The College Sports Team That Makes Baby Boomers Cringe

24/7 Wall St. Insights

• For a myriad of reasons, Baby Boomers harbor a strong dislike for certain college sports teams.
• This animosity stems from things such as past scandals, coaching errors, overly boisterous fans, or questionable financial practices.
• Also: 2 Dividend Legends to Hold Forever

Sports in America are more than simply a beloved pastime; they can ignite fanaticism in even the most composed individual. This is especially true in college sports, where Americans often demonstrate unwavering loyalty to their alma mater or favorite team. And Baby Boomers (1946-1964) are some of the most intensely dedicated college sports fans. (These are the college sports teams Baby Boomers like the most.)

Baby Boomers are well known for their outspoken opinions, particularly when it comes to sports. They not only passionately advocate for their favorite teams, but also vehemently denounce the teams they consider to be “the worst” — and not always due to the team’s skill or number of wins. While the origins of these strong animosities can vary and in many cases remain unclear, they are nonetheless deeply rooted and fervently expressed within this generation. (These are the sports events Baby Boomers like the most.)

For example, my Baby Boomer pal Rickey once made the mistake of walking into a sports bar in Georgia wearing his Tennessee Vols cap, causing an instant hush to fall over the crowd. Rickey, immediately recognizing his gaffe, threw his arms in the air while saying, “Look on the bright side guys, we all hate Alabama!” And so it goes.

Various factors can determine the popularity of college athletic teams, with hometown/State U allegiance close to the top. But what makes a college sports team unappealing to Baby Boomers is a bit more esoteric. From lopsided rivalries and fan behavior to controversial coaches/coaching and personal relationships, boomers have their reasons. After scouring historical data, internet headlines, and social media threads, 24/7 Wall St. has compiled a list of the not-so-popular to super-unpopular college sports teams, according to Baby Boomers.

Why We’re Talking About This

Baby Boomers make up a substantial portion of the population. Understanding their preferences, values, and perspectives can foster international relations, highlighting the unique characteristics of each generation. Additionally, this knowledge can provide insight into the underlying factors driving many team rivalries and fan dynamics in college sports.

9. USC

What really seems to be at the crux of boomers’ dislike of USC is the perceived entitlement and elitism of the players.

• Conference: Pac 12 until August 2024 when the Bruins will join the Big Ten.
• Established: 1888
• Fun fact: When he was still known as Marion Mitchell Morrison, the actor John Wayne played football for USC.

USC (Part 2)

Though some Hollywood rich kids attend USC, 88% of their student body receives financial aid.

Why do Boomers dislike the University of Southern California? Simply because it’s USC. Beyond the recent admissions scandal, which is not unique to USC, and the fact that USC will be joining the Big Ten conference in August 2024, most Boomers couldn’t formulate an objective answer. The players are too flashy and the fans are rude (not necessarily uniquely USC issues).

What really seems to be at the crux of boomers’ dislike of USC is the perceived entitlement and elitism of the players and the student body. While it’s true that a large number of Hollywood’s rich kids attend USC, it’s also true that 88% of their student body receives financial aid. So while Boomers enjoy calling it “U$C” and the “University of Spoiled Children”, times are a-changin’.

8. Penn  State

Penn State has a storied history of which athletics are a large part.

• NCAA Conference: Big Ten Conference
• Established: 1887
• Fun fact: The Nittany Lions are named for Mount Nittany, a landmark near the campus, and the mountain lions that once roamed the region.

Penn State (Part 2)

Penn State’s women’s soccer team won the NCAA championship in 2015.

Coming in at number eight on our list is Pennsylvania State University, aka Penn State. From fencing and field hockey to soccer, softball, and football, the Nittany Lions are a sporting school. So what do Boomers find objectionable? The fans, mostly: “They’re obnoxious”, “they can dish it out, but they can’t take it”, and “Penn State fans need a reality check” are but three examples of Boomer opinions, the language of which is quaint and telling.

The other reason cited by Boomers for their lack of fondness for the Nittany Lions stems from the Jerry Sandusky scandal, which came to light in 2011. As horrible and avoidable as it was, the man responsible is locked away. The present coaching staff and players are over a decade removed from and were never involved in the infamous immoral behavior. It’s time to let go, Boomers.

7. Washington

Boomers are not open to the idea of the Huskies moving to the Big 10.

• NCAA Conference: Pac 12, until August 2024 when the Huskies move to the Big Ten
• Established: 1889
• Fun fact: The record for having the loudest game in college football history was between the Washington Huskies and the Nebraska Cornhuskers, recorded at 130 decibels in Husky Stadium.

Washington (Part 2)

It’s the metal awnings that make Husky Stadium loud, not the fans.

Where the Washington Huskies are concerned the Boomer outrage is two-fold: The fans are loud and obnoxious and the Huskies have no business defecting to the Big Ten. Considering the Huskies are on record as having the loudest fans, we might be inclined to accept their assessment of annoying loud fans. However, the record was established back in 1992. A lot can change in 30+ years. And yet it hasn’t, because as it turns out, it’s not that Husky fans are louder than average. It’s the way Husky Stadium is configured. The stadium’s large metal awnings not only protect Husky fans from Seattle’s notorious rain, but they also serve to amplify fan noise.

Boomers are also not open to the idea of the Huskies moving to the Big Ten, which will consist of 18 teams in 2024. Historically a Midwestern/Great Lakes conference, the 2024 season will usher in a period of continental dominance, with the Big Ten representing schools across the U.S. It’s a change, and Baby Boomers aren’t big fans. It should have been a Boomer to coin the phrase if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

6. The Ohio State University

As of 2022, the The in The Ohio State University has been trademarked.

• NCAA Conference: Big Ten
• Established: 1873
• Fun fact: Mirror Lake, at the center of The Ohio State University, is drained before the Ohio State-Michigan football game. This stems from a tradition of students jumping in the lake ahead of the game.

The Ohio State University (Part 2)

Boomers are not especially fond of Buckeye head coach Ryan Day.

Coming in at number six on our list is The Ohio State University. As of 2022, the “The” in The Ohio State University has been trademarked. Though the school has officially gone by this moniker since 1900, Boomers take umbrage at the hubris they associate with such a boast. Beyond the offensiveness of trademarking “The” in the school’s title, Boomers don’t care for Buckeye fans, finding them tiresome. They are not especially fond of Ryan Day (the head coach) either.

And while this is assuredly not happening only at The Ohio State University, Boomers are incensed about NIL income for student-athletes. Since guidelines were established and NIL — Name, Image and Likeness income was allowed in 2021 — over 2,000 deals have been inked by Buckeye athletes.

5. Indiana

Hoosiers represent a number of NCAA sports, but it’s the basketball team that earns the ire of baby boomers.

• NCAA Conference: Big Ten Conference
• Established: 1887
• Fun fact: The 1976 Indiana Hoosiers were the last undefeated collegiate team to win the NCAA basketball championship

Indiana (Part 2)

A picture is worth 1000 words, and this one says a lot about the sort of coach Bobby Knight was.

Bobby Knight — that’s the principal reason Baby Boomers don’t particularly like Indiana. Knight, who coached the Hoosier basketball team to 11 Big Ten championships and three NCAA titles is peerless in his accomplishments. In 1976, the Hoosiers won the NCAA championship to cap off a perfect season, a feat that remains unmatched. But at what cost?  Knight was a controversial, explosive, demanding coach whose egregious behaviors were overlooked out of reverence for his win/loss record.

From assaulting a police officer (Pan Am Games, 1979) and throwing a chair across the court during a game (vs. Purdue, 1985) to misogynistic comments, Bobby Knight was never in fear of losing his job for behaviors that would almost certainly not be tolerated today. Knight has been described by Boomers as mercurial, temperamental, a bully, and a jerk. And he was all of those things. But, it’s been nearly a quarter of a century since Knight coached at Indiana. I’m beginning to think Boomers might also be championship grudgeholders.

4. Alabama

On top of the exorbitant coach’s wage, Alabama has not been shy about sharing the NIL income agreements their student-athletes receive

• Conference: Southeastern Conference
• Established: 1892
• Fun fact: Alabama Football has accrued 18 national championships and 25 SEC championships

Alabama (Part 2)

Nick Saban is the highest-paid college football coach in the nation.

There’s no disputing that Alabama has a winning athletic program, but according to Boomers, it boils down to one basic reason: Money. Alabama’s head football coach, Nick Saban, is the highest-paid college football coach. And that’s saying something in a nation in which “college football coach” is the highest-paid state official in 43/50 states. Boomers aren’t especially crazy about the emphasis and money being placed on athletics.

On top of the exorbitant coach’s wage, Alabama has not been shy about sharing the NIL income agreements their student-athletes receive, which in many cases is multiple millions. Boomers are not comfortable with college undergraduates receiving endorsement deals worth more money than many people will ever see in their lifetimes.

3. Notre Dame

The composition of this photo is eerily similar to the Michelangelo fresco on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.

• Conference: Independent
• Established: 1909
• Fun fact: The University of Notre Dame did not accept female undergraduates until 1972.

Notre Dame (Part 2)

Called the Notre Dame Rule, BCS assures Notre Dame a playoff berth should they finish in the BCS top 8.

Arrogant fans, independence, and special rules are cited as the reasons Boomers don’t care for Notre Dame. Winning their last national championship in 1988, however, the Irish have been plagued more recently with a player scandal that involved an assistant coach doing a player’s homework. So cliche as to be laughable.

But what really sets Boomers off about Notre Dame is their independent streak. Because they are not affiliated with a specific conference, the school has an arrangement with BCS (Bowl Championship Series, the governing body of post-season play) called the Notre Dame Rule, which basically assures Notre Dame a playoff berth should they finish high enough (top eight) in the BCS rankings. Some Boomers mistakenly view this rule as preferential treatment. However, in any given season, teams ranked lower than eighth have made it to playoffs. So, while a simple internet search would prove their claims have no merit, Boomers aren’t ones to give up, especially when firmly entrenched.

2. Texas

• Conference: Big 12 until July 2024 when they join the Southeastern Conference
• Established: 1893
• Fun fact: The University of Texas’ original mascot was a pitbull named Pig Bellmont.

Texas (Part 2)

From their trademarked burnt orange uniforms to the hook’em horns hand signal, Boomers do not care for the Texas Longhorns. Boomers also resent the Longhorns for busting up the Southwest Conference before disrupting the equilibrium of the Big 12. The Longhorns will be infiltrating yet another conference when they join the Southeastern Conference in 2024. This conference hopping and the ruins it leaves in its wake are not popular with Baby Boomers.

Boomers also cite the Longhorns’ obnoxious fan base and their ubiquitous hook-em horns hand sign as further proof of their depravity. Additionally, Texas has been very upfront about its athletes’ NIL income contracts, which as we have learned, Boomers do not embrace.

1. Michigan

The Michigan Wolverines have over 50 national championships across 15 sports.

• Conference: Big Ten Conference
• Established: 1879
• Fun fact: U.S. President Gerald Ford played football for Michigan, including two undefeated seasons/national championships in 1932 and 1933.

Michigan (Part 2)

The more victories and championships a school racks up, the more boastful their fan base becomes.

Number one on our list of the college sports teams Baby Boomers dislike is Michigan. And the number one reason boomers don’t care for Michigan is its perceived dubious tactics for winning, closely followed by its overbearing fan base. It’s not unusual for a team’s fanbase to become more boastful the more victories and championships their team wins, and the Michigan Wolverines have racked up their fair share with over 50 national championships across 15 sports. While that’s something to crow about, many Boomers believe it’s impolite to brag, even when you’ve earned the right.

Additionally, Boomers aren’t too keen on the fact that Michigan was at the center of a scandal regarding stealing opponents’ signals. The claims were serious enough to get Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh a three-game suspension. It was, however, determined that Michigan was not the only school involved. But the damage was already done. I’d say given time Boomers will forget, but Boomers are pretty good at holding grudges.

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