From fight songs to mascots: Every ACC school’s most iconic football traditions

College football is built on traditions, and the Atlantic Coast Conference has no shortage of them.

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From iconic entrances and beloved mascots to fight songs, cheers and pregame rituals, every ACC campus has customs that unite generations of fans and give Saturdays their own unmistakable atmosphere.

Here’s a look at each ACC school’s most iconic customs and traditions:

Boston College

• The Eagle Walk outside Alumni Stadium
• Before taking the field, players rub a replica of the BC Eagle statue for good luck
• “Red Bandanna” Game, a tribute to a former BC lacrosse player who died on 9/11

California

• Students use color-coded cards to create complex patterns and messages
• Historic cannon blasts after every Bears score, kickoff and victory
• Tightwad Hill, a famous ridge where fans gather to watch games for free

Clemson

• Running Down the Hill, dubbed “the most exciting 25 seconds in college football”
• Before running down the hill, every Clemson player rubs a piece of Howard’s Rock
• Tigers fans stamp $2 bills with tiger paws to show support during away games

Duke

• The Blue Devil Walk outside Wallace Wade Stadium
• The team enters the field by bursting out of a unique brick tunnel
• Bull City Huddle, a pregame gathering spot celebrating Durham culture and food

Florida State

• The Legacy Walk outside Doak Campbell Stadium
• Osceola and Renegade, with a flaming spear planted into the 50-yard line
• The Tomahawk Chop while chanting a thunderous, intimidating battle hymn

Georgia Tech

• Yellow Jacket Alley outside Bobby Dodd Stadium
• A pristine 1930 Ford Model A Sport Coupe leads the team onto the field
• A fan yells, “What’s the good word?” Crowd roars back, “To Hell With Georgia!”

Louisville

• The Card March outside L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium
• Every player touches the Johnny Unitas statue before entering the field
• A train whistle blares across the stadium to celebrate every Cardinals score

Miami

• The Hurricanes burst onto the field through a billowing cloud of white smoke
• Touchdown Tommy, a replica cannon that gets fired after every UM score
• Extending thumbs and index fingers to form a “U,” signaling school swagger

North Carolina

• The Old Well Walk outside Kenan Memorial Stadium
• UNC features a live Dorset horned ram named Rameses on its sideline
• Chapel Thrill Game Day series, with artists performing two hours before kickoff

N.C. State

• The Walk of Champions outside Carter-Finley Stadium
• “Wolf! Pack!” chant: One side of the stadium yells “Wolf!” then the other “Pack!”
• Tuffy, a Tamaskan dog and live mascot, attends games and interacts with fans

Pittsburgh

• The school’s mascot, Roc the Panther, has been Pitt’s athletic symbol since 1909
• After the third quarter, fans sing along to Neil Diamond’s hit “Sweet Caroline”
• After a win, the 42-story Cathedral of Learning shines bright golden lights

SMU

• The Mustang Walk outside Gerald J. Ford Stadium
• Boulevarding: Fans set up elaborate white tents and dress in upscale fashion
• Peruna, a Shetland pony that runs across the field after every touchdown

Stanford

• The team walks through historic California eucalyptus trees to Stanford Stadium
• The Stanford Tree, one of the most bizarre – and unique – college mascots
• Themarching band, which embraces comedy, satire and irreverence

Syracuse

• The Quad Walk outside the JMA Wireless Dome
• Otto the Orange, the beloved mascot that leads the Otto’s Army student section
• Plaza 44, featuring statues honoring Jim Brown, Floyd Little and Ernie Davis

Virginia

• A live mascot horse named Sabre leads the team out of the Scott Stadium tunnel
• After scores, fans link arms and sway side-to-side, singing”The Good Old Song”
• One end zone opens onto a grassy hillside where students watch the game

Virginia Tech

• “Enter Sandman,” arguably the best pregame entrance in college football
• A bronze cannon is fired before the game and after every Hokies score
• The Corps of Cadets pregame march, reinforcing the school’s military roots

Wake Forest

• The Deacon Walk outside Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium
• The Demon Deacon mascot, sporting a tuxedo, rides a motorcycle onto the field
• Students and fans throw toilet paper into trees after signature wins

Mike Garbett is a content specialist working with McClatchy’s Content Innovation Lab.

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This story was originally published September 14, 2026 at 7:10 AM.