How to choose a college football team to follow: A fan’s guide

If you’ve ever typed “which college football team should I support?” or “how to pick a college football team” into a search bar, you’re in the right place.

In the US, most fans never really had to think about it. They follow the university they attended, the state powerhouse nearby, or the team that’s been in their family for generations. If you live outside the US, those ready-made ties don’t exist, and that's precisely why this guide is here - to help you find a team that feels like yours.

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Family and personal ties

In America, loyalties often run in the family. If your parents or grandparents went to a school, you’re usually signed up by default. For those living outside the US, smaller connections can be just as useful. Is there a city or state you’ve visited on holiday? Do you have a relative living in the States? Those links can give a team meaning from the start.

Follow your NFL connection

If you have already claimed an NFL team, you can use it as a shortcut into college football. Most states with NFL franchises also have one or more major college programmes, and their fan bases often overlap.

For example, if you follow the Green Bay Packers, the University of Wisconsin Badgers are the natural college team in the area. Jacksonville Jaguars fans might look at Florida or Florida State, while supporters of the Dallas Cowboys can easily gravitate toward Texas or Texas A&M.

It’s not a perfect one-to-one match, but using your NFL loyalties as a guide is a simple way to pick a college side that feels connected.

Pick a style of play that works for you

College football teams all have distinct identities. Some thrive on high-scoring offenses that light up the scoreboard, such as Florida State, while others are renowned for their defensive strength, like Ohio State. Watching a few Saturdays will quickly show you what excites you most, and you can do that, live and free, with DAZN. Click here to find out how .

If you prefer fast-paced football and points galore, look at programmes that push the tempo and attack through the air. If you prefer toughness and control, focus on teams that dominate the trenches and win through grit and determination.

Following the star players

Sometimes the easiest way to pick a college football team is by starting with the players who excite you most. Maybe it's a dynamic gunslinging quarterback, an elusive running back who leaves defenses grasping at thin air, or a disruptive edge rusher who takes over games. Whatever takes your fancy, there's a team for you.

Want to know who the real stars are? Our weekly Heisman race article is a great way to stay up-to-date with the best players across college football. We also have general coverage of all the key college football stories and weekly matchups that matter, right here .

Rivalries and traditions matter

What really sets college football apart from the NFL is the atmosphere. The fight songs, the marching bands, the pageantry, they’re all part of the experience. Think of Virginia Tech taking the field to Metallica’s “Enter Sandman.” The noise is so intense that it’s been strong enough to trigger seismic readings.

Then there are the rivalries, which run deep. Michigan vs. Ohio State, Alabama vs. Auburn, and Florida vs. Auburn are steeped in history and tradition. Choosing a side in one of these contests gives you an instant, very compelling storyline to follow.

Try before you buy

There’s no rush to decide straight away. Watch a range of teams, follow a few storylines , and see which ones keep pulling you back. The first time you find yourself checking a score late at night or watching highlights the next morning, you’ll know you’ve found the right fit.

Final thought

Whether you’re in a packed stadium in the US or watching from a sofa in London, following a college football team is about connection. Follow the suggestions in this guide, have fun in the process, and you won't look back.