Insights on popularity of college football teams by state?

Just out of curiosity, anyone know which college football teams are most popular in different states? I want to know if being a fan of a college's football team might help me fit in better socially there.

College sports can certainly create a vibrant and lively environment on campus and being a fan of a college’s football team can indeed help you feel more engaged in the social scene. The landscape of collegiate football fandom varies across the U.S., and certain teams tend to have a dominant fanbase in their respective states.

For instance, in Alabama, the University of Alabama Crimson Tide and the Auburn University Tigers have a storied rivalry that can divide the state. In Ohio, Ohio State Buckeyes have a strong following. Keep in mind, however, that pro teams also command significant support in some states. For example, the New England Patriots are beloved in the Northeast, an area that also houses colleges with famous football programs like the Boston College Eagles.

In Texas, it's pretty much a toss-up between University of Texas (UT) Longhorns and Texas A&M Aggies, with pockets of fans for other schools like Texas Tech Red Raiders and TCU Horned Frogs. Similarly, in Florida, you’ll find fans of the Florida Gators, Miami Hurricanes, and Florida State Seminoles, depending on the region.

California has a mix of fans due to numerous prominent programs, but the USC Trojans and the UCLA Bruins have a notable following in Los Angeles.

Bear in mind, this is a general sense of popular college football teams across different states. The actual popularity can depend on various factors, including recent performance of the team, and so it can shift from year to year. Furthermore, being a part of the collegiate experience isn't solely about getting behind the local football team. There are many aspects of campus life that contribute toward an enriching college experience, so be sure to put more emphasis on finding a college that's a good academic fit and aligns with your career and personal growth goals.