College sports might be fun to watch, but have you ever thought about how integral their role is in the everyday lives of Americans? Walk through a mall, and you’re bound to spot someone wearing a college hoodie despite never stepping foot on campus. Listen to the latest rap hit, and there’s a good chance it references the biggest college sports events or figures of the time. Browse the Netflix library, and you’ll be sure to spot movies and TV shows about college sports.
Despite being larger than life on their own, college games have managed to become highly relevant outside the sports world. Perhaps it’s the raw human emotions they evoke, the traditions that captivate generations, or the pride that comes with being from the same state. While the obsession with college sports can be excessive at times, its role in pop culture has done wonders for trends and important conversations.
How Collegiate Sports Are Uniquely American
The word “college” alone is uniquely American. In few parts of the world are universities and undergraduate institutions referred to as “colleges,” and nowhere else does attending a college come with many deep-rooted traditions and such undying pride. Getting into college isn’t just about beginning a new chapter in education but also becoming part of a life experience that becomes part of your identity.
While college sports are available in other countries, they don’t hold the same significance as they do in America. In the US, athletes see them as a gateway to a future professional sports career, and playing college sports alone means massive crowds, media attention, and participation in televised events. The best athletes are almost as famous as their big-league counterparts.
Anyone of legal age can even bet real money on these collegiate sports, signaling just how significant they are. In states where sports betting or online gambling is regulated and permitted, gamblers and bettors must be either 18 or 21 depending on the state—an age typically associated with college students, as explained by BonusFinder.
Collegiate Sports in the Media
Thanks to TV and movies, college sports have become a central part of the media. After all, sports inherently are characterized by many highs and lows, spark a variety of emotions, and naturally come with many interesting stories that can be translated into film and TV. We’ve seen that portrayed in movies like Rudy, the 1993 biographical sports film that centers around Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger’s dreams of playing football at the University of Notre Dame despite his many obstacles. These themes of perseverance, hope, and adversity are often spotlighted in sports films, allowing many to relate or gain a better understanding of the mental and physical efforts that athletes go through.
The TV series Friday Night Lights showcases how seriously college football is taken in a rural town in Texas, where the state football championship is seen as the ultimate dream. The show looks at not only sports but also the deeper relationships between players, fans, coaches, and the townspeople. It highlights small-town America’s intense devotion to college football, almost even more so than NFL football.
These insights have allowed people to realize a different depiction of athletics, shaping how we view sports. It’s more than just scoring, winning, and doing it all for show; it’s a nuanced passion that, for many, is the crux of their lives.
Collegiate Sports in Fashion and Lifestyle
Beyond the field, college sports establish a presence through fashion. While team apparel can look visually striking, especially since many teams have partnerships with Nike and Adidas, it’s more about what those pieces symbolize. These pieces often are bold declarations that say, “Hey, I support this team and its movement.”
In turn, fashion brands have incorporated these athleticwear aesthetics into casual streetwear and contributed to the rise of athleisure. Sweatshirts with stripes, made-up college-style logos, mascot graphics, bold colors, player numbers inspired by jerseys, letterman jackets, and retro fonts—we’ve fallen in love with the energy they evoke. They also represent sports culture, whether it’s the component of hard work, community, pride, excellence, or something else.
Collegiate Sports and Their Sociopolitical Impact
In more serious discussions, college sports often have links to sociopolitical issues. As a powerful cultural force in the country, sports have a real ability to draw attention to hot-button topics—everything from race and gender to other discussions surrounding inequalities and rights. Historically, college sports have long been part of racial integration in the United States, as the desegregation of college sports was a major part of the Civil Rights Movement.
Professional players like Jackie Robinson, who broke the color line and became the first African American to play in the MLB, and Wilbur Jackson, the University of Alabama’s first African-American football player, challenged racism and helped make professional sports a space for all. There was also the passing of Title IX in 1972, which mandated against discrimination based on sex for all collegiate programs. Although women’s sports still have ways to go, it started a movement to help them become less underfunded and underrepresented.
College athletes have also used their visibility to raise awareness about topics they’re passionate about, whether through their social media accounts or specific awareness campaigns. For example, the NCAA’s “Better Me” Campaign promoted conversations about well-being and mental health, while the Draw the Line campaign focused on restraint during the recent sports betting boom. We’ve also seen college athletes use their presence online to become influencers, opening doors to sponsorships and endorsements. With this newfound mainstream fame, they can leverage their platform and influence the new generation, inspiring further participation in collegiate sports.
