In the 21st century, having a strong social media following is one of the most important parts of being a celebrity, successful entrepreneur, or even just an average person.
Almost everyone and everything has at least 1 social media page and a way to interact with friends and followers. That idea extends out to sports teams as well, almost every sports team in the country has an Instagram page, amongst other social media platforms as well.
In fact, the past five years has seen the creation of new jobs such as social media managers, and campaign managers that never existed before. Teams realize how valuable their follower count is and have fully bought into social media and all the mystical wonders it holds.
The more followers you have the people you can reach instantly with the tap of a button. Influence is power in today’s world, and there is no better way to expand your influence than through social media.
Today we are going to take a look at the College Programs that have the largest total following across the major social media platforms, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, and Tiktok.
10) Nebraska Cornhuskers - 1,180,739 total followers
Despite their lack of success in recent campaigns, the Cornhuskers remain one of the most influential and prestigious programs in college sports. Adding them to the Big Ten has been a massive success from a marketing standpoint.
And under coaches, Scott Frost and Fred Hoiberg, the Cornhuskers football and basketball programs look to be heading for a turnaround.
9) Kentucky Wildcats - 1,532,642 total followers
With one of the most successful college basketball programs in the world, the Wildcats have a plethora of NBA players currently active.
These famous athletes, paired with the constant success of the Men’s Basketball team help provide a foundation of fans and followers that help make Kentucky one of the most recognizable schools in the nation.
8) North Carolina Tar Heels - 1,635,002 total followers
After being strongly carried by their Men’s Basketball program, which featured a superstar by the name of Michael Jordan in the ’80s, the Tar Heels Football Program is beginning to make waves as well.
Currently ranked 14th in preseason polls, the rise of the football team will surely help push UNC higher up on this list.
7) Alabama Crimson Tide - 1,666,660 total followers
With one of the greatest dynasties in the history of College Football and an extensive list of NFL players, it is no surprise to see the Crimson Tide here on this list.
Despite Alabama not being heavily populated, and sharing the state with rival Auburn, the loyal fan base behind the Crimson Tide is a testament to their greatness on the Football Field.
6) Wisconsin Badgers - 1,742,907 total followers
Despite not having a Baseball team, the Badger’s consistent ability to produce successful football and men’s basketball teams has led to a formidable fan base both in stadiums and on the internet.
5) Georgia Bulldogs - 1,783,428 total followers
Despite a strong professional sports presence, and rivals Georgia State, the Bulldogs have amassed one of the largest followings in college sports. In no small part thanks to their powerhouse Football program.
4) Texas Longhorns - 2,184,166 total followers
Being the most popular school in a state like Texas is no small accomplishment. The Longhorns are potentially just one National Football championship team away from shooting up the list to the number 1 spot.
3) Oregon Ducks - 2,287,976 total followers
The Ducks have the most followers on both Instagram and Twitter by a fairly large margin. This one may seem like a bit of a surprise, but Phil Knight’s Alma Mater has quietly built a massive following.
2) Florida Gators - 2,295,314 total followers
Despite competing with programs like Miami and FSU, as well as a plethora of professional teams in Florida, the Gators have managed to become one of the most popular college programs in the world. Largely in part to their football and men’s basketball programs.
1) Ohio State Buckeyes - 2,909,105 total followers
With over a 600,000 follower lead over number 2 Florida, the Buckeyes are clearly the most popular team in college sports. Their dominance in Football, coupled with lack of competition in Ohio, has helped them become the most recognized brand in college sports.
