Most Influential Colleges in Sports Today

Badge for MOST INFLUENTIAL COLLEGES IN SPORTS
By Dr. Winston Ewert and Dr. Jed Macosko
Updated:

Based on the influence of the athletes associated with these colleges, these are the most influential colleges across all sports.

College sports are an important part of the higher education experience. You may be going to college to learn, earn your degree, and prepare for exciting career opportunities. But while you’re there, you may also have the chance to witness or even participate in a variety of college athletics. With a total revenue of $1.16 billion at the end of fiscal year 2021 (8/31/21), the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) plays its own very influential role in shaping campus culture.

But how can you choose the best college for sports based on your personal interests and athletic abilities? One of the best ways to choose a college for sports is to identify the most influential college athletics program in each of the major NCAA sports. Based on our findings at Academic Influence, the most influential college sports programs are those that have produced the most noteworthy athletes and coaches in their respective sports.

We give you a completely unique way of shopping for colleges based on college athletics, whether you’re looking for a school where you can perfect your golf game, a university with an Olympic-caliber track & field program, a Big Ten football school with a spectacular marching band, or a basketball-crazy college with an annual ticket to the Sweet 16. And if you are among the truly elite college athletic performers, one of these schools could even prepare you for an Olympic or professional athletic career.

Every sports college that we rank also includes a full academic profile so that you can base your decision on a combination of academic and athletic factors. To choose the best sports college for your athletic abilities and interests, read on...

If you are interested in an off-the-field sports career? Check out these degrees in sports and athletics

Featured Programs

Back to Top

The 25 Most Influential Colleges in Sports Today

  1. #1

    University of Michigan

    Ann Arbor , MI
    #2 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #2 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #2 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Acceptance

    18%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    52K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/32

    Career Outlook for Sports degree at University of Michigan

    Cost of Degree: $18,309
    Expenses: $17,554
    Starting Salary: $49,762
    Salary after 4 years: $72,459
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    University of Michigan’s Most Influential Athletes

    1. Tom Brady
    2. Michael Phelps
    3. Chris Webber
    4. Jim Harbaugh
    5. Charles Woodson
    6. Glen Rice
    7. Juwan Howard
    8. Jamal Crawford
    9. Barry Larkin
    10. Rudy Tomjanovich
    11. Jon Urbanchek
    12. Brian Griese
    13. Desmond Howard
    14. Peter Vanderkaay
    15. Chad Henne
    16. Quinn Hughes
    17. Jalen Rose
    18. Mike Matheny
    19. Drew Henson
    20. Marty Turco
    21. Dan Dierdorf
    22. Max Pacioretty
    23. Steve Phillips
    24. Ty Law
    25. Rob Pelinka
    26. Jimmy King
    27. Nik Stauskas
    28. Jay Feely
    29. Elvis Grbac
    30. Trey Burke
    More Influential UMich Athletes
    1. Jake Long
    2. Casey Close
    3. Maurice Taylor
    4. Steve Hutchinson
    5. LaMarr Woodley
    6. Ekpe Udoh
    7. Mike Comrie
    8. Mike Komisarek
    9. Rich Hill
    10. Jim Abbott
    11. Louis Bullock
    12. Chris Sabo
    13. J. J. Putz
    14. Braylon Edwards
    15. Amani Toomer
    16. Dave Campbell
    17. Ryan Mallett
    18. Tom Malchow
    19. Al Montoya
    20. Denard Robinson
    21. Michael Cammalleri
    22. Dick Kimball
    23. Jacob Trouba
    24. Red Berenson
    25. Robert Traylor
    26. Tim Hardaway Jr.
    27. Taylor Lewan
    28. Mario Manningham
    29. Gustavo Borges
    30. Roy Tarpley
    31. Jerry Burns
    32. David Baas
    33. Clayton Richard
    34. Mitch McGary
    35. Brendan Morrison
    36. Tom Dolan
    37. Maceo Baston
    38. Leon Hall
    39. Moritz Wagner
    40. Jack Johnson
    41. Zach Werenski
    42. Anthony Carter
    43. Cazzie Russell
    44. Andrew Cogliano
    45. Zach Hyman
    46. Peter Fleming
    47. Larry Foote
    48. David Bowens
    49. Dylan Larkin
    50. Chris Perry
    51. Loy Vaught
    52. Carl Hagelin
    53. MaliVai Washington
    54. Jeff Backus
    55. Aaron Ward
    56. Justin Fargas
    57. Devin Bush Jr.
    58. Mike Hart
    59. Tariq Abdul-Wahad
    60. Jon Jansen
    61. John Madden
    62. Hal Morris
    63. Bump Elliott
    64. Matt Gutierrez
    65. Mike Knuble
    66. Gus Stager
    67. Chris Getz
    68. Kevin Porter
    69. Trevor Pryce
    70. Manny Harris
    Compare school
  2. #2

    Stanford University

    Stanford , CA
    #3 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #3 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #3 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #4 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    20K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1540/34

    Career Outlook for Sports degree at Stanford University

    Cost of Degree: $62,484
    Expenses: $25,349
    Starting Salary: $90,144
    Salary after 4 years: $131,269
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Stanford University’s Most Influential Athletes

    1. Tiger Woods
    2. John McEnroe
    3. John Elway
    4. Andrew Luck
    5. Bob Bryan
    6. Tom Watson
    7. Mike Bryan
    8. Bill Walton
    9. Mike Mussina
    10. A. J. Hinch
    11. Richard Sherman
    12. Julie Foudy
    13. Jason Collins
    14. Katie Ledecky
    15. Jim Plunkett
    16. Brook Lopez
    17. Sam Fuld
    18. John Brodie
    19. John Lynch
    20. Ryan Nelsen
    21. B. J. Johnson
    22. Christen Press
    23. Carlos Quentin
    24. Christian McCaffrey
    25. Ed McCaffrey
    26. Patrick McEnroe
    27. Mickey Wright
    28. Sara Hall
    29. Jeremy Guthrie
    30. Josh Childress
    More Influential Stanford Athletes
    1. Robin Lopez
    2. Simone Manuel
    3. Bradley Klahn
    4. Jed Lowrie
    5. Bob Boone
    6. Kelley O'Hara
    7. Trent Edwards
    8. Mark Appel
    9. Doug Baldwin
    10. Notah Begay III
    11. Scott Lipsky
    12. Chad Hutchinson
    13. Casey Jacobsen
    14. Nicole Gibbs
    15. Dwight Powell
    16. Zach Ertz
    17. Nneka Ogwumike
    18. Mark Madsen
    19. Toby Gerhart
    20. Roscoe Tanner
    21. Scott Frost
    22. Rick Helling
    23. Steve Sampson
    24. Coby Fleener
    25. Jarron Collins
    26. Jenny Thompson
    27. Kenny Williams
    28. Jack McDowell
    29. Landry Fields
    30. Misty Hyman
    31. Julie Heldman
    32. David DeCastro
    33. Brevin Knight
    34. Evan Moore
    35. Bryce Love
    36. Tyler Gaffney
    37. David Wheaton
    38. Ziaire Williams
    39. Drew Storen
    40. David Shaw
    41. Anne Kremer
    42. Johnson Bademosi
    43. Kevin Hogan
    44. Jared Palmer
    45. Paul Goldstein
    46. Laura Granville
    47. Turk Schonert
    48. Tavita Pritchard
    49. Babatunde Oshinowo
    50. Greg Camarillo
    51. Jason Castro
    52. Nicole Barnhart
    53. Jody Gerut
    54. Janet Evans
    55. Jon Ritchie
    56. Darrin Nelson
    57. Carolyn Moos
    58. Jim Grabb
    59. Ali Riley
    60. Sami Jo Small
    61. Ty Montgomery
    62. Greg Reynolds
    63. Jordan Morris
    64. Nick Saviano
    65. Simon Elliott
    66. Oshiomogho Atogwe
    67. Lia Neal
    68. Candice Wiggins
    69. Ray Handley
    70. Jeffrey Hammonds
    Compare school
  3. #3

    University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    Chapel Hill , NC
    #9 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #9 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #12 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #13 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    17%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    34K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/32

    Career Outlook for Sports degree at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    Cost of Degree: $8,989
    Expenses: $17,120
    Starting Salary: $43,337
    Salary after 4 years: $63,104
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    University of North Carolina’s Most Influential Athletes

    1. Michael Jordan
    2. Vince Carter
    3. Mia Hamm
    4. Larry Brown
    5. Marion Jones
    6. Rasheed Wallace
    7. George Karl
    8. Antawn Jamison
    9. James Worthy
    10. Kenny Smith
    11. Jerry Stackhouse
    12. Hubert Davis
    13. Julius Peppers
    14. Bob McAdoo
    15. Mitch Kupchak
    16. Raymond Felton
    17. Davis Love III
    18. Ty Lawson
    19. Danny Green
    20. Rick Fox
    21. Sam Perkins
    22. Raymond Floyd
    23. Brendan Haywood
    24. Billy Cunningham
    25. Anson Dorrance
    26. Wayne Ellington
    27. Tyler Hansbrough
    28. Gregg Berhalter
    29. Eddie Pope
    30. Matt Harvey
    More Influential UNC Athletes
    1. Brad Daugherty
    2. Donnie Walsh
    3. Harrison Barnes
    4. Willie Parker
    5. Brandan Wright
    6. Jim Delany
    7. Dustin Ackley
    8. Andrew Miller
    9. Eric Montross
    10. Hakeem Nicks
    11. Tobin Heath
    12. Kendall Marshall
    13. Marvin Williams
    14. Shammond Williams
    15. Doug Moe
    16. Brian Roberts
    17. Sean May
    18. Walt Weiss
    19. Ademola Okulaja
    20. Tyler Zeller
    21. Chris Iannetta
    22. Ashlyn Harris
    23. Joseph Forte
    24. John Henson
    25. Rashad McCants
    26. Deon Thompson
    27. Jeff McInnis
    28. Kyle Seager
    29. Charlie Scott
    30. Matt Doherty
    31. Nicholas Monroe
    32. Tisha Venturini
    33. Ed Cota
    34. Jeff Saturday
    35. Donald Johnson
    36. Jason Capel
    37. Phil Ford
    38. Brice Johnson
    39. Cindy Parlow Cone
    40. Bobby Jones
    41. Walter Davis
    42. Ronald Curry
    43. Alge Crumpler
    44. Coby White
    45. Henrik Rödl
    46. David Noel
    47. Reggie Bullock
    48. Robert Quinn
    49. Allen Johnson
    50. Jonathan Cooper
    51. Luke Maye
    52. Day'Ron Sharpe
    53. Lennie Rosenbluth
    54. Tim Federowicz
    55. Ed Davis
    56. Allie Long
    57. Giovani Bernard
    58. Lori Chalupny
    59. Jawad Williams
    60. Marcus Paige
    61. Eric Lichaj
    62. Cat Whitehill
    63. Joe Wolf
    64. Travis Wear
    65. Reyshawn Terry
    66. Lawrence Taylor
    67. John Kuester
    68. Justin Jackson
    69. Crystal Cox
    70. Darian Durant
    Compare school
  4. #4

    University of California, Los Angeles

    Los Angeles , CA
    #3 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #3 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #3 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #3 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    49K

    Career Outlook for Sports degree at University of California, Los Angeles

    Cost of Degree: $13,747
    Expenses: $24,284
    Starting Salary: $46,108
    Salary after 4 years: $67,139
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    UCLA’s Most Influential Athletes

    1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
    2. Russell Westbrook
    3. Reggie Miller
    4. Kevin Love
    5. Baron Davis
    6. Chase Utley
    7. Troy Aikman
    8. Bill Walton
    9. Brad Friedel
    10. Cobi Jones
    11. Lonzo Ball
    12. Jordan Farmar
    13. Troy Glaus
    14. Eric Karros
    15. Carlos Bocanegra
    16. Gerrit Cole
    17. Trevor Ariza
    18. Afshin Ghotbi
    19. Justin Gimelstob
    20. Jrue Holiday
    21. Jackie Joyner-Kersee
    22. Dave Roberts
    23. Trevor Bauer
    24. Zach LaVine
    25. Brandon Crawford
    26. Josh Rosen
    27. Gail Goodrich
    28. Darren Collison
    29. Matt Barnes
    30. Meb Keflezighi
    More Influential UCLA Athletes
    1. Earl Watson
    2. Jean-Julien Rojer
    3. Ed O'Bannon
    4. Nick Rimando
    5. Jason Kapono
    6. Arron Afflalo
    7. Gail Devers
    8. Jamaal Wilkes
    9. Marcin Matkowski
    10. Maurice Jones-Drew
    11. Todd Zeile
    12. Luc Mbah a Moute
    13. Andrew Goldstein
    14. Corey Pavin
    15. Denny Crum
    16. Eric Byrnes
    17. Chris Chambliss
    18. Dan Gadzuric
    19. Mackenzie McDonald
    20. Tyler Honeycutt
    21. J. R. Sakuragi
    22. Gary Beban
    23. Benny Feilhaber
    24. Tracy Murray
    25. Shabazz Muhammad
    26. Jeff Conine
    27. Marques Johnson
    28. T. J. Leaf
    29. Tyus Edney
    30. Andy Lopez
    31. Cody Decker
    32. Ron Roenicke
    33. Don MacLean
    34. Ann Meyers
    35. Ryan Hollins
    36. Evelyn Ashford
    37. Marcos Giron
    38. Henry Bibby
    39. Charlie Pasarell
    40. Jennifer Brady
    41. Toby Bailey
    42. Walt Hazzard
    43. Sidney Wicks
    44. Keith Erickson
    45. Val Ackerman
    46. Bryce Alford
    47. Eliot Teltscher
    48. Willie Naulls
    49. Garrett Atkins
    50. Kevin Kim
    51. Allen Fox
    52. Casey Janssen
    53. Dijon Thompson
    54. Matthew Slater
    55. Kevin Hartman
    56. Billy Kilmer
    57. Lucius Allen
    58. Mike Gallego
    59. Frankie Hejduk
    60. Kai Forbath
    61. Tom Jager
    62. Kyle Anderson
    63. Jim Albus
    64. Jérôme Moïso
    65. Andy Rose
    66. Norman Powell
    67. Darrick Martin
    68. Shirley Babashoff
    69. John Smith
    70. Duffy Waldorf
    Compare school
  5. #5

    Ohio State University

    Columbus , OH
    #10 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #10 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #14 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #15 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    53%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    67K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1395/30

    Career Outlook for Sports degree at Ohio State University

    Cost of Degree: $12,859
    Expenses: $18,372
    Starting Salary: $33,762
    Salary after 4 years: $49,162
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Ohio State’s Most Influential Athletes

    1. Jack Nicklaus
    2. Bob Knight
    3. Urban Meyer
    4. John Havlicek
    5. Greg Oden
    6. Cris Carter
    7. Eddie George
    8. Jerry Lucas
    9. Mike Vrabel
    10. Kirk Herbstreit
    11. Ryan Kesler
    12. Jim Jackson
    13. Troy Smith
    14. Katie Smith
    15. Terrelle Pryor
    16. Clark Kellogg
    17. Joey Galloway
    18. Santonio Holmes
    19. Archie Griffin
    20. Evan Turner
    21. Dwayne Haskins
    22. Dick LeBeau
    23. D'Angelo Russell
    24. Bo Schembechler
    25. Michael Redd
    26. A. J. Hawk
    27. Maurice Clarett
    28. Orlando Pace
    29. Mike Nugent
    30. Mike Conley Jr.
    More Influential Ohio State Athletes
    1. Joe Burrow
    2. Ted Ginn Jr.
    3. Terry Glenn
    4. Jim Marshall
    5. Craig Krenzel
    6. Daequan Cook
    7. Denzel Ward
    8. Tom Weiskopf
    9. Braxton Miller
    10. Frank Howard
    11. Jared Sullinger
    12. Bo Pelini
    13. Carlos Hyde
    14. Gary Moeller
    15. Doug Plank
    16. Earle Bruce
    17. Robert Smith
    18. Chris Spielman
    19. Kosta Koufos
    20. Aaron Craft
    21. R. J. Umberger
    22. Luke Fickell
    23. Nick Mangold
    24. Michael Thomas
    25. Marshon Lattimore
    26. Roger Espinoza
    27. Mike Tomczak
    28. James Laurinaitis
    29. Tessa Bonhomme
    30. Chase Young
    31. Mike Doss
    32. Mark Titus
    33. John Cook
    34. Spud Webb
    35. Corey Linsley
    36. Byron Mullens
    37. Donte Whitner
    38. Joe Germaine
    39. Othello Hunter
    40. Bobby Hoying
    41. Antoine Winfield Sr.
    42. Herb Williams
    43. Jake Ballard
    44. Malcolm Jenkins
    45. Jeff Graham
    46. Taylor Decker
    47. LeCharles Bentley
    48. Bradley Roby
    49. Keith Byars
    50. Nate Ebner
    51. Jack Tatum
    52. Art Schlichter
    53. Jim Lachey
    54. Ryan Shazier
    55. Joe Bauserman
    56. Chris Gamble
    57. Gary Williams
    58. Bobby Carpenter
    59. Paul Warfield
    60. David Lighty
    61. Ryan Pickett
    62. Kent Graham
    63. Dave Steckel
    64. Meg Mallon
    65. Will Smith
    66. Curtis Samuel
    67. Korey Stringer
    68. Jessica Davenport
    69. Jon Diebler
    70. Jamar Butler
    Compare school
  7. #6

    University of Florida

    Gainesville , FL
    #2 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2025 #2 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #3 15 Best Self-Paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #6 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    23%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    63K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1395/30

    Career Outlook for Sports degree at University of Florida

    Cost of Degree: $6,381
    Expenses: $16,220
    Starting Salary: $41,384
    Salary after 4 years: $60,260
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    University of Florida’s Most Influential Athletes

    1. Tim Tebow
    2. Steve Spurrier
    3. Ryan Lochte
    4. Emmitt Smith
    5. Abby Wambach
    6. Lisa Raymond
    7. Rex Grossman
    8. Joakim Noah
    9. Cam Newton
    10. Al Horford
    11. Udonis Haslem
    12. Dara Torres
    13. Chan Gailey
    14. Cris Collinsworth
    15. Danny Wuerffel
    16. Jill Craybas
    17. Camilo Villegas
    18. Mike Mularkey
    19. Percy Harvin
    20. Jesse Palmer
    21. Matt Bonner
    22. David Lee
    23. Charlie Strong
    24. Chandler Parsons
    25. David Eckstein
    26. Bradley Beal
    27. Jesse Levine
    28. Heather Mitts
    29. Pete Alonso
    30. Doug Dickey
    More Influential University of Florida Athletes
    1. Corey Brewer
    2. Jack Youngblood
    3. Frank Shorter
    4. Taurean Green
    5. Joe Haden
    6. Ryan Sweeting
    7. Jason Williams
    8. Tony McQuay
    9. Anthony Nesty
    10. Nick Calathes
    11. Brad Wilkerson
    12. Chris DiMarco
    13. Mark Calcavecchia
    14. Riley Cooper
    15. Dana Vollmer
    16. Fred Taylor
    17. Carlos Arroyo
    18. Jeff Demps
    19. Vernon Maxwell
    20. Christian Taylor
    21. Jai Lucas
    22. Kerron Clement
    23. Darrell Jackson
    24. D. J. Humphries
    25. Marreese Speights
    26. Tracy Caulkins
    27. Dennis Mitchell
    28. Mark Ellis
    29. James White
    30. Andy North
    31. Alex Tyus
    32. Reggie Nelson
    33. Lito Sheppard
    34. Trent Brown
    35. Jordan Reed
    36. Lindy Infante
    37. Al Rosen
    38. David Ross
    39. Shane Matthews
    40. DeLisha Milton-Jones
    41. Conor Dwyer
    42. Jacquez Green
    43. Chad Jackson
    44. Chris Rainey
    45. Will Hill
    46. Nicole Haislett
    47. Louis Murphy
    48. Scottie Wilbekin
    49. Major Wright
    50. Donnell Harvey
    51. Wilber Marshall
    52. Tommy Aaron
    53. Mike Pouncey
    54. Lee Humphrey
    55. Earnest Graham
    56. Josh Fogg
    57. Jeff Morrison
    58. Jelani Jenkins
    59. Doug Sanders
    60. Mike Peterson
    61. Eddie Reese
    62. Neal Anderson
    63. Antonio Callaway
    64. Sandra Gal
    65. Clifford Luyk
    66. Brian Schottenheimer
    67. Dominique Easley
    68. Elizabeth Beisel
    69. Patric Young
    70. Jabar Gaffney
    Compare school
  8. #7

    University of Southern California

    Los Angeles , CA
    #9 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #14 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #14 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #17 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    54K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1500/33

    Career Outlook for Sports degree at University of Southern California

    Cost of Degree: $68,237
    Expenses: $22,216
    Starting Salary: $56,651
    Salary after 4 years: $82,496
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    University of Southern California’s Most Influential Athletes

    1. Randy Johnson
    2. Mark McGwire
    3. Carson Palmer
    4. Tom Seaver
    5. Aaron Boone
    6. Jeff Fisher
    7. DeMar DeRozan
    8. Sam Darnold
    9. Troy Polamalu
    10. O. J. Mayo
    11. Stan Smith
    12. Bill Buckner
    13. Allyson Felix
    14. Taylor Dent
    15. Cheryl Miller
    16. Lisa Leslie
    17. Bill Sharman
    18. Clay Matthews III
    19. Fred Lynn
    20. Bret Boone
    21. Paul Westphal
    22. Junior Seau
    23. Taj Gibson
    24. Jack Del Rio
    25. Rick Neuheisel
    26. Rodney Peete
    27. Sigi Schmid
    28. Katinka Hosszú
    29. Bobby Valentine
    30. Ian Kennedy
    More Influential USC Athletes
    1. Louis Zamperini
    2. Mark Prior
    3. Don Quarrie
    4. Ron Yary
    5. Felix Sanchez 1.
    6. Anthony Muñoz
    7. Jeff Cirillo
    8. Petros Papadakis
    9. Nick Young
    10. Jerry Buss
    11. Bill Lee
    12. Steve Busby
    13. Rey Maualuga
    14. Tyron Smith
    15. Erik Vendt
    16. Nikola Vučević
    17. Kevin Porter Jr.
    18. Morgan Ensberg
    19. David Blu
    20. Winston Justice
    21. Wayne Black
    22. Amy Rodriguez
    23. JuJu Smith-Schuster
    24. Kaitlin Sandeno
    25. Gus Williams
    26. Mike Larrabee
    27. Max Browne
    28. Robert Farah
    29. Bo Kimble
    30. Dave Stockton
    31. Prakash Amritraj
    32. Drake Jackson
    33. Lucas Duda
    34. Rob Johnson
    35. Duane Solomon
    36. Brian Teacher
    37. Tom House
    38. Harold Miner
    39. Torri Edwards
    40. Alex Olmedo
    41. Anthony Reyes
    42. Joey Browner
    43. Renaldo Balkman
    44. Tex Winter
    45. John Naber
    46. Andre De Grasse
    47. Ron Fairly
    48. Janet Evans
    49. Tommy Milone
    50. George Bastl
    51. Marcus Simmons
    52. Brian Bannister
    53. Chimezie Metu
    54. Oussama Mellouli
    55. Dewayne Dedmon
    56. Quincy Watts
    57. Everson Griffen
    58. Chad Moeller
    59. Dennis Ralston
    60. Murray Rose
    61. Byron Black
    62. Jason Lane
    63. Davon Jefferson
    64. Brad Boxberger
    65. Brian Scalabrine
    66. Jordan McLaughlin
    67. Maria Sanchez
    68. Vladimir Morozov
    69. Ryan Francis
    70. Ryan Cook
    Compare school
  9. #8

    Michigan State University

    East Lansing , MI
    #21 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #23 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #24 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #2 Best Colleges in Michigan 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    82%

    Student body

    54K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1260/28

    Career Outlook for Sports degree at Michigan State University

    Cost of Degree: $17,270
    Expenses: $16,680
    Starting Salary: $39,809
    Salary after 4 years: $57,967
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Michigan State University’s Most Influential Athletes

    1. Magic Johnson
    2. Draymond Green
    3. Kirk Cousins
    4. Jason Richardson
    5. Kirk Gibson
    6. Brian Hoyer
    7. Ryan Miller
    8. Morten Andersen
    9. Zach Randolph
    10. Plaxico Burress
    11. Mark Mulder
    12. Kevin Willis
    13. Rod Brind'Amour
    14. Muhsin Muhammad
    15. Nick Foles
    16. Scott Skiles
    17. Duncan Keith
    18. Steve Smith
    19. Mateen Cleaves
    20. Anson Carter
    21. Shannon Brown
    22. Morris Peterson
    23. Tyrone Willingham
    24. Andre Rison
    25. Pat Shurmur
    26. Shawn Horcoff
    27. Eric Snow
    28. Charlie Bell
    29. Le'Veon Bell
    30. Derrick Mason
    More Influential Michigan State Athletes
    1. Earl Morrall
    2. Tony Mandarich
    3. Gary Harris
    4. Bryan Smolinski
    5. Connor Cook
    6. Wayne Fontes
    7. Frank Kush
    8. Maurice Ager
    9. Craig Simpson
    10. Kalin Lucas
    11. Drew Stanton
    12. Alan Anderson
    13. Tony Banks
    14. John-Michael Liles
    15. Carl Banks
    16. Jack Conklin
    17. Erazem Lorbek
    18. Jay Vincent
    19. Adam Hall
    20. Paul Davis
    21. Greg Kelser
    22. Miles Bridges
    23. Adreian Payne
    24. Keith Appling
    25. Cassius Winston
    26. Robin Roberts
    27. Drew Neitzel
    28. Justin Abdelkader
    29. Jim Popp
    30. T. J. Duckett
    31. Dave Rayner
    32. Devin Thomas
    33. Mike York
    34. Kip Miller
    35. Deyonta Davis
    36. Denzel Valentine
    37. Drew Miller
    38. Andre Hutson
    39. Paul Edinger
    40. Julian Peterson
    41. Flozell Adams
    42. Jaren Jackson Jr.
    43. Charles Rogers
    44. Herb Adderley
    45. Joe DeLamielleure
    46. Herb Washington
    47. Jim Miller
    48. Xavier Tillman Sr.
    49. Mike Marshall
    50. Marcus Taylor
    51. Jeff Smoker
    52. Johnny Green
    53. Goran Suton
    54. Dion Sims
    55. Corey Tropp
    56. Trae Waynes
    57. Danton Cole
    58. Shawn Respert
    59. David Booth
    60. Lorenzo White
    61. Malik McDowell
    62. Bob Essensa
    63. Domata Peko
    64. Shilique Calhoun
    65. Blair White
    66. Brandon Fields
    67. Keshawn Martin
    68. Branden Dawson
    69. Brad Fast
    70. Mark Ingram Sr.
    Compare school
  10. #9

    Duke University

    Durham , NC
    #1 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #1 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #6 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #13 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    18K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1530/34

    Career Outlook for Sports degree at Duke University

    Cost of Degree: $65,805
    Expenses: $21,267
    Starting Salary: $73,047
    Salary after 4 years: $106,371
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Duke University’s Most Influential Athletes

    1. Grant Hill
    2. Kyrie Irving
    3. Mike Krzyzewski
    4. Shane Battier
    5. Elton Brand
    6. Christian Laettner
    7. Carlos Boozer
    8. JJ Redick
    9. Luol Deng
    10. Jabari Parker
    11. Jayson Tatum
    12. Corey Maggette
    13. Jay Williams
    14. Bobby Hurley
    15. Brandon Ingram
    16. Jay Bilas
    17. Jon Scheyer
    18. Lefty Driesell
    19. Austin Rivers
    20. Zion Williamson
    21. Shelden Williams
    22. Jahlil Okafor
    23. Marcus Stroman
    24. RJ Barrett
    25. Nolan Smith
    26. Dick Groat
    27. Mason Plumlee
    28. Benjamin Watson
    29. Danny Ferry
    30. Jim Spanarkel
    More Influential Duke Athletes
    1. Chris Duhon
    2. Trajan Langdon
    3. Tommy Amaker
    4. Josh McRoberts
    5. Miles Plumlee
    6. Quin Snyder
    7. Chris Capuano
    8. DeMarcus Nelson
    9. Johnny Dawkins
    10. Kyle Singler
    11. Steve Wojciechowski
    12. Tyus Jones
    13. Marvin Bagley III
    14. Jay Heaps
    15. Ali Curtis
    16. Grayson Allen
    17. Mike Gminski
    18. Quinn Cook
    19. Luke Kennard
    20. Seth Curry
    21. Nate Freiman
    22. Kevin Streelman
    23. Cam Reddish
    24. Lance Thomas
    25. Jeff Mullins
    26. Laetitia Beck
    27. Alana Beard
    28. Mike Dunleavy Jr.
    29. Gene Banks
    30. Reggie Love
    31. Scott Schoeneweis
    32. Wendell Carter Jr.
    33. Justise Winslow
    34. Karina LeBlanc
    35. Katie Meier
    36. Brian Zoubek
    37. Billy McCaffrey
    38. Daniel Ewing
    39. Gerald Henderson Jr.
    40. Harry Giles
    41. Garth Lagerwey
    42. Clay Helton
    43. Alaa Abdelnaby
    44. Martynas Pocius
    45. Cherokee Parks
    46. Carl Franks
    47. Scottie Montgomery
    48. Mike Grella
    49. Cassius Stanley
    50. Shavlik Randolph
    51. Thad Lewis
    52. Eric Boateng
    53. Amile Jefferson
    54. Mike Jeffries
    55. Jeff Capel III
    56. Greg Paulus
    57. William Avery
    58. Dan Otero
    59. Chris Carrawell
    60. Antonio Lang
    61. Alison Bales
    62. Matt Jones
    63. Elliot Williams
    64. Marshall Plumlee
    65. Michael Gbinije
    66. Taylor King
    67. Art Heyman
    68. Trevon Duval
    69. Monique Currie
    70. Sean Dockery
    Compare school
  12. #10

    University of Texas at Austin

    Austin , TX
    #4 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #4 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #4 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #4 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    31%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    55K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1365/29

    Career Outlook for Sports degree at University of Texas at Austin

    Cost of Degree: $11,678
    Expenses: $19,894
    Starting Salary: $46,549
    Salary after 4 years: $67,781
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    UT Austin’s Most Influential Athletes

    1. Kevin Durant
    2. Roger Clemens
    3. Jordan Spieth
    4. Ricky Williams
    5. Colt McCoy
    6. Aaron Peirsol
    7. Ian Crocker
    8. LaMarcus Aldridge
    9. Justin Leonard
    10. Tristan Thompson
    11. Ron Gardenhire
    12. Kyle Shanahan
    13. Jamaal Charles
    14. T. J. Ford
    15. Jhonattan Vegas
    16. Ricky Berens
    17. Avery Bradley
    18. Cory Joseph
    19. Marquise Goodwin
    20. Brendan Hansen
    21. Tina Thompson
    22. Neil Walker
    23. P. J. Tucker
    24. Tom Kite
    25. Jordan Hamilton
    26. D. J. Augustin
    27. Sanya Richards-Ross
    28. Royal Ivey
    29. Jarrett Allen
    30. Brian Orakpo
    More Influential UT Austin Athletes
    1. Garrett Weber-Gale
    2. Chris Mihm
    3. Derrick Johnson
    4. Alex Okafor
    5. Laura Wilkinson
    6. Collin Johnson
    7. Calvin Schiraldi
    8. Scottie Scheffler
    9. Daniel Gibson
    10. Nell Fortner
    11. Dennis Cook
    12. Kenny Vaccaro
    13. Oliver Luck
    14. Jimmy Feigen
    15. Omar Quintanilla
    16. Damion James
    17. David Walters
    18. LaSalle Thompson
    19. Shane Halter
    20. Kevin Curren
    21. Todd Dodge
    22. Janet Evans
    23. Brandon Workman
    24. Mo Bamba
    25. Devin Duvernay
    26. Corey Knebel
    27. Stephen Larkin
    28. Gary Hall Jr.
    29. Doğuş Balbay
    30. Dexter Pittman
    31. Vladimíra Uhlířová
    32. Sam Ehlinger
    33. Maurice Evans
    34. Marcus Griffin
    35. Travis Mays
    36. Johnathan Gray
    37. Slater Martin
    38. Will Licon
    39. Mark Brooks
    40. Marty Akins
    41. Brandel Chamblee
    42. Leonel Manzano
    43. Taylor Jungmann
    44. Jack Conger
    45. Adrienn Nagy
    46. Julia Grosso
    47. Lance Blanks
    48. Spike Owen
    49. David Gossett
    50. Malcom Brown
    51. A. J. Abrams
    52. Lyle Sendlein
    53. Phil Blackmar
    54. Gabe Muoneke
    55. Calvin Murray
    56. Rick Carey
    57. Myck Kabongo
    58. Dusty Mangum
    59. Terrence Rencher
    60. Michael Dickson
    61. Charlotta Sörenstam
    62. Nate Dusing
    63. Bradley Buckman
    64. Isaiah Taylor
    65. Scott Goldblatt
    66. Townley Haas
    67. Steve Denton
    68. Dylan Frittelli
    69. Jill Sterkel
    70. Mike Brumley
    Compare school
  13. #11

    University of Kentucky

    Lexington , KY
    #13 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers 2025 #1 Best Grad Schools in Kentucky 2025 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #1 Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    33K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1180/24

    Career Outlook for Sports degree at University of Kentucky

    Cost of Degree: $13,212
    Expenses: $21,886
    Starting Salary: $34,014
    Salary after 4 years: $49,529
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    University of Kentucky’s Most Influential Athletes

    1. Pat Riley
    2. Rajon Rondo
    3. Antoine Walker
    4. DeMarcus Cousins
    5. Anthony Davis
    6. Devin Booker
    7. Shawn Kemp
    8. Julius Randle
    9. Tayshaun Prince
    10. Tim Couch
    11. Frank Vogel
    12. Dan Issel
    13. Dwane Casey
    14. Howard Schnellenberger
    15. Brandon Knight
    16. Karl-Anthony Towns
    17. Sam Bowie
    18. Jamal Murray
    19. Eric Bledsoe
    20. Rex Chapman
    21. Joker Phillips
    22. Brandon Webb
    23. Keith Bogans
    24. Jared Lorenzen
    25. Jamal Mashburn
    26. Nazr Mohammed
    27. George Blanda
    28. Trey Lyles
    29. Kelenna Azubuike
    30. Tony Delk
    More Influential University of Kentucky Athletes
    1. Ron Mercer
    2. Bam Adebayo
    3. Nerlens Noel
    4. Jamaal Magloire
    5. De'Aaron Fox
    6. Aaron Harrison
    7. Tyler Ulis
    8. Dakari Johnson
    9. Cliff Hagan
    10. Jodie Meeks
    11. Patrick Patterson
    12. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
    13. DeAndre Liggins
    14. Malik Monk
    15. Marquis Teague
    16. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
    17. Chuck Hayes
    18. Daniel Orton
    19. John Wall
    20. Doron Lamb
    21. Walter McCarty
    22. Terrence Jones
    23. John Pelphrey
    24. James Paxton
    25. Hamidou Diallo
    26. Frank Ramsey
    27. Randolph Morris
    28. Tyler Herro
    29. Willie Cauley-Stein
    30. Steve Masiello
    31. Collin Cowgill
    32. Skal Labissière
    33. Jack Givens
    34. Kevin Knox II
    35. C. M. Newton
    36. Louie Dampier
    37. Michael Bradley
    38. Andrew Harrison
    39. Za'Darius Smith
    40. Wenyen Gabriel
    41. Larry Conley
    42. Darius Miller
    43. Gerald Fitch
    44. Keldon Johnson
    45. P. J. Washington
    46. Isaiah Briscoe
    47. James Young
    48. Wesley Woodyard
    49. Chris Rusin
    50. Chris Mills
    51. Terry Shumpert
    52. Archie Goodwin
    53. Ramel Bradley
    54. Rodrick Rhodes
    55. Steve Flesch
    56. Sacha Killeya-Jones
    57. Kyle Macy
    58. Alex Poythress
    59. Wallace Jones
    60. Avery Williamson
    61. Kyle Wiltjer
    62. Scott Padgett
    63. Russ Cochran
    64. Brandon Boston Jr.
    65. Sean Woods
    66. Immanuel Quickley
    67. Kevin Grevey
    68. Wayne Turner
    69. Kenny Walker
    70. Andrew Albers

    University of Kentucky’s Online Degrees

    Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts in Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Health Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Medical Laboratory Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Liberal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts in Information Communication Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BA in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  14. #12

    University of Arizona

    Tucson , AZ
    #3 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers 2025 #18 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #20 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #20 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    54K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1255/25

    Career Outlook for Sports degree at University of Arizona

    Cost of Degree: $13,277
    Expenses: $19,500
    Starting Salary: $35,274
    Salary after 4 years: $51,363
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    University of Arizona’s Most Influential Athletes

    1. Steve Kerr
    2. Annika Sörenstam
    3. Terry Francona
    4. Andre Iguodala
    5. Gilbert Arenas
    6. Luke Walton
    7. Richard Jefferson
    8. Mike Bibby
    9. Jason Terry
    10. Trevor Hoffman
    11. Kenny Lofton
    12. Damon Stoudamire
    13. Nick Foles
    14. Deandre Ayton
    15. Channing Frye
    16. Sean Elliott
    17. J. T. Snow
    18. Lorena Ochoa
    19. Tedy Bruschi
    20. Amanda Beard
    21. Jerryd Bayless
    22. Josh Pastner
    23. Derrick Williams
    24. Miles Simon
    25. Scott Erickson
    26. Rory Sabbatini
    27. Aaron Gordon
    28. Chase Budinger
    29. Khalid Reeves
    30. Michael Dickerson
    More Influential University of Arizona Athletes
    1. Ricky Barnes
    2. Natalie Gulbis
    3. Vance Johnson
    4. Hassan Adams
    5. Shelley Duncan
    6. Lauri Markkanen
    7. Jordan Hill
    8. Kevin Long
    9. Allonzo Trier
    10. Zeke Nnaji
    11. Kadeem Allen
    12. Ron Hassey
    13. Chris Schultz
    14. Robertas Javtokas
    15. Jud Buechler
    16. Amy Van Dyken
    17. Stanley Johnson
    18. Sean Rooks
    19. Nick Thoman
    20. Eugene Edgerson
    21. Jason Gardner
    22. Salim Stoudamire
    23. Solomon Hill
    24. Gabe York
    25. Kyle Fogg
    26. Ed Vosberg
    27. Craig Lefferts
    28. Nico Mannion
    29. Glenn Parker
    30. Reggie Geary
    31. Chris Mills
    32. Nick Johnson
    33. Chris Gronkowski
    34. John Carpino
    35. Kobi Simmons
    36. T. J. McConnell
    37. Grant Jerrett
    38. Josh Green
    39. Casey Candaele
    40. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson
    41. Spencer Larsen
    42. Brian Anderson
    43. Brandon Ashley
    44. Will Bynum
    45. Chad Carvin
    46. Ruben Douglas
    47. Mustafa Shakur
    48. Joseph Blair
    49. Terry Vaughn
    50. Shaquille Richardson
    51. Jill Smoller
    52. Paige Spiranac
    53. Rawle Alkins
    54. Brandon Williams
    55. Michael Wright
    56. Dave Baldwin
    57. Rob Refsnyder
    58. Lamont Jones
    59. Jack Howell
    60. Jack Daugherty
    61. Fendi Onobun
    62. Don Lee
    63. Adam Housley
    64. Marcus Williams
    65. Dan Pohl
    66. Leon Wood
    67. A. J. Bramlett
    68. Josh Miller
    69. Jerry Foltz
    70. Josh Chetwynd

    University of Arizona’s Online Degrees

    BA in Africana Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Administration of Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Care, Health and Society
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Emergency Medical Services
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Cyber Operations
    Degree Concentrations
    • Engineering
    • Defense & Forensics
    • and Cyber Law & Policy
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Early Childhood
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of General Studies in Economy and Industry
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Environmental Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of General Studies, in Arts, Media and Entertainment
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of General Studies in Global and Intercultural Understanding
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Global Media
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Government and Public Service
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Human Rights Practice
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Human Services
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Electrical and Computer Engineering
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Geographic Information Systems Technology (GIST)
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Literacy, Learning and Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Information Science and ESociety
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Law
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Political Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Regional Commerce
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Intelligence and Information Operations
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in History
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Philosophy: Ethics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Biology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nutritional Sciences
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Spanish
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of General Studies in Sports and Society
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Public Health
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Sustainable Built Environments
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of General Studies in Social Behavior and Human Understanding
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  15. #13

    University of Wisconsin–Madison

    Madison , WI
    #6 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #7 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #7 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #7 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    49%

    Graduation

    89%

    Student body

    51K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1425/29

    Career Outlook for Sports degree at University of Wisconsin–Madison

    Cost of Degree: $11,205
    Expenses: $17,700
    Starting Salary: $42,833
    Salary after 4 years: $62,370
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    University of Wisconsin - Madison’s Most Influential Athletes

    1. Russell Wilson
    2. Dany Heatley
    3. Michael Finley
    4. Chris Chelios
    5. Curtis Joseph
    6. J. J. Watt
    7. Devin Harris
    8. Ron Dayne
    9. Joe Pavelski
    10. Ryan McDonagh
    11. Darrell Bevell
    12. Frank Kaminsky
    13. Joe Thomas
    14. Brian Elliott
    15. Derek Stepan
    16. Montee Ball
    17. Troy Vincent
    18. Mark Tauscher
    19. Chris Solinsky
    20. Brian Rafalski
    21. Brooks Bollinger
    22. Jim Sorgi
    23. Melvin Gordon
    24. Ryan Suter
    25. Owen Daniels
    26. Mike Richter
    27. Scott Mellanby
    28. Lee Evans
    29. Gary Suter
    30. Tony Granato
    More Influential U Wisconsin - Madiscon Athletes
    1. Gabe Carimi
    2. Paul Quantrill
    3. Chris Chambers
    4. Bobby Bell
    5. Jim Carey
    6. James White
    7. Kyle Turris
    8. Kevin Zeitler
    9. Paul Chryst
    10. Kirk Penney
    11. Jim Leonhard
    12. Chris Borland
    13. Scott Tolzien
    14. Alando Tucker
    15. Adam Burish
    16. Jake Gardiner
    17. Steven Reinprecht
    18. Rose Lavelle
    19. Erasmus James
    20. Lance Kendricks
    21. DeAndre Levy
    22. Brian Calhoun
    23. Pat Richter
    24. Justin Schultz
    25. Meghan Duggan
    26. Sam Dekker
    27. Jamar Fletcher
    28. Peter Konz
    29. Travis Frederick
    30. Jon Leuer
    31. Carly Piper
    32. Jack Skille
    33. Jonathan Taylor
    34. Rashard Griffith
    35. Traevon Jackson
    36. Jonathan Casillas
    37. Craig Norwich
    38. Hilary Knight
    39. Nigel Hayes
    40. Mike Eaves
    41. Cole Caufield
    42. Mike Webster
    43. Brianna Decker
    44. Howard Moore
    45. Scott Roth
    46. Mark Johnson
    47. Greg Stiemsma
    48. Brian Butch
    49. Don Granato
    50. Rick Wagner
    51. Jake Dowell
    52. Jim Johannson
    53. Mike Blaisdell
    54. Marcus Landry
    55. Bernd Brückler
    56. Garrett Graham
    57. Brandon Williams
    58. Blake Geoffrion
    59. Joel Stave
    60. Bill Nagy
    61. Kraig Urbik
    62. Brad Sellers
    63. Jamie McBain
    64. Bronson Koenig
    65. Jared Abbrederis
    66. Bruce Driver
    67. Nic Kerdiles
    68. Tom Gilbert
    69. Terrell Fletcher
    70. David Tanabe
    Compare school
  17. #14

    Auburn University

    Auburn , AL
    #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama 2025 #2 Alabama's Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025 #2 Best Research Universities in Alabama 2024 #2 Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    44%

    Graduation

    81%

    Student body

    34K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1300/27

    Career Outlook for Sports degree at Auburn University

    Cost of Degree: $12,536
    Expenses: $22,762
    Starting Salary: $35,463
    Salary after 4 years: $51,639
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Auburn University’s Most Influential Athletes

    1. Charles Barkley
    2. Bo Jackson
    3. Frank Thomas
    4. Josh Donaldson
    5. Cam Newton
    6. Jason Campbell
    7. Jason Dufner
    8. Ronnie Brown
    9. Kirsty Coventry
    10. David Marsh
    11. Vince Dooley
    12. Rob Bironas
    13. Toney Douglas
    14. Tim Hudson
    15. Brandon Jacobs
    16. César Cielo
    17. Mark Bellhorn
    18. Nick Marshall
    19. Mark Gangloff
    20. Karlos Dansby
    21. Heath Evans
    22. Marquis Daniels
    23. Pat Burke
    24. Rudi Johnson
    25. Al Del Greco
    26. Frédérick Bousquet
    27. Pat Sullivan
    28. Wesley Person
    29. Eric Shanteau
    30. Kendall Simmons
    More Influential Auburn University Athletes
    1. Larry Blakeney
    2. Gabe Gross
    3. John Schuerholz
    4. Brett Hawke
    5. Matt Geiger
    6. Carlos Rogers
    7. Nick Fairley
    8. Cadillac Williams
    9. David Ross
    10. Josh Hancock
    11. Michael Dyer
    12. Margaret Hoelzer
    13. Tim Beckman
    14. Ruthie Bolton
    15. Stephen Davis
    16. Takeo Spikes
    17. Moochie Norris
    18. Chris Porter
    19. Clay Helton
    20. Ben Nowland
    21. Dieter Brock
    22. Mamadou N'Diaye
    23. Ben Grubbs
    24. Chuma Okeke
    25. Chris Morris
    26. Jamison Brewer
    27. Chris Davis
    28. Sammie Coates
    29. Marcus McNeill
    30. Gregg Olson
    31. George Bovell
    32. Patton Kizzire
    33. DeWanna Bonner
    34. Marcus Washington
    35. Ben Tate
    36. Pat Sims
    37. Tre Mason
    38. Stan White
    39. Braden Smith
    40. Tracy Rocker
    41. Bianca Sierra
    42. Casey Mize
    43. Isaac Okoro
    44. Marcelo Chierighini
    45. Cole Cubelic
    46. Jeremiah Ratliff
    47. King Dunlap
    48. Brandon Mosley
    49. Erk Russell
    50. Mike Bottom
    51. Dee Ford
    52. Dameyune Craig
    53. Marlon Davidson
    54. Stephen Huss
    55. Anfernee Grier
    56. Brandon Cox
    57. Roderick Hood
    58. Eddie Johnson
    59. Dontarrious Thomas
    60. John Mengelt
    61. Tucker Frederickson
    62. Neiko Thorpe
    63. Austin Wiley
    64. Brad Lester
    65. Jerraud Powers
    66. Mike Mitchell
    67. Zach Apple
    68. Kiehl Frazier
    69. Lionel James

    Auburn University’s Online Degrees

    BSBA in Accountancy
    Degree Concentrations
    • Second Degree
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSBA in None
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  18. #15

    Arizona State University

    Tempe , AZ
    #3 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #3 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #12 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #23 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    85K

    Career Outlook for Sports degree at Arizona State University

    Cost of Degree: $12,051
    Expenses: $21,219
    Starting Salary: $34,959
    Salary after 4 years: $50,905
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Arizona State University’s Most Influential Athletes

    1. Barry Bonds
    2. Phil Mickelson
    3. James Harden
    4. Reggie Jackson
    5. Dustin Pedroia
    6. Paul Casey
    7. Byron Scott
    8. Danny White
    9. Rick Monday
    10. Jon Rahm
    11. Don Wakamatsu
    12. Ike Diogu
    13. Terrell Suggs
    14. Bobby Valentine
    15. Dennis Sarfate
    16. Lionel Hollins
    17. Fat Lever
    18. Sal Bando
    19. Chez Reavie
    20. Eddie House
    21. Andre Ethier
    22. Mike Leake
    23. Pat Tillman
    24. Austin Barnes
    25. Curley Culp
    26. JoAnne Carner
    27. Joe Caldwell
    28. Joy Burke
    29. Anna Nordqvist
    30. Jeff Ayres
    More Influential ASU Athletes
    1. Mitch Jones
    2. Tony Barnette
    3. Alton Lister
    4. Gerald Riggs
    5. Rob Babcock
    6. Brody Stevens
    7. Andrew Romine
    8. Tuffy Gosewisch
    9. Kole Calhoun
    10. Freddie Lewis
    11. Desirae Krawczyk
    12. Silja Känsäkoski
    13. Ryan Torain
    14. Per-Ulrik Johansson
    15. Luguentz Dort
    16. Carrick Felix
    17. Matt Jones
    18. Eric Sogard
    19. Tom Purtzer
    20. Jeff Quinney
    21. Howard Twitty
    22. Amy LePeilbet
    23. Will Sutton
    24. Fernando Viña
    25. Shawn Redhage
    26. Shante Carver
    27. Michael Batiste
    28. Desiree Linden
    29. Henry Carr
    30. Brandon Aiyuk
    31. Isaac Austin
    32. Mike Pagel
    33. Emilio Kovačić
    34. Melissa Belote
    35. Mario Bennett
    36. Lenny Randle
    37. Jahii Carson
    38. Tommy Smith
    39. Jordan Bachynski
    40. Dan Forsman
    41. Pablo Martín Abal
    42. Wilford White
    43. Mike Morley
    44. Alejandro Cañizares
    45. Kevin Romine
    46. Chip Sarafin
    47. Brandon Smith
    48. Todd Steverson
    49. Jeff Larish
    50. Tony Ronaldson
    51. Roger Metzger
    52. Herman Frazier
    53. Grace Park
    54. Justin Tryon
    55. Jacqueline Cako
    56. Ágnes Kovács
    57. Todd Demsey
    58. Victor Rudd
    59. Sam Williams
    60. Phillippi Sparks
    61. Josh Spence
    62. Richard Sam Bera
    63. Curtis Millage
    64. Travis Goethel
    65. Rihards Kuksiks
    66. Wendy Ward
    67. Brandie Burton
    68. Egor Koulechov
    69. Keith Poole
    70. John Pitts

    Arizona State University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Applied Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Project Management
    • Health Sciences
    • Required Credits: 111-120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • Communication
    • Sustainability
    • Required Credits: 114-120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Educational Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Business
    • Community Health
    • Family and Human Development
    • Global Studies
    • Health Innovations
    • Personal Health
    • Political Science
    • Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 114-120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  19. #16

    University of Tennessee

    Knoxville , TN
    #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #1 Best Public Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #2 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2025 #2 Best Colleges in Tennessee 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    68%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    35K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1250/28

    Career Outlook for Sports degree at University of Tennessee

    Cost of Degree: $13,484
    Expenses: $20,194
    Starting Salary: $35,715
    Salary after 4 years: $52,005
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    University of Tennessee’s Most Influential Athletes

    1. Peyton Manning
    2. Candace Parker
    3. Jason Witten
    4. Todd Helton
    5. R. A. Dickey
    6. Mookie Betts
    7. Allan Houston
    8. Bernard King
    9. Lane Kiffin
    10. Paul Annacone
    11. Arian Foster
    12. Tamika Catchings
    13. Phil Garner
    14. Tobias Harris
    15. Luke Hochevar
    16. Christian Coleman
    17. Johnny Majors
    18. Chamique Holdsclaw
    19. Dale Ellis
    20. J. P. Arencibia
    21. Yan Gomes
    22. Kara Lawson
    23. Eric Berry
    24. Butch Jones
    25. Ernie Grunfeld
    26. Denarius Moore
    27. Ray Graves
    28. Jerod Mayo
    29. Chad Clifton
    30. Chase Headley
    More Influential University of Tennessee Athletes
    1. Kelley Washington
    2. Glory Johnson
    3. C. J. Watson
    4. Condredge Holloway
    5. John-Patrick Smith
    6. Scotty Hopson
    7. Alexis Hornbuckle
    8. Aries Merritt
    9. Josh Richardson
    10. Chris Burke
    11. Rick Honeycutt
    12. Chris Lofton
    13. Tianna Bartoletta
    14. Jeremy Linn
    15. Cuonzo Martin
    16. Candy Reid
    17. Kevin Nash
    18. Christine Magnuson
    19. Doug Atkins
    20. DeeDee Trotter
    21. Cedric Houston
    22. Chris Woodruff
    23. Deunte Heath
    24. Joshua Dobbs
    25. Jarnell Stokes
    26. Marcus Haislip
    27. Alvin Harper
    28. Michelle Snow
    29. Ray Bussard
    30. Montario Hardesty
    31. Melvin Stewart
    32. Luke Hudson
    33. Jordan McRae
    34. Derek Dooley
    35. Jeremy Pruitt
    36. Kelli White
    37. Rhyne Williams
    38. Marvin Mitchell
    39. Buzz Peterson
    40. Jordan Bone
    41. Jim Gallagher Jr.
    42. Jim Bates
    43. Josh Lindblom
    44. Terry Fair
    45. Randy Sanders
    46. Alan Cockrell
    47. Tony McDaniel
    48. Nick Senzel
    49. Ramon Foster
    50. Augie Ojeda
    51. Admiral Schofield
    52. Bert Rechichar
    53. Bridgette Gordon
    54. Rhian Wilkinson
    55. Alec Mills
    56. Kevin Punter
    57. James Wilhoit
    58. Wayne Chism
    59. Ron Widby
    60. Drew Steckenrider
    61. Zack Godley
    62. Jeremaine Copeland
    63. Doug Flach
    64. Vincent Yarbrough
    65. Darrell Taylor
    66. Scott Galyon
    67. Peter John Stevens
    68. Jimmy Colquitt
    69. Rich Rodriguez
    70. Chuck Smith
    Compare school
  20. #17

    University of California, Berkeley

    Berkeley , CA
    #1 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #1 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #1 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #1 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    48K

    Career Outlook for Sports degree at University of California, Berkeley

    Cost of Degree: $14,850
    Expenses: $30,203
    Starting Salary: $49,762
    Salary after 4 years: $72,459
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    UC Berkeley’s Most Influential Athletes

    1. Jason Kidd
    2. Aaron Rodgers
    3. Alex Morgan
    4. Marshawn Lynch
    5. Natalie Coughlin
    6. Ron Rivera
    7. Brandi Chastain
    8. Jeff Kent
    9. Nathan Adrian
    10. Milorad Čavić
    11. Kevin Johnson
    12. Bob Melvin
    13. Anthony Ervin
    14. Allen Craig
    15. Jaylen Brown
    16. Ryan Longwell
    17. Joe Kapp
    18. Shareef Abdur-Rahim
    19. Xavier Nady
    20. Jessica Hardy
    21. Sean Marks
    22. Collin Morikawa
    23. Joy Fawcett
    24. Marcus Semien
    25. Ryan Anderson
    26. Nnamdi Asomugha
    27. Leon Powe
    28. Michael Russell
    29. Dana Vollmer
    30. Geoff Blum
    More Influential UC Berkeley Athletes
    1. Brandon Morrow
    2. Allison Stokke
    3. Alex Mack
    4. Lamond Murray
    5. Steve Birnbaum
    6. Missy Franklin
    7. Larry Stefanki
    8. Ivan Rabb
    9. Cameron Jordan
    10. Jim Maloney
    11. Thomas DeCoud
    12. Darrall Imhoff
    13. Tyson Ross
    14. Allen Crabbe
    15. Shane Vereen
    16. Phil Chenier
    17. Conor Jackson
    18. Francisco Elson
    19. Stefan Frei
    20. David Binn
    21. Larry Baer
    22. Matt Biondi
    23. Jerome Randle
    24. Mark Canha
    25. Ed White
    26. Evan Weaver
    27. Caitlin Leverenz
    28. Ryan Drese
    29. Frank Beede
    30. Mike Epstein
    31. A. J. Soares
    32. Jabari Bird
    33. Darren Lewis
    34. Michael Stewart
    35. Ryan Murphy
    36. Tyrone Wallace
    37. Brian Horwitz
    38. Lorenzo Alexander
    39. Staciana Stitts
    40. Nick Lima
    41. James Hahn
    42. Max Homa
    43. Dominic McGuire
    44. Ray Wersching
    45. Andrew Jacobson
    46. Emily Silver
    47. Tyler Walker
    48. Layshia Clarendon
    49. Gregory L. Fenves
    50. Sean Lampley
    51. Ashtyn Davis
    52. Steve Purdy
    53. Ben Francisco
    54. Jonathan Estrada
    55. D. J. Seeley
    56. Tyson Wahl
    57. Kathleen Baker
    58. Bojana Bobusic
    59. Dennis Gates
    60. Trevor Hildenberger
    61. Jorge Gutiérrez
    62. Gary Plummer
    63. Jamal Sampson
    64. Brian Schwenke
    65. Brittany Boyd
    66. Haley Cope
    67. Ann Curtis
    68. Lauren Boyle
    69. Sam Williams
    70. Josh Prenot
    Compare school
  22. #18

    Syracuse University

    Syracuse , NY
    #2 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #4 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers 2025 #5 Best Colleges in New York 2024 #5 Best Private Colleges in New York 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    52%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    37K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1345/30

    Career Outlook for Sports degree at Syracuse University

    Cost of Degree: $63,061
    Expenses: $22,086
    Starting Salary: $44,147
    Salary after 4 years: $64,287
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Syracuse University’s Most Influential Athletes

    1. Carmelo Anthony
    2. Donovan McNabb
    3. Jim Brown
    4. Tom Coughlin
    5. Marvin Harrison
    6. Jim Boeheim
    7. Doug Marrone
    8. Larry Csonka
    9. Dwight Freeney
    10. Al Davis
    11. Daryl Johnston
    12. Art Monk
    13. Hakim Warrick
    14. Floyd Little
    15. Gary Gait
    16. Casey Powell
    17. David Tyree
    18. Gary Anderson
    19. Etan Thomas
    20. Derrick Coleman
    21. Jonny Flynn
    22. Billy Owens
    23. Donté Greene
    24. Tim Green
    25. Michael Carter-Williams
    26. Randy Edsall
    27. Keith Bulluck
    28. Dion Waiters
    29. Kris Joseph
    30. Patrice Bernier
    More Influential Syracuse Athletes
    1. Andy Rautins
    2. Olindo Mare
    3. Shaquille O'Neal
    4. Ryan Nassib
    5. Gerry McNamara
    6. Joe Morris
    7. Paul Gait
    8. Jason Hart
    9. Beth Mowins
    10. Danny Schayes
    11. Fab Melo
    12. Tyler Ennis
    13. Sherman Douglas
    14. Rakeem Christmas
    15. John Mackey
    16. Leo Rautins
    17. Chandler Jones
    18. Frank Hamblen
    19. Malachi Richardson
    20. Qadry Ismail
    21. Greg Paulus
    22. Dave Giusti
    23. Tyler Lydon
    24. Lawrence Moten
    25. Demetris Nichols
    26. Brandon Triche
    27. Mike Hopkins
    28. Tanard Jackson
    29. Oshae Brissett
    30. Dwayne Washington
    31. Wendell Alexis
    32. Preston Shumpert
    33. John Desko
    34. Jerami Grant
    35. Otis Wilson
    36. Justin Pugh
    37. Arinze Onuaku
    38. C. J. Fair
    39. Kueth Duany
    40. Craig Wolfley
    41. Wesley Johnson
    42. Paul Harris
    43. Tebucky Jones
    44. Morlon Greenwood
    45. Joe Ehrmann
    46. Rob Konrad
    47. Ryan Powell
    48. Donovin Darius
    49. Jim Ringo
    50. Chris McCullough
    51. Marvin Graves
    52. Kyle Gurrieri
    53. Walt Sweeney
    54. Jameel McClain
    55. John Wallace
    56. Julie McBride
    57. Scoop Jardine
    58. Louis Orr
    59. Darryl Watkins
    60. Alex Bono
    61. Rick Jackson
    62. Eric Devendorf
    63. DaJuan Coleman
    64. Stephen Thompson
    65. Mo Adams
    66. Damone Brown
    67. Tommy Kane
    68. Roland Williams
    69. Michael Powell
    70. Josh Pace

    Syracuse University’s Online Degrees

    BPS in Creative Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BPS in Knowledge Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BPS in Cybersecurity Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  23. #19

    University of Georgia

    Athens , GA
    #14 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #1 Best Public Colleges in Georgia 2025 #2 Best Colleges in Georgia 2025 #2 Best Research Universities in Georgia 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    43%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    44K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1320/29

    Career Outlook for Sports degree at University of Georgia

    Cost of Degree: $11,180
    Expenses: $16,926
    Starting Salary: $37,227
    Salary after 4 years: $54,207
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    University of Georgia’s Most Influential Athletes

    1. Andy Roddick
    2. John Isner
    3. Matthew Stafford
    4. Hines Ward
    5. Dominique Wilkins
    6. Terrell Davis
    7. Will Muschamp
    8. Todd Gurley
    9. Champ Bailey
    10. Allison Schmitt
    11. Jack Bauerle
    12. Pat Dye
    13. Teresa Edwards
    14. Alec Ogletree
    15. Russell Henley
    16. Kara Lynn Joyce
    17. Missy Franklin
    18. Dannell Ellerbe
    19. Jake Fromm
    20. Ryuji Imada
    21. Sheila Taormina
    22. Harris English
    23. Charley Trippi
    24. Anthony Edwards
    25. Justin Houston
    26. Mike Bobo
    27. Jeff Keppinger
    28. Nick Chubb
    29. Sony Michel
    30. Shannon Vreeland
    More Influential UGA Athletes
    1. Kara Braxton
    2. Nate Hybl
    3. Terrence Edwards
    4. Jordan Davis
    5. Trey Thompkins
    6. Willie Anderson
    7. Marion Campbell
    8. Shaunae Miller-Uibo
    9. Erik Compton
    10. Brendon Todd
    11. Gwen Torrence
    12. Jumaine Jones
    13. Sundiata Gaines
    14. Chase Kalisz
    15. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
    16. Mecole Hardman
    17. Kristy Kowal
    18. Julie Hardt
    19. Billy Kratzert
    20. Olivia Smoliga
    21. Tae Crowder
    22. Mikael Pernfors
    23. Jacob Eason
    24. Shandon Anderson
    25. Travis Leslie
    26. Andrew Thomas
    27. Reshad Jones
    28. Bacarri Rambo
    29. Coco Miller
    30. Damon Evans
    31. Ben Jones
    32. Maritza Correia
    33. Jimmy Orr
    34. Michelle Betos
    35. Josh Fields
    36. Antonio Cochran
    37. Dan Magill
    38. Adam Meadows
    39. Robert Margalis
    40. Reese Hoffa
    41. Geno Atkins
    42. Levern Spencer
    43. Terry Godwin
    44. Brandon Miller
    45. Leonard Pope
    46. Laura Ryan
    47. Charles Johnson
    48. Nic Clemons
    49. Litterial Green
    50. Vern Fleming
    51. Ray Goff
    52. Jason Ferguson
    53. Kedra Holland-Corn
    54. Demarcus Dobbs
    55. Dave Fleming
    56. John Roddick
    57. Hudson Swafford
    58. Yante Maten
    59. Sébastien Rouault
    60. Derion Kendrick
    61. Kiesha Brown
    62. Andrew Gemmell
    63. Vinny Giles
    64. Monty Rice
    65. Terrance Woodbury
    66. Cedric Henderson
    67. Amanda Weir
    68. Dennis Williams
    69. Ellen Perez
    70. George Foster

    University of Georgia’s Online Degrees

    BS in Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • Special Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  24. #20

    Indiana University Bloomington

    Bloomington , IN
    #10 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #10 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #10 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #1 Best Grad Schools in Indiana 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    81%

    Student body

    59K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1290/29

    Career Outlook for Sports degree at Indiana University Bloomington

    Cost of Degree: $11,790
    Expenses: $17,110
    Starting Salary: $36,408
    Salary after 4 years: $53,014
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Indiana University’s Most Influential Athletes

    1. Larry Bird
    2. Isiah Thomas
    3. Mark Spitz
    4. Jamie Moyer
    5. Victor Oladipo
    6. Antwaan Randle El
    7. Eric Gordon
    8. Caleb Porter
    9. Mike Woodson
    10. Jordan Crawford
    11. Keith Smart
    12. Randy Wittman
    13. George McGinnis
    14. Quinn Buckner
    15. Alan Henderson
    16. Jared Jeffries
    17. Kent Benson
    18. Walt Bellamy
    19. Calbert Cheaney
    20. D. J. White
    21. Dan Dakich
    22. O.G. Anunoby
    23. Lilly King
    24. Tracy Porter
    25. Bobby Leonard
    26. Cody Zeller
    27. Bracey Wright
    28. Derek Drouin
    29. Pat Knight
    30. Lee Nguyen
    More Influential IU - Bloomington Athletes
    1. Glen Grunwald
    2. Damon Bailey
    3. Babe Laufenberg
    4. Carol Hutchins
    5. Scott May
    6. Tevin Coleman
    7. Dick Van Arsdale
    8. Romeo Langford
    9. Neil Reed
    10. Josh Phegley
    11. Butch Carter
    12. Andre Owens
    13. Mike Troy
    14. Tara VanDerveer
    15. Steve Alford
    16. Yogi Ferrell
    17. A. J. Guyton
    18. Greg Graham
    19. Jim Crews
    20. Jacob Peterson
    21. Patrick Ewing Jr.
    22. Uwe Blab
    23. Brian Evans
    24. Michael Anhaeuser
    25. Jay Nolly
    26. Leila Vaziri
    27. Jay Edwards
    28. Thomas Bryant
    29. Tom Van Arsdale
    30. Bob Bender
    31. Bob Skoronski
    32. Mickey Morandini
    33. Jon McGlocklin
    34. Andrew Greene
    35. Micah Johnson
    36. Christian Watford
    37. Noah Vonleh
    38. Will Bruin
    39. Rod Carey
    40. Ted Kitchel
    41. Jim Montgomery
    42. Kevin Alston
    43. Dane Fife
    44. James Blackmon Jr.
    45. Alex Dickerson
    46. Jordan Hulls
    47. Jimmy Rayl
    48. Zach Apple
    49. Jason Collier
    50. Earl Faison
    51. Angelo DiBernardo
    52. Robert Vaden
    53. Ray Tolbert
    54. Dean Garrett
    55. Christina Loukas
    56. Tommy Meyer
    57. Sergio López Miró
    58. John Kinsella
    59. Troy Williams
    60. Archie Dees
    61. Marshall Strickland
    62. Kevin Orie
    63. Lawrence Funderburke
    64. John Murphy
    65. Eric Anderson
    66. Pat Williams
    67. Marty Simmons
    68. Blake Pieroni
    69. Steve Green
    70. Andrae Patterson
    Compare school
  25. #21

    Pennsylvania State University

    #5 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers 2025 #22 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Pennsylvania 2025 #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Pennsylvania 2024

    Penn State’s Most Influential Athletes

    1. Kerry Collins
    2. Franco Harris
    3. Matt Millen
    4. Mike Scioscia
    5. Larry Johnson
    6. LaVar Arrington
    7. Matt Rhule
    8. Todd Blackledge
    9. Matt McGloin
    10. Robbie Gould
    11. Mike Munchak
    12. Lisa Salters
    13. Jack Ham
    14. Joe Jurevicius
    15. Saquon Barkley
    16. Christian Hackenberg
    17. NaVorro Bowman
    18. Paul Posluszny
    19. Calvin Booth
    20. Ali Krieger
    21. Sean Lee
    22. Tamba Hali
    23. Allen Robinson
    24. Cameron Wake
    25. Ki-Jana Carter
    26. O. J. McDuffie
    27. Matt Bahr
    28. Mike Gesicki
    29. Lenny Moore
    30. Greg Buttle
    More Influential Penn State Athletes
    1. Blair Thomas
    2. Trace McSorley
    3. Galen Hall
    4. Bobby Engram
    5. Bob Weiss
    6. Jeff Hartings
    7. Shawn Oakman
    8. John Hufnagel
    9. Jordan Norwood
    10. Kyle Brady
    11. Bryan Scott
    12. John Cappelletti
    13. Joe Kovacs
    14. John Amaechi
    15. Chris Babb
    16. Marco Rivera
    17. Bryant Johnson
    18. Jared Odrick
    19. Chris Godwin
    20. Jeff Hostetler
    21. Michael Robinson
    22. Curt Warner
    23. Tony Johnson
    24. Carl Nassib
    25. Tanisha Wright
    26. Al Golden
    27. Jimmy Cefalo
    28. Jan Jagla
    29. Zack Mills
    30. Evan Royster
    31. Jahan Dotson
    32. Cam Brown
    33. Mike Iuzzolino
    34. Derek Moye
    35. Gerald Hodges
    36. Bhawoh Jue
    37. Micah Parsons
    38. Garry Gilliam
    39. Stanley Pringle
    40. Daryll Clark
    41. A. Q. Shipley
    42. Tom Lawless
    43. DaeSean Hamilton
    44. Shane Conlan
    45. Anthony Zettel
    46. Matt Suhey
    47. Christie Welsh
    48. Carmelina Moscato
    49. Frank Spaziani
    50. Kareem McKenzie
    51. Don Jonas
    52. Jerry Sandusky
    53. Talor Battle
    54. David Macklin
    55. Anthony Morelli
    56. Brandon Short
    57. Phil Taylor
    58. Tony Stewart
    59. Danny Rocco
    60. Tom Bradley
    61. Derrick Williams
    62. Romel Raffin
    63. Rob Bolden
    64. Wally Richardson
    65. Dave Robinson
    66. Jay Paterno
    67. Maurice Evans
    68. K. J. Hamler
    69. Dan Connor
    70. Rich Ohrnberger
    Compare school
  27. #22

    University of Connecticut

    Storrs , CT
    #1 Best Public Colleges in Connecticut 2025 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Connecticut 2025 #2 Best Research Universities in Connecticut 2024 #3 Best Colleges in Connecticut 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $19K

    Acceptance

    55%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    29K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1330/30

    Career Outlook for Sports degree at University of Connecticut

    Cost of Degree: $20,366
    Expenses: $19,316
    Starting Salary: $41,573
    Salary after 4 years: $60,535
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    University of Connecticut’s Most Influential Athletes

    1. Ray Allen
    2. Diana Taurasi
    3. Caron Butler
    4. Sue Bird
    5. Kemba Walker
    6. Maya Moore
    7. Swin Cash
    8. Emeka Okafor
    9. Rudy Gay
    10. Richard Hamilton
    11. Kirk Ferentz
    12. Rebecca Lobo
    13. Andre Drummond
    14. George Springer
    15. Donyell Marshall
    16. Charlie Villanueva
    17. Kevin Ollie
    18. Breanna Stewart
    19. Hasheem Thabeet
    20. Donny Marshall
    21. Jeremy Lamb
    22. Rajai Davis
    23. Andre Blake
    24. Charles Nagy
    25. Marcus Williams
    26. Tina Charles
    27. Shabazz Napier
    28. Renee Montgomery
    29. Nick Ahmed
    30. Billy Eppler
    More Influential UConn Athletes
    1. Ben Gordon
    2. Kara Wolters
    3. Jeff Adrien
    4. Hilton Armstrong
    5. Cyle Larin
    6. Denham Brown
    7. Svetlana Abrosimova
    8. Doron Sheffer
    9. Josh Boone
    10. Travis Knight
    11. Damani Ralph
    12. Asjha Jones
    13. Clifford Robinson
    14. Katie Lou Samuelson
    15. Jerome Dyson
    16. Ryan Boatright
    17. Kia Nurse
    18. Nykesha Sales
    19. John McDonald
    20. Scott Burrell
    21. Niels Giffey
    22. A. J. Price
    23. Khalid El-Amin
    24. Alex Oriakhi
    25. Jalen Adams
    26. Jake Voskuhl
    27. Rita Williams
    28. Ater Majok
    29. Matt Barnes
    30. Nadav Henefeld
    31. Mike Olt
    32. Shavar Thomas
    33. Karl Hobbs
    34. Tate George
    35. Walt Dropo
    36. Brian Kozlowski
    37. Tage Thompson
    38. Steve Pikiell
    39. Jesse Carlson
    40. O'Brian White
    41. DeAndre Daniels
    42. Byron Jones
    43. Sara Whalen
    44. Roberto Hernández
    45. Todd Krygier
    46. Jason Grabowski
    47. Bobby Rhine
    48. Jennifer Rizzotti
    49. Chukwudi Chijindu
    50. Tony Hanson
    51. Julius James
    52. Paige Bueckers
    53. Anthony Kay
    54. Chris Smith
    55. Cole Schneider
    56. Napheesa Collier
    57. Stephanie Labbé
    58. Jamelle Elliott
    59. Moriah Jefferson
    60. Toby Kimball
    61. Tom Penders
    62. Ajou Deng
    63. Jim Penders
    64. Rashad Anderson
    65. Chris Fleming
    66. Scott Oberg
    67. Niki Cross
    68. Ricky Moore
    69. Toni Ståhl
    70. Dwayne Gratz
    Compare school
  28. #23

    University of Notre Dame

    Notre Dame , IN
    #3 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #21 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #22 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #25 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    13%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1500/33

    Career Outlook for Sports degree at University of Notre Dame

    Cost of Degree: $62,693
    Expenses: $20,578
    Starting Salary: $62,775
    Salary after 4 years: $91,414
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Notre Dame’s Most Influential Athletes

    1. Joe Montana
    2. Joe Theismann
    3. Brad Lidge
    4. Bill Laimbeer
    5. Jeff Samardzija
    6. Paul Hornung
    7. Adrian Dantley
    8. Craig Counsell
    9. John Paxson
    10. Pat Connaughton
    11. Ruth Riley
    12. Doug Gottlieb
    13. Austin Carr
    14. John Axford
    15. Monty Williams
    16. Shannon Boxx
    17. Matt Besler
    18. Pat Garrity
    19. Billy Casper
    20. Manti Te'o
    21. Kelly Tripucka
    22. A. J. Pollock
    23. Skylar Diggins-Smith
    24. Hunter Smith
    25. Jerian Grant
    26. Kerri Hanks
    27. Dave Poulin
    28. Jaylon Smith
    29. Anders Lee
    30. Ron Reed
    More Influential Notre Dame Athletes
    1. Troy Murphy
    2. Johnny Lujack
    3. Ronnie Stanley
    4. Alan Page
    5. Rudy Ruettiger
    6. Javin Hunter
    7. Aaron Heilman
    8. Kate Markgraf
    9. Elmer Bennett
    10. Quenton Nelson
    11. Bill Hanzlik
    12. Luke Harangody
    13. Yan Stastny
    14. Ryan Shay
    15. Luke Petitgout
    16. Riley Sheahan
    17. Tab Baldwin
    18. Ross Browner
    19. Jackie Young
    20. Brett Lebda
    21. Matt Carroll
    22. Greg Olsen
    23. David Rivers
    24. Michael Haywood
    25. Bertrand Berry
    26. Bryan Rust
    27. Vinnie Hinostroza
    28. Molly Seidel
    29. Joe Kleine
    30. Jeb Brovsky
    31. Niele Ivey
    32. Aaron Taylor
    33. Jewell Loyd
    34. Jon Gallagher
    35. David Phelps
    36. Allen Rossum
    37. Troy Pride
    38. LaPhonso Ellis
    39. Don Lucia
    40. Dave Duerson
    41. Kyle Hamilton
    42. Kyle Palmieri
    43. Luke Zeller
    44. Demetrius Jackson
    45. Justin Morrow
    46. Christian Hanson
    47. Mike Richardson
    48. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah
    49. Chris Quinn
    50. Kyle McAlarney
    51. Carlyle Holiday
    52. Anne Mäkinen
    53. Bob Keppel
    54. Terry Brennan
    55. Ian Cole
    56. Chase Claypool
    57. Cavan Biggio
    58. Steve Vasturia
    59. John Shumate
    60. Natalie Achonwa
    61. Orlando Woolridge
    62. Trey Mancini
    63. Anders Bjork
    64. Ken Barlow
    65. Torin Francis
    66. Ben Simon
    67. Bruce Flowers
    68. Dick Lynch
    69. Harry Shipp
    70. Bright Dike
    Compare school
  29. #24

    North Carolina State University

    Raleigh , NC
    #2 Best Public Colleges in North Carolina 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in North Carolina 2025 #3 Best Research Universities in North Carolina 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    47%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    40K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1370/30

    Career Outlook for Sports degree at North Carolina State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,895
    Expenses: $17,709
    Starting Salary: $37,479
    Salary after 4 years: $54,574
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    NC State University’s Most Influential Athletes

    1. Philip Rivers
    2. Russell Wilson
    3. Bill Cowher
    4. Cullen Jones
    5. David Thompson
    6. Torry Holt
    7. Mario Williams
    8. Tab Ramos
    9. Vinny Del Negro
    10. Mike Glennon
    11. Terry Gannon
    12. Tom Gugliotta
    13. Tim Clark
    14. Pablo Mastroeni
    15. Nate McMillan
    16. Dan Plesac
    17. Sidney Lowe
    18. Jill Ellis
    19. Julius Hodge
    20. Trea Turner
    21. Erik Kramer
    22. T. J. Warren
    23. Josh Powell
    24. Chucky Brown
    25. Koren Robinson
    26. Jerricho Cotchery
    27. Spud Webb
    28. Mike Quick
    29. Cedric Simmons
    30. Manny Lawson
    More Influential NC State Athletes
    1. Dennis Smith Jr.
    2. Thurl Bailey
    3. Roman Gabriel
    4. Andrew Brackman
    5. Adrian Wilson
    6. Lorenzo Charles
    7. Monte Towe
    8. Joan Benoit
    9. Tommy Burleson
    10. Vic Bubas
    11. Lorenzo Brown
    12. JJ Hickson
    13. Kenny Carr
    14. Dewayne Washington
    15. Rodney Monroe
    16. Chuck Amato
    17. Damien Wilkins
    18. Carl Pettersson
    19. Joey Devine
    20. Adam Warren
    21. Duncan Goodhew
    22. Roy Lassiter
    23. Charmaine Hooper
    24. Ted Brown
    25. Chris Corchiani
    26. Engin Atsür
    27. Aaron Bates
    28. Dereck Whittenburg
    29. Stephen Tulloch
    30. Andrea Stinson
    31. Carlos Rodón
    32. Ray Tanner
    33. Tracy Woodson
    34. Jim Ritcher
    35. Mike Caldwell
    36. Sean Locklear
    37. Archie Miller
    38. Bradley Chubb
    39. Ray Agnew
    40. Steve Keim
    41. John Sadri
    42. Sean Green
    43. Garrett Bradbury
    44. Charles Shackleford
    45. Ryan Held
    46. David Amerson
    47. Bucky Waters
    48. Chad Orvella
    49. Todd Fuller
    50. Ted Larsen
    51. Alvis Whitted
    52. Eric Surkamp
    53. Willie Young
    54. Trudi Lacey
    55. Nate Irving
    56. Haywood Jeffires
    57. Audie Cole
    58. Scott Schweitzer
    59. Andy Barkett
    60. Chris Washburn
    61. Tim Stoddard
    62. Vaughan Johnson
    63. Richard Howell
    64. Anthony Grundy
    65. Caleb Martin
    66. Stephen Hauschka
    67. Doug Davis
    68. Chasity Melvin
    69. Scott Wood
    70. Nazmi Albadawi

    North Carolina State University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Leadership In The Public Sector
    • Required Credits: 12
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  30. #25

    University of Alabama

    Tuscaloosa , AL
    #12 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers 2025 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama 2025 #1 Alabama's Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025 #1 Best Research Universities in Alabama 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    42K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1270/27

    Career Outlook for Sports degree at University of Alabama

    Cost of Degree: $11,900
    Expenses: $21,482
    Starting Salary: $32,503
    Salary after 4 years: $47,328
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    University of Alabama’s Most Influential Athletes

    1. Joe Namath
    2. Shaun Alexander
    3. Robert Horry
    4. Gerald Wallace
    5. Derrick Henry
    6. Bart Starr
    7. Julio Jones
    8. Mo Williams
    9. Justin Thomas
    10. Antonio McDyess
    11. Ken Stabler
    12. Dabo Swinney
    13. A. J. McCarron
    14. Tua Tagovailoa
    15. Latrell Sprewell
    16. Mark Gottfried
    17. Eddie Lacy
    18. Jalen Hurts
    19. DeVonta Smith
    20. Jackie Sherrill
    21. Dont'a Hightower
    22. Calvin Smith
    23. Brodie Croyle
    24. Collin Sexton
    25. Alonzo Gee
    26. Cornelius Bennett
    27. Daron Payne
    28. Marcell Dareus
    29. Richard Hendrix
    30. Mac Jones
    More Influential University of Alabama Athletes
    1. Evan Mathis
    2. Kirani James
    3. Lee Roy Jordan
    4. Dwight Stephenson
    5. Rashad Johnson
    6. Landon Collins
    7. T. J. Yeldon
    8. Bradley Bozeman
    9. Blake Sims
    10. Marty Lyons
    11. Phil Savage
    12. Jerry Pate
    13. Tommy Hunter
    14. Chance Warmack
    15. Eddie Jackson
    16. Neil Callaway
    17. Kenyan Drake
    18. Mal Moore
    19. Jeremy Brown
    20. Henry Ruggs
    21. Leon Douglas
    22. Derrick McKey
    23. Jeff Rutledge
    24. Tony Nathan
    25. Erwin Dudley
    26. Mike DuBose
    27. Danny Ford
    28. Jonathan Allen
    29. Tyrone Prothro
    30. Mike Davis
    31. Antonio Langham
    32. Minkah Fitzpatrick
    33. Dominique Canty
    34. Steve Lowery
    35. Ray Perkins
    36. James Carpenter
    37. Dave Magadan
    38. Jason Bohn
    39. Dylan Moses
    40. Jermareo Davidson
    41. Ronald Steele
    42. Don McNeal
    43. Roy Rogers
    44. Mickey Andrews
    45. Siran Stacy
    46. JaMychal Green
    47. Blake Barnett
    48. Jason Caffey
    49. Emmit King
    50. Woodrow Lowe
    51. Trevis Smith
    52. Keith Askins
    53. Vladislav Polyakov
    54. David Benoit
    55. Bud Cauley
    56. Alexa Guarachi
    57. Wendell Hudson
    58. Christian Harris
    59. Billy Neighbors
    60. James Robinson
    61. Jeremiah Castille
    62. Les Snead
    63. Ellis Ferreira
    64. Christian Barmore
    65. Harry Gilmer
    66. Tony Mitchell
    67. Rachel Brown
    68. Michael Thompson

    University of Alabama’s Online Degrees

    BS in Food and Nutrition
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Early Childhood Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Hospitality Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Human Development and Family Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Child Life
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Human Environmental Sciences
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Human Environmental Sciences, Consumer Sciences
    Degree Concentrations
    • Consumer Affairs
    • Family Financial Planning and Counseling
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS/BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminology and Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 25/ 125
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Mechanical Engineering
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BS in Commerce and Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • General Business
    • Management
    • Accounting
    • Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    Compare school

Most Influential Colleges in the Top 10 Collegiate Sports

Most Influential Baseball Colleges

The best colleges and universities for baseball are largely concentrated in the Western United States. The top college athletics programs for baseball can be found at notable warm-weather schools like the University of Southern California, Arizona State University, and UCLA. USC owes its ranking to a trio of MLB legends in slugging first baseman Mark McGwire and flamethrowing Hall of Fame pitchers Randy Johnson and Tom Seaver. Ranking second on the list, Arizona is the alma mater of Hall of Fame postseason legend Reggie Jackson, as well as Red Sox superstar Dustin Pedroia, and all-time home run king, Barry Bonds.

Learn about the most influential colleges in baseball today

Back to Top

Most Influential Basketball Colleges

The best colleges and universities for basketball are exactly the schools you’d expect to see on this list-a who’s who of storied college athletics programs, legendary coaches, and Hall of Fame players. Our list of the best basketball colleges includes programs famous for winning national titles and sending superstar players to the NBA. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill boasts not just the most influential basketball program in the world, but the most influential college athletics program in any sport. Credit this title to the massive influence of Michael Jordan, whose global visibility, fame and commercial impact as an NBA player both expanded the international reach of basketball and transcended the sport itself. UNC can also credit future Hall of Fame player Vince Carter and long-time college and professional coach Larry Brown for their landmark contributions to the NBA and the game as a whole. Other programs rounding out the top 10 include March Madness perennials like Duke, University of Kentucky, and UCLA.

Learn about the most influential colleges in basketball today

Back to Top

Most Influential Football Colleges

College football is massively popular on a regional scale. Our research finds that among all college athletics, the football field is home to the largest number of highly influential programs. Highly influential programs are those with an influence score of over ????. In simpler terms, if you want to go to a college or university with a great football program, you have a lot of schools to choose from. The most noteworthy university football programs cast an enormous influence over their surrounding regions. Not only that, but when it comes to college football, there is a huge amount of influence to go around. The list of best 50 football colleges and universities is topped by major programs like the University of Michigan, Ohio State and the University of Florida. However, schools ranking in the thirties like Clemson, Baylor and Texas A&M also score as highly influential in their own regions. Top football programs generally boast a history of top players. For instance, Michigan enjoys its top spot thanks to former NFL quarterback and current head coach Jim Harbaugh, NFL Hall of Famer Charles Woodson (who remains the only defensive back in history to win college’s coveted Heisman Trophy), and of course, 7-time Super Bowl winning quarterback and consensus G.O.A.T., Tom Brady.

Learn about the most influential colleges in football today

Back to Top

Most Influential Golf Colleges

Stanford University tops the list of best colleges and universities for golf, followed by Ohio State and Arizona State. A quick glance at the alumni from each program makes it easy to see why these athletics programs topped our list. Ranking third, Arizona was home to 6-time PGA champion Phil Mickeslon. Ohio State produced the Golden Bear-Jack Nicklaus-who still holds the record for most major PGA championships with 18. And Stanford University tops the list on the strength of Tiger Woods, who ranks as the most influential golfer on our list, even dramatically overshadowing fellow alumnus and legendary predecessor Tom Watson (who tallies an influence score 1/10 that of Tiger Woods).

Learn about the most influential colleges in golf today

Back to Top

Most Influential Hockey Colleges

The best colleges and universities for hockey are largely located in states with notoriously frigid winters. In fact, every single one of these top 25 college athletics programs is located in a cold-weather American state like Massachusetts, Minnesota, or Michigan. The University of Wisconsin-Madison, the University of North Dakota, and Boston College top the list of destinations for NCAA hockey players. Wisconsin-Madison ranks the highest on the strength of the Canadian National team’s all-time scorer, Dany Heatley, as well as three-time Stanley Cup champion and Hockey Hall of Famer Chris Chelios and Olympic Gold Medal goalie Curtis Joseph.

Learn about the most influential colleges in hockey today

Back to Top

Most Influential Lacrosse Colleges

Lacrosse is the rare area of college athletics dominated by schools concentrated entirely in the Northeastern U.S. With only a few exceptions in the Top 20-University of Virginia (#9), Northwestern University (#12) and Duke (#16)-the remainder of the list is constituted of colleges in the Mid Atlantic and New England regions. Syracuse, Johns Hopkins and the University at Albany, SUNY top the list of best colleges and universities for lacrosse. Syracuse owes its top spot to the combined impact of noted players Casey Powell and twin brothers Gary and Paul Gait.

Learn about the most influential colleges in lacrosse today

Back to Top

Most Influential Tennis Colleges

Many of the best colleges and universities for tennis are also highly ranked academic institutions. At the top of our list is the prestigious Stanford University. This college athletics program registers an influence score more than twice that of the runner-up, Harvard University. Stanford enjoys its ranking on the strength of John McEnroe’s 7 Grand Slam wins and his outsized public persona. Stanford’s chest-bumping identical twins and all-time men’s doubles champs Bob and Mike Bryan rank just behind McEnroe. Harvard’s second-place finish is driven by the Danish-born Caroline Wozniacki, who became the first Scandinavian woman to rank as the top player in the world, a title she held for 71 weeks between 2010 and 2011.

Learn about the most influential colleges in tennis today

Back to Top

Most Influential Track & Field Colleges

Track and field is one of the most complex college athletics to rank for influence, largely because it is made up of so many different events and areas of focus. Top college track and field athletes will compete in areas like cross-country running, sprinting, pole vaulting, high jumping, discus, and much more. Also included are decathlon events as well as cross country running, which is not officially a track & field event, but which has a great deal of cross overcompetitive diving. In other words, college track and field programs are generally the most athletically diverse programs that we rank. At the top spot is the University of Oregon, followed by the University of Southern California, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Oregon perfectly reflects the athletic diversity of this list. At the top of its influence ranking are three-time New City Marathon winner Alberto Salazar, Olympic Silver Medalist (10,000 m) Galen Rupp, Olympic Gold Medalist Matt Centrowitz (1500 m), record-breaking Olympic Gold Medal sprinter Otis Davis, and college long-jumper/Olympic Silver Medal sprinter Jenna Prandini.

Learn about the most influential colleges in track and field today

Back to Top

Most Influential Soccer Colleges

The best colleges and universities for soccer are represented by a diverse list of both players and coaches in men’s and women’s soccer. In fact, a number of college athletics programs are included on our list for producing top soccer club managers, as opposed to players. For instance, at the top of the list is the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, owing largely to the influence of UNC Women’s Soccer coach Anson Dorrance. With 21 championships, Dorannce is the most successful NCAA women’s soccer coach of all time. UNC’s program can also boast alumni like Olympic Gold Medalist Mia Hamm. Another fascinating and noteworthy inclusion on this list, the Nassau Community College in Garden City New York is the rare public two-year school to appear on a list of top athletics programs. Most college sports rankings are dominated by major athletics programs at four-year colleges. Nassau actually ranks #5 on our list thanks to the distinguished coaching career of alumnus Bruce Arena.

Learn about the most influential colleges in soccer today

Back to Top

Most Influential Swimming & Diving Colleges

Topping the list of best colleges and universities for swimming and diving is the University of Michigan, followed closely by University of Texas at Austin and University of California, Berkeley. The college athletics swimming program at Michigan owes its top spot to the towering influence of Michael Phelps. With a record 23 gold medals, and 28 medals overall, Phelps is both the most decorated Olympic athlete of all time and the consensus pick as the greatest swimmer the sport has ever seen. Phelps is joined on the list by Olympic teammate and fellow gold-medalist Peter Vanderkaay as well as one-time Wolverines swimmer turned long-time swimming and diving coach (1982-2004) Jon Urbanchek.

Learn about the most influential colleges in swimming and diving today

Back to Top

More Related Articles about College Sports

Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here