Ranking all 18 Big Ten fight songs from worst to first
Nothing captures the environment of a college football Saturday quite like the school band playing the fight song. Whether it's heard pregame at a pep rally, in-game at a stadium, or through the television set, the tones of the winning team's fight song become synonymous with the game itself.
For a successful team, the song initiates a celebration after each scoring play. On the other side, fans of the losing team quickly grow tired of the opponent's mic'd-up band performing the same tones after every score.
As we've outlined over the last few weeks, the 18-program Big Ten Conference boasts some of college football's oldest and most famous venues, its best uniforms and some of its classic helmets. The conference's fight songs are no exception. Other than Tennessee's "Rocky Top," Notre Dame's "Notre Dame Victory March" and Texas A&M's "Aggie War Hymn," there's an argument that the Big Ten boasts nearly all of the sport's top tunes.
For specifics, here is a full ranking of the Big Ten's 18 fight songs, ordered worst to best.
18. Northwestern Wildcats: "Go U, Northwestern"
Northwestern begins our ranking with a strong fight song, displaying the conference's depth in this regard. Since the lyrics are mostly similar throughout, this ranking only focuses on the tune. Does it fulfill the criteria of classic and catchy? This one at least does okay with the latter.
17. Indiana Hoosiers: "Indiana, Our Indiana"
Indiana's fight song isn't memorable. The football program might be to blame for that reality. While the song has a strong tune, it hasn't been correlated with much success over the last three decades, or ever.
16. Nebraska Cornhuskers: "Hail Varsity"
Nebraska's fight song leaves a lot to be desired. It blends in with many others in the conference and across the sport. That doesn't make it a 'bad' song. The song just isn't differentiated from the Big Ten's best.
Get more (Nebraska) news, analysis and opinions on Cornhuskers Wire
15. Maryland Terrapins: "Maryland Fight Song"
As noted previously, this slot does not argue that Maryland has a 'bad' fight song. It just doesn't compare favorably to others across the conference. It is downgraded for not having a real name, which is an important data point.
14. Iowa Hawkeyes: "Iowa Fight Song"
Iowa's fight song is also downgraded due to the lack of a unique name. It is a bit more catchy than Maryland's song, though it isn't as exciting as other top songs in the conference.
Get more (Iowa) news, analysis and opinions on Hawkeyes Wire
13. Washington Huskies: "Bow Down To Washington"
Washington's song is unique -- its pacing differs from the large group of songs in this ranking that all sound similar. The Huskies deserve credit in that regard. Still, it has a ways to go before it becomes a Big Ten classic.
Get more (Washington) news, analysis and opinions on Huskies Wire
12. Rutgers Scarlet Knights: "The Bells Must Ring"
Rutgers has one of the slower fight songs in the Big Ten. That works well for those trying to learn the words, although it doesn't generate the post-score excitement that some of the conference's other top songs do.
11. Illinois Fighting Illini: "Oskee-Wow-Wow"
The song name is certainly unique. While this ranking works to ignore the specific lyrics, these must be mentioned. The song takes jabs at the others throughout the conference, noting that every other fight song uses the same cliché sayings.
10. Oregon Ducks: "Mighty Oregon"
Oregon has a solid fight song. However, it faces an uphill battle as a new Big Ten member. A three-syllable 'Oregon' fits well into the song's pacing and tone.
Get more (Oregon) news, analysis and opinions on Ducks Wire
9. Penn State Nittany Lions: "Fight On, State"
Penn State's song is fast-paced and great for a post-touchdown celebration, which the program is familiar with. The slowed middle and quick finish are both big positives. This is a really strong fight song.
Get more (Penn State) news, analysis and opinions on Nittany Lions Wire
8. Minnesota Golden Gophers: "Minnesota Rouser"
Minnesota's song fits its name. The tune is quick, catchy and upbeat. It's a song that fans can easily sing along to, even if they don't know every word.
7. UCLA Bruins: "Sons of Westwood"
UCLA's fight song has a simple and catchy tune that is easy to catch on to. All the song is missing is placement on a national stage, where a College Football Playoff or big-game broadcast ensures the band is mic'd up for every score.
Get more (UCLA) news, analysis and opinions on UCLA Wire
6. Purdue Boilermakers: "Hail Purdue"
Purdue has a fantastic fight song. The problem is that the program hasn't been able to play it much over the last few seasons. The slower middle section gives the song a strong pace, complementing a rousing chorus.
5. Michigan State Spartans: "Victory For MSU"
Michigan State starts the Big Ten's elite tier of fight songs. The song's unique start blends well into the steady tune, giving fans a second or two before joining along. Like with some other top songs, a slow middle verse is a strong complement to the fast-paced chorus.
Get more (Michigan State) news, analysis and opinions on Spartans Wire
4. Ohio State Buckeyes: "Buckeye Battle Cry"
Ohio State's fight song is hard to forget, due to the program's annual place atop both the conference and the entire sport. The song itself falls far behind the conference's top three. It doesn't pick up until the chorus starts at the 0:40 mark.
Get more (Ohio State) news, analysis and opinions on Buckeyes Wire
3. USC Trojans: "Fight On"
Some others may put USC's fight song at the top of this list, partially due to its placement with some of the sport's biggest moments. The song itself is a classic. Its unique statement-and-response form is what leads it to this top-tier ranking. However, it still feels more like a Pac-12 song than a Big Ten staple.
Get more (USC) news, analysis and opinions on Trojans Wire
2. Wisconsin Badgers: "On, Wisconsin!"
Wisconsin's fight song is only No. 2 due to the top-end success of the top program on this list, which makes its fight song one of the sport's classics. 'On, Wisconsin!' is not far behind, however. The song is unique, catchy and upbeat. It represents what a great college fight song should sound like.
1. Michigan Wolverines: "The Victors"
Michigan's fight song will likely hold the No. 1 spot on any sport-wide ranking. It's unique, catchy and, due to the program's success, an absolute classic.
Get more (Michigan) news, analysis and opinions on Wolverines Wire
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