Music plays a key role in the mystique of College Football. Before the millennium it was the band that provided the soundtrack to fans on Saturdays in the fall. However, in the last 20 years, there has been a shift. Crowds are interacting more with popular songs over the P.A. Creating viral sensations. Below are the songs that need to be included in EA Sports College Football 25.
Take Me Home, Country Roads – John Denver (West Virginia)
West Virginia fans learn this song before kindergarten. After every victory the Mountaineers celebrate with this John Denver classic.
Enter Sandman – Metallica (Virginia Tech)
It’s sad that reports are saying “Enter Sandman” won’t be in the game. One of the most electric entrances in all of College Football.
Jump Around – House of Pain (Wisconsin)
At the start of the fourth quarter, Camp Randall Stadium turns into chaos as House of Pain blares over the speakers.
Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond (Pitt, Penn State, West Virginia)
Pitt and Penn State both took from the success “Sweet Caroline” had at Fenway, and incorporated it into their gameday rituals. West Virginia uses it as a way to…… well just listen for yourself.
Zombie Nation (Stadium Chant) – Kenkraft 400 (Penn State and UCF)
Penn State started using Zombie Nation around 2005, and it evolved to include a “We Are Penn State” chant in the middle. UCF adopted the song, and made it a staple in “The Bounce House”.
Mo Bamba – Sheck Wes
“Mo Bamba” almost immediately became a stadium anthem, but the best usage was when the Penn State crowd forced Michigan to take a timeout the first play of the game.
Sandstorm – Darude (South Carolina)
The Gamecock student section goes into an absolute frenzy when “Sandstorm” hits. Incorporate some “USC” chants, and you have perfection.
I Won’t Back Down – Tom Petty (Florida)
When Gainesville native, and music legend, Tom Petty passed away the University of Florida decided to honor him by playing “Wont Back Down” during a football game. The crowd took over to sing, and they’ve played it ever since.
Mr. Brightside – The Killers and Pump It Up – Danzel (Michigan)
These two are a bit new. One is a early 2000’s classic and the other is an obscure techno dance jam. They both get “The Big House” going.
Dixieland Delight – Alabama (Alabama)
One may argue that the songs lyrics are actually about Tennessee. That’s for another blog. “Dixieland Delight” under the night sky in Tuscaloosa is mesmerizing.
Dixieland Delight at Alabama is one of the coolest traditions in sports pic.twitter.com/zk25DG0ivg
— Jake Myers (@CFBJake) November 5, 2023
Swag Surfin – F.L.Y. (Auburn)
This one gets all the southern frats going.
Calling Baton Rouge – Garth Brooks (LSU)
“Calling Baton Rouge” is more of a pregame sing-a-long, but it deserves it’s place in the game.
Shout -Isley Brothers (Oregon)
The movie “Animal House” was filmed on Oregon’s campus. What better way to honor the film, by playing this in the “Autzen Zoo”.
Thunderstruck – AC/DC (Nebraska)
Sold out crowd, guitar riff, light show. Absolute Fire!
Seven Nation Army – The White Stripes (Literally Everyone)
Jack White didn’t know he created a stadium anthem with “Seven Nation Army” in 2003. It’s played in every stadium across the country and should be included in College Football 25.
