Most Influential Colleges in Sports Today

Most Influential Colleges in Sports Today

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

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The 25 Most Influential Colleges in Sports Today

  1. #1

    University of Michigan

    Ann Arbor , MI
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Acceptance

    20%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    44K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1430/32

  2. #2

    Stanford University

    Stanford , CA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1495/33

  3. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    20%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    25K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1385/30

  4. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    46K

  5. #5

    Ohio State University

    Columbus , OH
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    57%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    56K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1320/29

  6. #6

    University of Florida

    Gainesville , FL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    30%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    48K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1375/31

  7. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    13%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    38K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1435/32

  8. #8

    Michigan State University

    East Lansing , MI
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    82%

    Student body

    43K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1200/26

  9. #9

    Duke University

    Durham , NC
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    6%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

  10. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    29%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    45K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1340/29

  11. #11

    University of Kentucky

    Lexington , KY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    25K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1175/25

    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
  12. #12

    University of Arizona

    Tucson , AZ
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    40K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1220/25

    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
  13. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    60%

    Graduation

    89%

    Student body

    38K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1360/29

  14. #14

    Auburn University

    Auburn , AL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    81%

    Student body

    28K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/28

    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
  15. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    73K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1210/24

    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
  16. #16

    University of Tennessee

    Knoxville , TN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    28K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1221/28

  17. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    43K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1420/32

  18. #18

    Syracuse University

    Syracuse , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    59%

    Graduation

    82%

    Student body

    22K

    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
  19. #19

    University of Georgia

    Athens , GA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    40%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    39K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1355/31

    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
  20. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    81%

    Student body

    41K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1235/27

  21. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $19K

    Acceptance

    56%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1280/29

  22. #23

    University of Notre Dame

    Notre Dame , IN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    15%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1475/33

  23. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    47%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    31K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1320/29

  24. #25

    University of Alabama

    Tuscaloosa , AL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    35K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1200/27

    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
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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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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