Influential College Sports Teams

Hey all, it's a bit random but I've always been curious. What are considered the most influential college sports teams, historically speaking? I bet there are some really interesting stories behind this.

Absolutely, college sports are steeped in history and tradition. When it comes to influential college sports teams, here are a few that jump out:

Basketball: The University of North Carolina Tar Heels and Duke University Blue Devils have been influential not only for their long-standing rivalry but also for producing many professional players. Their games are some of the most-watched in college basketball.

Football: In terms of influence and tradition, the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the University of Alabama Crimson Tide have both had significant impacts on college football. Notre Dame has had countless historic seasons and seven Heisman Trophy winners. Alabama has been a dominant force for decades with numerous National Championships under their belt.

Baseball: The LSU Tigers and the University of Southern California Trojans are among the most storied programs in college baseball history.

Women's Gymnastics: The University of Florida Gators and the University of Oklahoma Sooners are two powerhouse programs that have dominated the sport in recent years.

Of course, "influence" could be defined in a lot of ways -- winning records, player development, impact on the sport, and so on. It's always interesting to dive into the history of these teams and learn about how they've shaped college athletics over the years.