Top 5 Highest Attended College Football Games

College football has a rich tradition of drawing massive crowds, with fans filling stadiums to the brim for marquee matchups. While historic venues like Ohio State’s Ohio Stadium, Penn State’s Beaver Stadium and Texas A&M’s Kyle Field regularly host over 100,000 fans, they haven’t quite reached the peak attendance records set by a few extraordinary games. 

Topping the list of most-attended college football games is Michigan’s iconic Big House, which dominates the rankings with a string of record-breaking crowds. Here’s a look at the top five highest attended college football games in history.

5. Michigan vs. Michigan State – 113,833 (October 20, 2012)

The fifth most-attended college football game took place on October 20, 2012, when the Michigan Wolverines faced off against in-state rival Michigan State Spartans. Known for the fierce rivalry between these two teams, the matchup attracted 113,833 fans to Michigan Stadium, also known as the Big House. The intense atmosphere was palpable as the Wolverines eked out a narrow 12-10 victory over the Spartans, further solidifying Michigan Stadium’s reputation as the premier venue for hosting large crowds. The rivalry and the high stakes of the game contributed to the massive turnout, making it a day to remember in the storied history of Michigan football.

4. Michigan vs. Ohio State – 114,132 (November 26, 2011)

The fourth spot on the list is held by one of college football’s greatest rivalries: Michigan vs. Ohio State. On November 26, 2011, 114,132 fans packed into the Big House to witness the latest chapter in this historic rivalry. This game was particularly significant as it marked Michigan’s first victory over Ohio State in seven years, with the Wolverines winning 40-34 in a thrilling contest. The combination of the rivalry’s storied history, the high stakes of the game and Michigan’s long-awaited victory made this one of the most memorable games in college football history.

3. Michigan vs. Notre Dame – 114,804 (September 10, 2011)

Michigan Stadium was once again the stage for a record-breaking crowd on September 10, 2011, when the Wolverines took on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. A total of 114,804 fans filled the Big House, setting a new attendance record at the time. The game, which was played under the lights in a rare night game at Michigan Stadium, added to the electric atmosphere. Michigan staged a dramatic comeback in the final seconds, securing a 35-31 victory over Notre Dame. 

2. Michigan vs. Notre Dame – 115,109 (September 7, 2013)

Two years after their 2011 showdown, Michigan and Notre Dame met again on September 7, 2013, this time drawing an even larger crowd. A record-breaking 115,109 fans packed into Michigan Stadium, making it the largest crowd ever for an on-campus college football game. The Wolverines did not disappoint their home crowd, defeating the Fighting Irish 41-30 in another high-stakes contest. This game also marked the end of the historic rivalry’s regular season meetings, adding an extra layer of significance and drawing fans from across the country to witness history in the making.

1. Tennessee vs. Virginia Tech – 156,990 (September 10, 2016) – The Battle at Bristol

While Michigan’s Big House holds the record for the largest on-campus crowds, the single-game attendance record across all of college football belongs to the 2016 matchup between Tennessee and Virginia Tech. Known as the “Battle at Bristol,” this game was held at Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tennessee, and drew an astonishing 156,990 fans, shattering previous attendance records. The Vols triumphed over the Hokies with a 45-24 victory, but the real story was the sheer scale of the event. The unique venue, combined with the popularity of the two programs, created an unparalleled spectacle that may never be matched.