The Top 50 Influential College Football Programs
It began a few years ago. The Big Ten launched their own television channel aptly name, "The Big Ten Network." Seeing it's success and revenue power it was only a matter of time until Texas launched it's own.
In fact, it was one huge factor in Texas moving from the Big 12 elsewhere. Texas would have had the financial security and revenue power to sustain itself and didn't need the Big 12.
Now Texas makes it's move, inking a 20-year, $300 million contract with ESPN. In terms of contract size, that's roughly almost $6 million more then NBC's contract with Notre Dame.
Guess the saying is right, everything is bigger in Texas.
No doubt the Longhorns are influential. There are numerous college football programs who are influential. There are over 100 schools in the NCAA Division One FBS. Only 50 can make the list.
50. SMU
1 of 50
The one reason they're influential: the death penalty the NCAA unleashed on them.
The school has the history of a big name program but because they were caught with recruiting violations.
The next step was basically demolishing of the SMU program that included getting rid of almost all the scholarships they could give, missing bowl games and that 90% of the team that was a national title contender, transferred or went to the draft.
Teams now know the NCAA doesn't fool around and know the repercussions of serious recruiting violations.
49. Kansas State
2 of 50
Under Bill Snyder in his first tenure as head coach, Kansas State excelled at football. Now, they have kind of dipped off but are returning to prominence in Bill Snyder's second tenure as head coach.
They won the Big 12 title in 2003 the last time and have produced some NFL quality players in the past decade like Josh Freeman, Terrence Newman and Jordy Nelson.
They finished 7-6 last year and, in a smaller Big 12, will likely compete next season for a conference title.
48. UCF
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UCF has been a mainstay in the last ten years. They have become the perpetual top team in the C-USA.
It doesn't look like it will slow down for UCF. They have appeared in four bowl games recently and look to expand the repertoire of the C-USA. UCF can make a name for the C-USA if it's success continues to grow.
47. Baylor
4 of 50
Baylor, a Texas team, has enough fans and following to be up here.
They have a great quarterback in Robert Griffin who could help the Bears steal games next season.
They are an underdog in the Big 12 and with less competition next year, could become a serious threat for at least the season.
They have five conference titles to their name and have won eight bowl games. Overall they are just 532-533 in their 112 years of existence.
46. South Carolina
5 of 50
South Carolina hasn't been great for a while, but under the leadership of former head Gator Steve Spurrier, the Gamecocks are turning their fortune around.
Last season they won the East division in the SEC. Pretty impressive considering the strength of the SEC.
They have actually produced one Heisman winner, in 1980, George Rogers.
South Carolina is starting to compete in the SEC which, in turn, could make then an influence in the final standings of the NCAA's most powerful conference.
45. Cincinnati
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Minus this year's down season for the Bearcats, they still remain a top threat in the Big East after winning two straight conference titles in 2008 and 2009.
The Bearcats have won 11 conference titles overall and like I said before, remain a top threat to all who oppose them in the Big East.
They have been around since the beginning of major college football and have won almost 600 games to date.
44. Rutgers
7 of 50
Rutgers, like Cincinnati, has been around a long, long time.
Technically they have one National Title to their claim. See back in 1869 the Scarlet Knights won a share of the National Championship with another New Jersey school, Princeton.
Since then Rutgers has racked up 599 wins in their history and 29 conference titles.
They're on their way back to being a threat and have some great talent to develop to compete in a Big East that's getting tougher each year.
43. Kansas
8 of 50
Kansas began their program in 1890. Now, they have 568 wins in a tough Big 12 and formerly Big 8.
Even though they are a basketball school, they still find a way to fill in those 50,000+ seats at Memorial Stadium.
Until Mark Mangino had to resign under pressure, Kansas was on the fast track back to being relevant again. Turner Gill has taken upon a team that last season was a bottom dweller in his first year.
Now, this old, old program takes a charge into a new decade of possible success and, hopefully, helps retain the Big 12 from being decimated any further.
42. Missouri
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Missouri, much like Kansas, has been around since 1890.
They have amassed an overall record of 622 wins in their programs history and in recent years have been able to compete at a high level bringing in excellent talent.
Missouri has appeared in 31 bowl games and because of Missouri, the Big 12 was almost wrecked by it's departure.
Even a small team that no one appreciates, like Missouri, had enough pull (with help from other teams of course) to bring down a conference.
41. Texas Tech
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It's a Texas football team. Of course it has influence.
Texas Tech can fill a stadium that can fit approximately 60,400 people easy because of their location. The Raiders had a high powered air raid offense that helped put huge points up.
They regularly compete for a Big 12 title and have amassed 519 wins since 1925. Texas Tech boasts11 Consensus All-Americans and 11 conference titles.
40. Ole Miss
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Here's a storied program for you, Ole Miss.They are a great team from the South who has produced great NFL players. Players like Patrick Willis, Archie and Eli Manning just to name a few.
Ole Miss has won three titles since it's inception in 1890 and has won 614 games. They boast 54 Consensus All-Americans and each season compete with that kind of talent.
They've dipped off the last couple of seasons but still are capable of competing for their division title and possibly a conference title in the toughest conference.
39. Colorado
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Colorado has done it all since 1890. But this year, they begin a new journey in the PAC-12.
Due to the departure of Colorado and Nebraska, the Big 12 will shrink down and almost dismantled itself over their departures. If Texas would have left, those three schools could have brought down an entire conference.
But, Colorado has won a national title and has 665 wins. They also boast a Heisman winner, Rashaan Salaam.
Under new coach John Embree, Colorado could compete in a newly formed PAC-12 conference.
They most likely will due to all the media attention and money that will be funneled their way. Hopefully, they put this past decade behind them and rebuild into their normal selves once again.
38. Illinois
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Illinois has some of the best alumni in the Big Ten and has a lot ,even compared to most NCAA teams. They aren't really a football school compared to how well their basketball team has done in the past decade.
Red Grange, George Halas, Dick Butkus and Ray Nitschke have passed through the hallowed halls of Illinois.
They still compete for the Big Ten title and, next season, will compete for a spot in the conference title game.
Illinois has a claim to five national titles and 563 wins. They have no problem having a full crowd at Memorial Stadium which seats over 62,800 people.
They were even allowed to play a game against rival Northwestern at Wrigley Field earlier this year.
37. Boston College
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Boston College was the original underdog.
With Doug Flutie's Hail Mary pass into the end zone that somehow found it's way into a receivers hands, Boston College became part of college football folklore.
The Hail Mary and perseverance that Boston College showed hopefully influenced people into thinking that a miracle Hail Mary can indeed happen.
Boston College is on the big map now because of that pass. Down years have followed the departure of Matt Ryan, a former Eagles quarterback.
36. Syracuse
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Honestly, Syracuse's influence should extend past the football field.
Syracuse helped prove that African-American players could play football. With players like Jim Brown and Ernie Davis, Syracuse helped push the color barrier. Ernie Davis became the first African-American to win the Heisman trophy in 1961.
Unfortunately, he didn't get to suit up for the Cleveland Browns and died shortly after he was signed.
Syracuse has dipped off in recent years due to a tougher conference. A comeback could surely happen for the Orangemen.
35. Cal
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Just two words, "The Play."
Because of that there hasn't been a band to get in the way of any football score.
Outside of "The Play", Cal has produced NFL talent like Nnamdi Asomugha, Aaron Rodgers and DeSean Jackson.
They also compete regularly for the Pac-10 title and look to compete even in the expanded Pac-12.
34. UCLA
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UCLA helped shape early college football but haven't been the mainstay they once were in the last decade.
UCLA is a basketball school at it's core but it has a national title to show. Even with a 92,000 seat stadium and a fledgling football team UCLA still finds way to fill every last seat. Shows how much support and the amount of fans even the UCLA Bruins have.
33. BYU
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BYU has enough money and media exposure that next season, they will become an independent school.
They have a national title in their history (1984) and boast Ty Detmer as their only Heisman winner.
They will still compete and recruit at a high level come next season. A BCS bowl game will always be in their reach and could likely become a lot easier to obtain as an independent.
32. Pittsburgh
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They have produced some serious NFL talent. Dan Marino, Darrelle Revis and Larry Fitzgerald all call Pittsburgh their Alma-mater.
Pittsburgh has decided the Big East before. They beat West Virginia just a few years ago to play spoiler and stop West Virginia from a national title berth and a Big East title in the process.
Pittsburgh will have a big part in the Big East next season and, when TCU comes to play, will one of the teams that could bring down the Horned Frogs.
31. Arkansas
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Arkansas was a once great program. In recent years Arkansas has made a comeback with players like Darren McFadden and Ryan Mallet.
Arkansas is a force in the SEC under Mallet and next year, could be in a little trouble.
The fact that teams in the SEC have to play Arkansas makes their schedule all the more tougher as you can never sleep on the Razorbacks.
Arkansas helps shape the SEC like a bunch of other teams in their conference. Under Bobby Petrino, Arkansas has brought back it's history to become an SEC contender.
30. Texas A&M
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So far Texas A&M is now in it's "Dark Ages" of football.
A&M has won 674 games in it's history claiming one national title. They have also sent a myriad of players to the NFL.
After last season's 9-4 finish, Texas A&M could rebound next year in a smaller Big 12, which they helped keep around.
29. West Virginia
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In recent years, West Virginia has run show in the Big East.
They have 14 conference titles, with five since 2003. They consistently make BCS bowl games and bring in top talent to run their athletic offense.
Mountaineer Field is packed to the teeth every weekend for the Mountaineer games, each seat in the 60,000 seat stadium filled.
Since it's inception in 1892, West Virginia has won 691 games.
When TCU makes it's move to the Big East it's main competitor will be West Virginia, that's guaranteed.
28. Oklahoma State
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Oklahoma State has produced one of the greatest running backs in the history of the NFL, Barry Sanders. He also happens to be their only Heisman winner, winning in 1988.
They have won 10 conference titles and under head coach Mike Gundy have retaken command in the Big 12.
They fell one game shy last year of appearing in the Big 12 Championship game. This year they will end much better with a smaller conference and less competition for the top.
27. Utah
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Utah's move from the Mountain West to the Pac-12 will be met with Utah having stiffer competition. They will finally be able to prove their strength in the Pac-12 and fight for National Championship appearance.
Over the last decade Utah has been one of the poster children for the small schools busting the BCS.
Utah has consistently put out a good team and recruit great competition. With the likes of USC, Oregon, Stanford and Cal, next year Utah will be in for a long but rewarding ride.
26. Wisconsin
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Last season Wisconsin heavily influenced the Big Ten when they beat No.1 Ohio State. Ohio State went on to a three-way tie with Michigan State and Wisconsin for the Big Ten title. Wisconsin ended up winning the title outright due to their finish in the BCS rankings.
Although they later lost the Rose Bowl to TCU, Wisconsin is still a force in the Big Ten. They compete year in and year out for first place.
Wisconsin always has good recruiting and, Camp Randall is one of the toughest places to play in college football due to their great fans.
25. UNC
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In 1895, UNC was the first school to use the forward pass when the punter tossed the ball to George Stephens for a 70-yard touchdown.
Obviously, the forward pass is now a big deal. Thanks to UNC's high-powered offenses have been built around the quarterback and they have become the most important piece of the offense.
UNC has fought it's way back to relevance in college football recently after allegations against the program before this past season.
North Carolina has also produced one of the greatest linebackers in NFL history: Lawrence Taylor. His play helped revolutionize and shape the way the linebacker position is now played. That means a thank you card is in order, Clay Matthews.
24. Georgia Tech
27 of 50
Georgia Tech has produced some quality NFL talent like Tashard Choice and the always dangerous Calvin Johnson.
Georgia Tech is a mainstay in the ACC and has helped develop it, fighting every year for the ACC title.
They don't have the history or the fan-base of their counterparts, the Georgia Bulldogs, but they still have a great fan-base that has seen four national titles (the most recent in 1990) and has seen 672 wins for the Yellow Jackets.
23. Virginia Tech
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Virginia Tech has now taken over the reigns as the superior team in the ACC.
They have produced some of the best mobile quarterbacks in the last decade, Michael Vick and Tyrod Taylor.
Virginia Tech's failure in the Orange Bowl left a blemish on the ACC . They lost to James Madison in their second game after dropping the first game to Boise State by only a small margin.
A great season next year will put not only Virginia Tech back on the map, but also give the ACC a little more credit.
22. Iowa
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Under Kirk Ferentz, Iowa has been able to compete for the Big Ten title.
Since 1889, Iowa has won 581 games. In their rural area of Iowa they are still able to recruit at a good rate and field a competitive team to compete in the Big Ten.
Iowa has a National Championship win in 1958 and last won the Big Ten title in 2004.
No matter what, next season in the newly divided Big Ten, Iowa will still compete for a spot in the conference title game at the end of the year.
Iowa is a good team every year and should be able to compete for years to come under coach Kirk Ferentz.
21. Oregon
30 of 50
Oregon this past season fought for a National Championship and has competed in the Pac-10 for the last few seasons.
They will next season, compete in the newly formed Pac-12, which means more competition for the Ducks.
They have started a sort of new offense that involves quick drives and pictures to signal different plays.
They have won the past two Pac-10 titles and with LaMichael James and Darron Thomas coming back next season, they could make it three straight.
20. Stanford
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Stanford is one historic program. Dating back to 1892 Stanford has won one national title (1926) and 665 games.
Over the past few seasons Jim Harbaugh has brought Stanford back from the dead and resurrected them into a great, fearful program led by future first overall pick, quarterback Andrew Luck.
After this past Orange Bowl victory, David Shaw should be able to bring in some solid talent to help solidify the Stanford roster.
From now forward, Stanford could be a serious contender in the Pac-12, especially next season.
19. Auburn
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Just last season Auburn became a huge name after their National Championship win against Oregon.
Now next season high hopes for the Auburn faithful will arise. A world without Cam Newton will likely give them a huge hit, but with Michael Dwyer anything is possible.
They now have three Heisman winners with the great Bo Jackson, Cam Newton and Pat Sullivan.
Auburn has won 710 games since they first began in 1892 and two national titles (1957 and 2010).
They will fight for the SEC title to try and repeat next season. They brought another title the SEC, glorifying it even more.
18. Michigan State
33 of 50
Michigan State has a had a good season reminding them of their past fortunes.
They have won six national titles and were the most dominant team in the 1950s when they won four of them. They haven't won one since 1966, but after last season they're reclaiming their right as a top team in the Big Ten.
Now with the expanded Big Ten, Michigan State could have a harder road there. They have so much pull in the Big Ten and recruiting wise after last season though that this could be a non-factor in years to come.
17. Miami
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No matter what, "The U" will always be relevant and influential. They still get the media's attention and, like the next team in this slide show, have helped build the ACC.
Since Miami has had it's down years, the ACC has as well. Miami was once a powerhouse program and now struggle to stay above .500.
They fired their head coach and have hired Al Golden to take over. Golden is hoping to be able to pull in a top class like they normally do and bring back a program to prominence.
They have countless players in the NFL and are one of the top schools in sending players to the NFL. They have won five national titles and are hoping to bring in one more soon.
16. Florida State
35 of 50
Florida State has had more then 60 NFL draft picks since 1999. Their players have influenced the NFL a great deal.
Not only that, since their hibernation and down years have started, the ACC has taken a huge hit in not only credibility, but strength.
They have left a Virginia Tech team in charge of the once great conference.
Florida State can rebound under Jimbo Fisher and regardless of record they still pull in a great recruiting class year after year.
15. Tennessee
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Two words that everybody knows I'm going to say, Peyton Manning.
That influence alone is enough to ride you this far. Manning will go down as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.
Not only that, Tennessee is still a great program and can still sell out Neyland Stadium in their down years.
Tennessee influences everything, especially the SEC. They can compete for an SEC title in the upcoming years and will continue to pull in a great recruiting class regardless of their finish.
14. Nebraska
37 of 50
They have such a rich and storied tradition. They have produced three Heisman winners, five national titles and 43 conference titles since their founding.
Nebraska was a highly sought after school in the big expansion races of this past year. Now they will compete in the expanded Big Ten for a conference title.
Nebraska is an academic school as well and is still able to pull in top tier players.
13. Boise State
38 of 50
Boise State has a lot to be thankful for. Because of this team, the smaller schools now get a shot at the BCS bowl games. They are more accepting to allowing these teams play because of Boise State's Fiesta Bowl victory over an Adrian Peterson-led Oklahoma team.
Boise has changed the landscape of BCS football and has helped pave way for future teams. Their move to the Mountain West will be a great step forward in the furthering of this program.
Next up, BCS party crashing from the Mountain West for Boise State.
12. TCU
39 of 50
Really, Boise State and TCU should be a tie. The only thing that separates the two is TCU's history.
TCU has an outstanding history and has helped pave the way for small schools. They have dominated every facet of football in the Mountain West since it's inception.
TCU beating Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl helped put the haters to bed and showed that even though they went undefeated in a weak conference, they could still beat the big boys.
11. LSU
40 of 50
They influence the SEC every season. LSU competes for conference titles year after year. Anything short of that is considered a failure for the Bayou Bengals.
LSU, since it's founding of a college football program has competed. They have a fan-base that fills up their 92,000 seat stadium. They have the history to boot and have helped make a name for the SEC as a tough conference.
10. Penn State
41 of 50
Really do I have to explain Penn State?
Joe Pa has helped create a program that competes every year. He's made Penn State into "Linebacker U" and has sent countless players to the NFL.
Joe Pa has proved two things. One, legends never die and two, even head coaches can get hurt really bad on the sideline and become questionable for the next game.
9. Georgia
42 of 50
Georgia has produced some freak athletes and helps shape the SEC every season.
No matter what Georgia has a competing team. They continuously bring in top notch players to help compete for the SEC title.
Georgia makes up the numerous teams that give the SEC it's reputation and help shape the Top 25 or even the National Championship picture every season.
8. Florida
43 of 50
They have recruited two freaky athletic quarterbacks over the years, Tim Tebow and Cam Newton. Newton of course left but Tim Tebow is one of the best players in college football history. That's right, bring it on.
Florida has shown that even quarterbacks who have a bruising running style can play the quarterback position.
Not only that, their influence is widely shown in the NFL with the likes of Percy Harvin, Tim Tebow and Aaron Hernandez, just to name a few.
7. Oklahoma
44 of 50
Depending where you stand on having small schools play in big BCS bowl games, Oklahoma's influence could be good or bad.
Also, Oklahoma had the jump on the football team made completely of bad boys, even before Miami, with players like Brian Bosworth.
Regardless though, Oklahoma is a leading force in the Big 12 and their loss to Boise State opened the floodgates for the criticism of the BCS.
They've produced five Heisman Winners and seven National Championships, winning 811 games in their history.
6. Ohio State
45 of 50
Ohio State has been one dominant force in the Big Ten since Jim Tressel took over.
They have produced Heisman winners and appearance in BCS bowl games that, they would go on to lose to SEC teams (Except for this season against Arkansas).
They have one of the best players in the history of college football, Archie Griffin, the only two-time Heisman winner.
They will continue to dominate the Big Ten for years to come and now with the conference championship game, will most likely appear in more national title games to add one more to the seven they have already.
Numerous NFL players have passed through their hallowed halls like Orlando Pace, Nick Mangold and Santonio Holmes.
5. Alabama
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Well what can you say about the Crimson Tide.
They only briefly had a down period and under leadership of Nick Saban have helped shaped the SEC as we know it. Because of the resurgence of Alabama, the SEC has helped gain notoriety of being the toughest and best conference in the nation.
They produce NFL-ready players and have been led by great coaches such as Bear Bryant.
No matter what, Alabama is like the forefather of football in the South.
4. Michigan
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What can you say about the historic program of Michigan football?
They have averaged at least 100,000 fans for each of their home games for a long, long time. They have the most wins of any program in Division I football with 884 wins.
No matter what happens, no matter how bad they are playing, they still garner so much media attention. Take for example the last three seasons. They have had the worst years in Michigan history yet, through their downfall, they are still talked about constantly because of their failures.
Michigan could start to turn around under new head coach Brady Hoke. At this point, anything is possible for Michigan. Anything that isn't a losing record is a success for Michigan now that they are rebuilding.
In the new Big 10, Michigan will be one of the teams everyone wants to be in a division with due to their media draw.
3. USC
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USC has been a mainstay not only in college football, but producing talent in the NFL.
They boast more then 70 NFL draftees including players like, Troy Polamalu, Lofa Tatupu, Mark Sanchez and even one of their backups that never started, Matt Cassel got drafted.
They are a top team in the Pac-10 and, even with the sanctions, are still able to pull in 5-star talent even though they won't be bowl eligible for a little longer.
USC from the dawn of college football has been a major powerhouse in producing not only talent, but producing that talent into Heisman winners. They boast seven Heisman winners (Including Reggie Bush).
No matter how you cut it, USC brings in the TV deals and the mega deals.
2. Notre Dame
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Almost since the existence of major college football Notre Dame has been one of the most, if not the most, prestigious school in the nation.
It's combination of hard academics mixed with one of the best athletic departments in the nation has kept this school afloat since the beginnings.
Boasting coaches like Knute Rockne, movies based off the school and the Touchdown Jesus, Notre Dame has the history to boot.
They continuously garner national attention regardless of their recent national championship endeavors.
They have been in discussions of joining numerous conferences over the years and have shut them all down.
No matter what Notre Dame influences college football. Whether it be by setting the standard for TV contracts or success, Notre Dame's influences are well known.
1. Texas
50 of 50
No doubt Texas is the number one team.
Texans live and die for their football. They root hard and scrutinize every season in which there is no BCS Bowl game or National Title on the line.
Everyone expects Texas to make it. This year's 5-7 record is totally unacceptable to any of the team's fans.
They have fans everywhere. Case and point, I live in New Jersey and most of my friends root for the Longhorns. They have a huge fan-base that reaches the ends of the United States.
Not only that, that $300 million contract they inked? Gives them their own 24-hour network to showcase all of their sports.
Mostly judging how the survival of the Big 12 rested on the shoulders of Texas mainly, their influence is among the top in the nation.
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