What makes a college football program prestigious?

Hey guys, while browsing ESPN I came across this term 'prestigious college football programs'. What exactly makes a college football program prestigious? Is it purely about winning championships or does it have to do with the quality of athletes it puts out into professional leagues? I mean, how does a team gain that 'prestige' status?

A college football program gains its prestige from a combination of factors.

One primary factor, as you've pointed out, is indeed the team's record of success, which includes win-loss records, conference titles, and national championships. Teams like Alabama, Notre Dame, and Ohio State have storied histories full of championship titles, making them some of the most prestigious programs in the sport.

Another critical factor is the amount of talent produced for the NFL. A college football program that regularly churns out high-quality players who go on to have successful careers in the NFL adds to the prestige of the program. For example, a university like the University of Southern California (USC) has a long history of players getting drafted into the NFL, contributing to its esteemed reputation.

The caliber and reputation of the coaches involved in the program also add to the prestige. Coaches who themselves have a strong reputation and a successful track record contribute greatly to the program's prestige. Think of coaches like Nick Saban at Alabama or Urban Meyer during his time at Ohio State, who have solidified their programs as top-tier due to their leadership and success.

Fan base, tradition, and history are also factors. Teams with long histories, deep traditions, and a dedicated and loud fan base often carry a lot of prestige. Teams like the University of Michigan and Penn State, with their storied football histories, massive stadiums filled with loyal fans, and time-honored traditions, are viewed as prestigious partly because of these factors.

Lastly, consistent high-ranking recruiting classes also play a significant role. If a college consistently attracts and signs top high school talent, it indicates that the program has prestige. These top-rated classes often translate into team success, NFL talent, and continued interest from top recruits.

In summary, a 'prestigious' college football program is generally one that has a history of winning, produces plenty of NFL talent, has respected coaches, possesses a strong and passionate fan base, holds deep traditions and history, and consistently recruits top high school talent. All these elements together create an aura of prestige around a college football program.