One of the things that endure many to the sport of college football over other sports and even the NFL is the pageantry and traditions that have stood the test of time. There’s nothing like a fall Saturday with the band playing, the familiar colors, and all the traditions that make you feel like you wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
But not all traditions are created equal. Some envoke goosebumps and chills because they are so special and have been around forever, some get the crowd whipped up in a frenzy, while some are newer and still finding their way into the collective psyche of the college football world.
Call us biased, but the Big Ten might have more storied traditions than any other conference, and if not, what you see on Saturdays in the fall is at least up there with other leagues. Some have found their way on lists of best traditions in all of college football.
We decided to get in the game and give it the ‘ole college try at ranking the ten best Big Ten football traditions. But before we do, remember that this is just an opinion piece and normally what we hear is that your school has the best tradition and is severely underrated, while an opposing school’s traditions are overrated. It’s the way of the world.
Undaunted though, here we go with our list of the ten best Big Ten football traditions as we count down from No. 10 to the best of the best. Take it to the bank.
Paul Bunyan’s Axe – Wisconsin and Minnesota
Wisconsin center Tyler Biadasz, holding Paul Bunyan’s Axe, will likely be playing his final game for the Badgers in the Rose Bowl. Credit: USA TODAY Sports Network
Why it makes the list
Why not start with a tradition that could poke someone’s eye out? To be fair, it’s not a real ax with sharp edges, but it still looks dangerous. Wisconsin and Minnesota have been playing for Paul Bunyan’s ax since 1948, the year after the original “trophy”, the “slab of bacon” — which feels about as upper midwest as you can get — disappeared.
Big Bass Drum – Purdue
A Purdue student beats their Big Bass Drum, Indianapolis, Saturday, May 28, 2022, during the 500 Festival Parade. Credit: USA TODAY Sports Network
Why it makes the list
The “World’s Largest Drum” was commissioned in 1921 and can be seen at home football games and other special events in and around the area. It stands about 10 feet high in its carriage and is a symbol of the Purdue band and football team. Interestingly enough, it was harder than you…