Top-10 college football entrances

With the 2025-26 College Football Season in full swing, let’s rank the best and most electric entrances in the sport.

10. Oregon: Duck on the Motorcycle

To start my College Football entrance rankings, at the bottom of my list is the University of Oregon.

The Oregon Duck comes out riding a motorcycle, followed by the players running out with the first few holding flags. There is smoke and fireworks, which add to the excitement.

The crowd sings along to “Mighty Oregon,” the official fight song of the university. After the third quarter, the song “Shout” by the Eley Brothers plays, which fans at Autzen Stadium love.

9. Notre Dame: Play Like a Champion Today

Notre Dame’s tradition of running out through their North Tunnel under a sign that says “Play Like a Champion Today” is next on my list.

This tradition was reinstated by head coach Lou Holtz in 1986, tied to the program’s history.

Their entrance has the song “Here Come The Irish” playing in the background. It is accompanied by smoke and flashing lights, which is especially remarkable at night.

8. Texas Tech: Masked Rider

Next on the list is Texas Tech’s masked rider entrance. This is the oldest tradition for College Football entrances, dating back to the 1930s.

A masked rider in all black leads the Red Raiders with their “guns up,” while fire and smoke erupt as they run out.

Their “Fight Raiders Fight” plays in the background as red fireworks light up Jones AT&T Stadium.

7. Penn State: White Out

The greatest show in college sports could not be excluded from this list.

There is nothing quite like a Penn State White Out in Happy Valley. The Nittany Lions lock arms and walk through the South Tunnel with Head Coach James Franklin leading them.

Their anthem “Zombie Nation - Kernkraft 4000” plays while fireworks surround Beaver Stadium. 110,00 wearing white, buzzing with excitement, all yelling “We Are Penn State.”

6. Texas A&M: Power

Texas A&M’s Home of the 12th Man is next on this list of electric entrances.

They have one of the most hype walk-out songs in “Power” along with their band’s drumline and sirens in the background.

Similar to other programs previously mentioned on this list, the Aggies run out with smoke and fire behind them, and red fireworks light up opposite ends of Kyle Field.

5. South Carolina: 2001

Moving on to the top five of the list, the South Carolina Gamecocks’ 2001 entrance fills the crowd with anticipation.

This is a piece to honor Stanley Kubrick's 1968 film “2001: A Space Odyssey," but was inspired by Elvis Presley’s concert entrance, where he appeared on stage to this theme music.

It is especially awesome to see at night when Williams-Brice Stadium is lit up red to really get fans fired up.

4. Tennessee: Running Through the T

Good Old Rocky Top is fourth on this list. Tennessee’s tradition of Running Through the T, with the stadium lighting up orange, creates one of the best atmospheres in the game.

Tennessee’s band forms a giant “Power T” shape for the Vols to run through. It was created to give the Vols a clear pathway without encountering their opponents.

Their entrance music is a mix of beats with their iconic “Rocky Top,” and fireworks erupt on beat. Painting a stunning picture at Neyland Stadium.

3. Clemson: The Hill

At number three, the Clemson Tigers running down the hill. This famous pregame tradition involves the team running down a grassy hill just outside of their locker room.

This dramatic entrance into Death Valley Stadium has stuck with the program since the early 1940s.

They run out to “We Will Rock You” into the band’s “Tiger Rag,” as purple and orange lights flash throughout the stadium, creating a beautiful sight.

2. Florida State: Osceola and Renegade

Florida State’s War Chant has to be one of the most well-known traditions in the game of college football.

Osceola charges downfield, riding Renegade, as their fight song rings throughout. 80,000 fans at Doak S. Campbell Stadium singing along and doing the tomahawk chop.

This is a true tribute to the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The ‘Noles run out while red fireworks and gleaming brighten the way.

1. Virginia Tech: Enter Sandman

Finally, first on the list, one of the most well-known and iconic traditions in college football: Virginia Tech’s Enter Sandman entrance.

Over 65,000 people jumping to “Enter Sandman” in Lane Stadium has to be one of the best and most fun atmospheres in the game.

The bass of the song, along with shaking the stadium, captures the energy of Hokie Nation. Fireworks and flashing lights erupt from all around the stadium, brightening the sky as the team runs out.

Ultimately, ranking these college football entrances is difficult since they all bring incredible energy. Every single one of these entrances is electrifying and renowned in their own way, making the atmosphere of the game even better.

Gina Scarpa is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email gfs5427@psu.edu.