For many students, the first thing that comes to mind when they think of college is one simple word, football. During the football season, college campuses around the world are hosts to thousands of screaming fans and students who tailgate into all hours of the night.


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"There is nothing like seeing crowds close to 100,000 pack into stadiums to cheer on their team," said Kelly Cobb, Auburn University alumna. "It is truly an exciting and exhilarating experience that no one could ever forget."

College football undoubtedly has a level of dedication and loyalty that is truly unparalleled. As many already know, fans not only travel hours, but also arrive days before the game. College football is an extremely important part of Auburn, and it always will be, but has it become the primary focus amongst Auburn University’s students.

"Football will always be a huge part of the students here because so many of our traditions are primarily associated with the football program," Cobb said. "For instance, fans may roll Toomer’s Corner when other sports programs win, but it’s never on the same scale."

Although football is clearly not the only college sport, it is hard for other college sports programs to compete. Football brings in a large amount of revenue for many universities, including Auburn, and many have been used to fund entire athletic programs.

"I enjoyed attending other Auburn sports events such as gymnastics throughout my college career, but unfortunately, I don’t ever see these programs being as popular as football," said alumna Brette Bennett.

Football has undoubtedly become a national craze that has made small institutions relevant world wide. Successful athletics programs have even become primary factors that prospective students consider before applying to a university.

Auburn University senior Michael Covington said that Auburn football was one of the main reasons he decided to come to Auburn.

"Auburn’s football program is a huge reason why I decided to come here," he said. "With South Eastern Conference (SEC) football comes huge crowds and rivals, and is something that just can’t be topped."

Although football will always be an eminent part of Auburn, other sports programs are also an extremely important part of Auburn’s athletics program. Men’s basketball for instance also brings in huge crowds as well as baseball. But would about other sports such as rugby or equestrian?

"It’s not that the smaller sports hold any less importance, it is just not as largely recognized on the national level," Bennett said. "Every sport has their faithful fans, and that is all that matters. Every Auburn fan wants every Auburn game to be won regardless if it is football or not."

In the end, Auburn prides itself on being a family. Football is definitely a huge part of Auburn, but other sports programs undoubtedly have students’ respect as well. No matter the sport, one thing is for sure. Auburn fans stand behind all of their dedicated athletes and will continue to "bleed orange and blue."