The college football season is set to get under way, marking the official end of summer for many football fans.
Here is a list of the top 10 college football traditions that will be revived once again this year:
10. Waving the Wheat, University of Kansas
While the Jayhawks may be more renowned for their basketball prowess, their football team has come on strong in recent years. Whenever the Jayhawks make a decisive play, fans sway their arms above their heads, imitating a wheat field.
9. Bevo, University of Texas
Bevo is a Texas longhorn steer, the living mascot for the University of Texas. The current Bevo is the 14th steer to preside over Longhorns home games. Bevo XIV was even present during George W. Bush’s second inauguration.
8. Sooner Schooner, University of Oklahoma
After each Oklahoma Sooner score, two white horses — Boomer and Sooner — pull the Schooner, resembling a covered pioneer wagon, across the field. The tradition has been in place since 1964.
7. The 12th Man, Texas A&M
The 12th man dates back to when a student was called from the stands during a 1922 game as team reserves were failing. Though the 12th man never played, spectators now stand at the ready during Aggie games in support of the team.
6. The Gator Chomp, University of Florida
Fans of the Florida extend their arms and clap them together in imitation of their namesake Gators. The gesture has become a ubiquitous part of Florida University sports.
5. Rocky Top, University of Tennessee
Originally a song by the Osborne Brothers, “Rocky Top” has become the unofficial anthem of Tennessee football. “Rocky Top” has been sung at Volunteer games for almost 40 years.
4. Howard’s Rock, Clemson University
A gift to Clemson head coach Frank Howard that was initially scorned, the rock was eventually placed above the east end zone. As players make their entrance onto the field, they rub the rock.
3. Toomer’s Corner, Auburn University
Named for a drug store on the corner of Magnolia Avenue and College Street, fans of the Tigers “roll” the elm trees in the square after victories. In February 2011, a rival Alabama Crimson Tide fan famously attempted to poison the trees.
2. The Grove, University of Mississippi (Ole Miss)
The Grove is site to the greatest tailgating spot in college football. Many fans wear their Sunday best and many eat with the greatest finery. As game-time nears, players take the “Walk of Champions” en route to the stadium.
1. Dotting the “i”, The Ohio State University
The Ohio State marching band is one of the most iconic halftime performers in all of sports. Tradition states that a sousaphone player dot the “i” of the script “Ohio,” though there have been many “honorary dots” in recent years.
I have been a loyal fan of the Aggies for more than a decade.