineers Gridiron Traditions and History
On the following pages, we will cover:
-The Program's Origin
-The Biggest Games in School History
-The Program's Top Players
-The Program's Most Significant Coaches
-The Program's Logo and Mascot History
-The Teamm's Helmet Designs Over Time
-and so much more
Learn more Gridiron history of the team on this page!
Akron Zips Gridiron Traditions and History
Akron has an excellent tradition of quality pigskin play and is a perennial contender for their respective conference title and sometimes even a Bowl game during the holidays. Zip into Akron's Gridiron history on this page!
The Gridiron Legend of Pop Warner
He was known for his innovative offensive schemes that dominated the first half of the 20th century. While coaching greats like Jim Thorpe at Carlisle Indian Industrial School, Warner left a lasting mark on the game by introducing the huddle, numbered jerseys, and the spiral punt. His most significant contribution outside of coaching, however, came in 1934 when he co-founded the Pop Warner Little Scholars youth football organization, a program that continues to introduce young athletes to the sport today.