Hotty Toddy! Ole Miss Named No. 1 College for Sports Fans
Ole Miss proves why it's the Pride of the South
OXFORD, Miss. – USA Today named the University of Mississippi as the nation's No. 1 college for sports fans in its 2025 10Best Readers' Choice Awards.
"This national recognition validates what we've always known here at Ole Miss: that we create an unmatched experience every day, but especially on game days," Chancellor Glenn Boyce said. "From our beloved Grove to Vaught-Hemingway Stadium and Swayze Field, the entire Oxford community comes together to create incredible memories for Rebel fans and visitors."
A panel of national experts chose 20 nominees for the accolade and invited fans to vote online each day for several weeks. Ole Miss quickly surged into the lead, and Rebel fans kept the Red and Blue there throughout the end of voting.
In its announcement of UM as the winning school, USA Today mentioned the university's longstanding membership in the Southeastern Conference and its football, basketball, baseball and track and field programs. It also praised the atmosphere of Grove tailgating and Oxford's college town vibe.
"There's nothing quite like the passion and pride of Rebel Nation," said Keith Carter, vice chancellor for intercollegiate athletics. "No matter the sport, our fans have proven they will create one of the most unique and powerful home-field advantages in college athletics.
"Their loyalty, spirit and unwavering support fuel our student-athletes and embody what it means to be part of the Ole Miss family. We are incredibly proud and blessed to have the best fans in the nation."
Top: In its announcement naming Ole Miss the nation's best college for sports fans, USA Today notes the university's game day atmosphere at the 'quintessential college town experience' of Oxford. Graphic by Madeline Crowe/University Marketing and Communications