Ah, the Big Ten—a conference filled with rich history, passionate fans, and plenty of reasons to argue on the internet. But which Big Ten football fanbase is the most likable? That’s a tough call, especially when you have Ohio State and Michigan involved. But hey, let’s try anyway!
This ranking is based on a highly scientific* (*completely subjective) mix of passion, sportsmanship, and general vibe. Don’t take it too seriously—unless you’re a Buckeyes fan, in which case, you’re probably already mad.
1. Nebraska Cornhuskers
Nebraska fans are just so nice. Maybe it’s the years of heartbreak since their glory days, or maybe it’s the fact that they have nothing else to do in Nebraska, but these fans are some of the most loyal and polite in the country. They’ll offer you a Runza and a warm smile, even after their team loses by 30.
2. Wisconsin Badgers
Ever partied in Madison? If so, you probably woke up in a sea of red and white with a cheese curd in your pocket and no regrets. Badgers fans are fun, rowdy, and generally good-natured. Jump Around is a national treasure, and their hatred of Minnesota is oddly endearing.
3. Minnesota Golden Gophers
Minnesota fans are like the Midwest’s friendly neighbor who lets you borrow their snowblower. They don’t get too cocky, they’re used to disappointment, and they embrace rowing the boat even when it’s clearly sinking. Plus, the whole “Ski-U-Mah” thing is just fun to say.
4. Northwestern Wildcats
Northwestern fans are the nerds of the Big Ten, and honestly, we respect it. They know their football team isn’t the main event, but they still show up (sometimes). Also, their team colors make them easy to spot, even if there aren’t that many of them.
5. Iowa Hawkeyes
The best tradition in college football (The Wave) belongs to Iowa, and for that alone, their fans get high marks. That said, there’s a lot of corn-fueled intensity in Kinnick, and they take their wrestling a little too seriously. But overall? A solid, if slightly terrifying, bunch.
6. Purdue Boilermakers
Purdue fans have big “proud but not annoying” energy. They’ll remind you that Drew Brees went there, they take great pride in their weird train obsession, and they love an underdog moment. Also, their mascot is a terrifying, square-jawed fever dream, which is worth points.
7. Indiana Hoosiers
Let’s be real—Indiana is a basketball school. Their football fans are more like hopeful spectators at an extended halftime show. But they’re nice enough, and their expectations are usually low, which makes them easy to like.
8. Maryland Terrapins
Maryland fans are a weird mix. They bring East Coast chaos to the Midwest-based conference, and while their fanbase isn’t huge, they do love their Terps. Plus, their flag-based uniforms are either iconic or a war crime, depending on who you ask.
9. Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Rutgers fans know they don’t belong in the Big Ten, and honestly, they seem at peace with it. They show up, they support their team (kind of), and they remind everyone that they technically played the first college football game ever. Good for them.
10. Washington Huskies
A new addition, Washington fans bring a mix of Pacific Northwest vibes and consistent football success. They’re generally chill, but beware—if you bring up Oregon, they will not shut up about how much they hate the Ducks.
11. Oregon Ducks
Nike money, endless uniforms, and a fanbase that somehow has both diehards and bandwagoners. Oregon fans are fun but can get a little too smug about their recent success. Also, enough with the neon jerseys, please.
12. UCLA Bruins
L.A. teams have a reputation for their fans not showing up, and UCLA is no exception. When they do show up, they’re likable enough, but they always seem more excited about basketball season.
13. USC Trojans
Speaking of L.A. teams… USC fans think they are the main character of college football. They’ll remind you of their past success at every opportunity, and they have a love-hate relationship with their own team. Also, they call themselves the “real” USC, which South Carolina fans love.
14. Michigan State Spartans
Sparty fans have an inferiority complex thanks to their maize-and-blue neighbors, and it shows. They’re fun, passionate, and will never stop reminding you about that one time they beat Michigan. Ever.
15. Penn State Nittany Lions
The White Out is undeniably cool, but the cult-like devotion of Penn State fans can be a lot. They are intense, defensive, and very online. Also, we get it—you love your ice cream.
16. Illinois Fighting Illini
Illinois fans exist, but barely. They get excited when the team is good, then vanish into the cornfields when they’re not. It’s like Big Ten football is their part-time job.
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17. Michigan Wolverines
Michigan fans will tell you they are the leaders and best, and if you don’t believe them, they’ll say it again. And again. And again. They have the arrogance of Alabama fans without quite as much recent hardware to back it up. But hey, at least they hate Ohio State more than anyone else.
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18. Ohio State Buckeyes
It had to be Ohio State, right? Look, Buckeye fans are passionate, but they are also… a lot. They assume their team is always in the national title picture (they were right last season), they act like “The Game” is the only football game that matters, and they use “THE” in front of their school name like it’s a law. Also, spelling out “O-H-I-O” every five minutes? We get it.
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