In compiling this college fight songs list, I tried to keep emotion and association out of it. I tried the best I could. Hey, my alma mater, Illinois is only honorable mention for best five. Schools I hate made the list too. And schools I like made the worst list as well. However in the end, both the best and worst were programs with mascots from ancient warriors of the Aegean Sea.
The Michigan State Spartans claim the best fight song. The USC Trojans have the worst. Yes, these lists have zero scientific value. They are based on no metrics. This argument is 100% arbitrary and capricious. You more than welcome to disagree. You should. You really should. And when you run a website that’s had more than 8 million page views, feel free to post your own list of the five best and five worst.
college fight songs list: best
1. Michigan State Spartans
Hey, it was featured in Michael Moore’s first, and still by far the best, documentary “Roger and Me.” (It’s all about Flint, Michigan remember). And that film was part of curriculum in my University Sociology class. This song is to March Madness was Jingle Bells is to Christmas. Think of it as a college basketball Christmas Carol.
2. Michigan Wolverines
I know I know, you’re like don’t these two schools hate each other? Well, doesn’t matter. It’s my list now isn’t it. “Hail to the Victors” is soooooooooooooooooooooooooo old, it’s lyrics include “champions of the west.” Because Ann Arbor was considered “west” back then. Even though it’s in the Eastern time zone today. Easily the second most recognizable fight song after Notre Dame.
3. Florida State Seminoles
Nothing says 1990s football, and great skill position players, WRs, RBs, DBs, QBs (you know the REAL POSITIONS in football) like the FSU touchdown celebration hymn. Bonus points, it also made it into a Burger King commercial.
4. Oklahoma State Cowboys
most college fight songs are simplistic in composition with little note and tempo changes. Ok St certainly is not; its ornate, it’s developed. Their battle hymn is multifarious; which is what makes it good.
5. Alabama Crimson Tide
Has goofy, volatile lyrics about drowning the Yellow Jackets and scolding Georgia, but still great. Why hate on those schools? Don’t you have your hands full with your in-state rival Auburn? One of the more ornery college fight songs, people who hate Notre Dame and were sick of their non-stop 2012 propaganda no doubt grew to LOVE this song on Jan 7, and after.
College fight songs honorable mention: Penn State, Illinois, Northwestern, Oregon, UCLA, Duke, Purdue, Boston College, Baylor, Notre Dame, Miami
Paul M. Banks is the owner of The Sports Bank.net. (“Quasi-endorsed” by Philadelphia Eagles Coach Chip Kelly) He’s also an author who also contributes regularly to MSN, Fox Sports , Chicago Now, Walter Football.com and Yardbarker
Banks has appeared on the History Channel, as well as Clear Channel, ESPN and CBS radio all over the world. The NFL, NBA expert does a weekly spot for 95.7 The Fan. President Barack Obama follows him on Twitter (@PaulMBanks), like him on Facebook