From “Keep Austin Weird” to “The Live Music Capital of the World,” the University of Texas has always been a fun place to go to college. When added to the fact Texas is one of the best schools in the country and an original “Public Ivy,” it’s no wonder other schools are jealous.
Austin is a big city with a lot to do, from concerts to bars to restaurants. The State Capital is also situated in one of the most diverse and beautiful locations in Texas, at the foot of the Hill Country. Now, everyone is finding out how “cool” UT is.
The Texas Longhorns have been crowned the “Coolest College Football Team” by The Action Network in a recent ranking of the top 100 Division I football programs.
The Longhorns clinched the top spot with a perfect Cool Score of 100, calculated through a detailed, data-driven methodology that assessed each team’s overall value, culture, and performance.
How the rankings were determined
The Action Network evaluated programs based on a variety of factors, ensuring fairness and credibility in its analysis. The Cool Score was determined by considering:
- Population of City/Town: The vibrant city of Austin, with a population of 931,840, serves as the Longhorns’ energetic home.
- Tailgating Culture: Fan enthusiasm is evident in the high number of tailgating-related searches in Texas.
- Fanbase Dedication: The Longhorns garnered an impressive 450,000 online searches, reflecting their devoted following.
- Microbreweries: Austin boasts 25 microbreweries within five miles of its city center, adding to the city’s allure.
- National Championships: Texas claims four national titles.
- Win-Loss Record: A strong 13-3 record highlights their performance.
- Pro Players: Numerous Longhorn alumni are currently active in the NFL.
- Athletics Revenue: The program’s staggering $271 million in revenue showcases its financial dominance.
Each factor was assigned a weight—30% for value, 30% for culture, and 40% for performance. Scores were standardized and weighted to create the ultimate ranking.
The Longhorns on top
The Texas Longhorns’ combination of athletic success, a passionate fanbase, and Austin’s rich cultural scene solidified their spot at the top. With their strong history, engaged community, and off-the-field appeal, they stand as a shining example of what makes college football “cool.”
Top 10 Coolest College Football Teams
1. Texas
2. Ohio State
3. Notre Dame
4. Alabama
5. USC
6. Georgia
7. Miami
8. Michigan
9. Florida
10. Texas A&M
Behind the Longhorns at No. 2 were the Ohio State Buckeyes, who had a cool score of 97. The Buckeyes, who reign supreme in Columbus and over college football, have a rich legacy with 53 NFL players and nine national championships. They generate a spectacular $280 million in revenue by blending tradition with tailgate fun. The Texas A&M Aggies were at last place in the top ten, with a cool score of just 67.
