Keep in mind, not every fan within these fanbases is a representation of what our list shows today. Collegiate basketball tends to drive passion across the nation unlike almost any other sport (especially in March). Today, we will dive in to look at whose fan base may let moments, rivalries, or just lack thereof get the best of them.
30. Boston College
CHESTNUT HILL, MA – FEBRUARY 22: Boston College Eagles fans pose for a photo during a college basketball game between the Virginia Cavaliers and the Boston College Eagles on February 22, 2023, at Conte Forum in Chestnut Hill, MA. (Photo by Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
While Boston College fans haven’t done anything “bad”, not supporting the school you’re a fan of in one of the biggest basketball conferences is reason enough to make the list in our final spot of basketball’s worst fans.
29. Wyoming
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 11: Wyoming Cowboys fan Ken “Cowboy Ken Barrel Man” Koretos of Wyoming cheers during a semifinal game of the Mountain West Conference basketball tournament against the Boise State Broncos at the Thomas & Mack Center on March 11, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Boise State won 68-61. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)
Ironically while making our list of worst fans, we also believe Wyoming might be on our list of best fans. We include Wyoming in our top 30 because of their own self-deprecation. Just take it easier on yourselves, you deserve better.
28. Kansas State
MANHATTAN, KS – FEBRUARY 05: Kansas State Wildcats fans cheer during a game against the Kansas Jayhawks at Bramlage Coliseum on February 05, 2024 in Manhattan, Kansas. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
As with many on this list, being the little brother to an all-time franchise will lead to fans being toxic, scroll through X after another loss for the Wildcats to see some truly wild comments.
27. Miami
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – MARCH 24: Miami Hurricanes fans cheer in the stands during the second half of the game between the Miami Hurricanes and the Houston Cougars in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at T-Mobile Center on March 24, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
While nowhere near as obnoxious as their football counterpart, U of M fans follow suit on what Michigan has done with their fanbase, all while not being good at either sport which is especially frustrating for fans to explain this isn’t the early 2000s anymore.
26. Michigan State
GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA – MARCH 20: Michigan State Spartans fans taunt the Duke Blue Devils after a pass went out of bounds during the first half in the second round game of the 2022 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 20, 2022 in Greenville, South Carolina. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)
Michigan State hasn’t done anything especially egregious. However, when on social media you have the displeasure of reading an article written by MSU’s leading sports source referring to Michigan fans as “Soy Boys”, you realize that maybe the fandom problem is at a higher level than the general fan.
25. Gonzaga
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 12: Gonzaga Bulldogs fans cheer in the first half of the championship game between the Saint Mary’s Gaels and the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the West Coast Conference basketball tournament at the Orleans Arena on March 12, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Gaels defeated the Bulldogs 69-60. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)
For the most part, we appreciate true Gonzaga fans! That is until Gonzaga’s name grew and bandwagon fans became a big part of the brand. With those types of fans came a larger audience that voiced their opinions about the referees.
24. Penn State
UNIVERSITY PARK, PENNSYLVANIA – FEBRUARY 15: Penn State Nittany Lions fans celebrate after a victory against the Michigan State Spartans at Bryce Jordan Center on February 15, 2022 in University Park, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Like the later entry of Boston College, Penn State makes this list due to their lack of fans at games. The difference in our eyes is the size of the fanbase that Penn State has across its other brands. Just do better and support all athletes.
23. Northwestern
Fan Emily Harriott cries after Northwestern’s basketball team is selected to play in the NCAA Tournament during a selection show watch party at Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston, Ill., on March 12, 2017. Harriott, known as “The Shrieker,” has been asked to tone down during games. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
Emily Harriott “The Shrieker”. One quick Google search and you’ll understand, sorry to all other fans of Northwestern.
22. Providence
PROVIDENCE, RI – NOVEMBER 14: Providence Friars fans hold a cut out of singer, songwriter Taylor Swift in the first half against the Wisconsin Badgers at Amica Mutual Pavilion on November 14, 2023 in Providence, Rhode Island. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images
With annoying social media presences and hatred of long-time coaches, Providence fans have built themselves a reputation online which isn’t the norm for smaller schools.
21. Purdue
WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 01: Purdue Pete and the Purdue Boilermakers fans cheer their team on before the start of the second half in the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Mackey Arena on February 01, 2023 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
While many others on this list expect the best of their teams to be an annoying result, Purdue fans predict the worst of their team to be an equally annoying result.
20. Illinois
CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS – FEBRUARY 24: Illinois Fighting Illini fans react during player introductions before the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at State Farm Center on February 24, 2022 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
When people gain hatred just from your fan base’s social media presence, it does lead to some concerns when going to an Illinois game.
19. UCLA
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 10: UCLA Bruins fans cheer before the team’s semifinal game of the Pac-12 basketball tournament against the Oregon Ducks at T-Mobile Arena on March 10, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Bruins defeated the Ducks 75-56. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
While far less demanding than many other teams on this list, UCLA fans are one of the fan bases that expect a lot of their team each and every year. Considering their last natty was in 1995, maybe it’s time we reevaluate where UCLA truly lies.
18. Florida
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – JANUARY 13: Florida Gators fans hold up a sign during the first half of a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center on January 13, 2024 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
Similar to that of Texas, Florida fans truly believe that this is their year. We rank Florida lower on the list due to them having more recent success under head coach Billy Donovan, but don’t let them fool you into thinking their delusion isn’t just as equal.
17. Arkansas
FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS – FEBRUARY 26: Stanley Umude #0 and Jaylin Williams #10 of the Arkansas Razorbacks celebrate with the fans after a win against the Kentucky Wildcats at Bud Walton Arena on February 26, 2022 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Wildcats 75-73. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
Being labeled as some of the most passionate fans usually is an amazing thing. That is until it also includes profanity, delusional, and aggressive. We all love the energy razorbacks, maybe just place some of it in a more positive place when promoting your school.
16. Michigan
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 17: Fans react during the first half in the first round game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Colorado State Rams of the 2022 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 17, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Unlike most fanbases on this list, Michigan used the reverse UNO when becoming one of the worst fanbases. Through social media, it is consistently about Michigan State being their little brother when in fact MSU has done more competitively within basketball. Football far too often bleeds over into reality for all sports fans, sometimes too much.
15. Villanova
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – APRIL 02: Villanova Wildcats fans pose for photos before the game against the Kansas Jayhawks during the 2022 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Final Four semifinal at Caesars Superdome on April 02, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
One of the biggest vibe killers that fans noted about other NOVA fans was the fact that they felt like they were looked down upon. This may stem from the fact that many consider them to be a “Philly” school and the stigmatism that comes with that. Or they could just think they’re better than others due to recent success.
14. Tennessee
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY – MARCH 28: Tennessee Volunteers fans reacts against the Purdue Boilermakers during overtime of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament South Regional at the KFC YUM! Center on March 28, 2019 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Tennessee fans are some of the most balanced fans on this list and I don’t know that they will be happy with why. They could be categorized with almost every other team on the list for bad fan behavior but maybe slightly less than some of the aforementioned. One wrong step could send them much higher on this list.
13. Ohio State
COLUMBUS, OHIO – FEBRUARY 18: Felix Okpara #34 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates with fans after upsetting the Purdue Boilermakers at Value City Arena on February 18, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State defeated Purdue 73-69. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
Aside from being overly enthusiastic, they should just stop storming the court, please….
12. Wake Forest
WINSTON SALEM, NORTH CAROLINA – FEBRUARY 24: Wake Forest Demon Deacons fans storm the court after a win Duke Blue Devils at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum on February 24, 2024 in Winston Salem, North Carolina. Wake Forest won 83-79. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Unfortunately, Wake Forest fans must be ranked higher due to the recency of them storming the court after a fantastic upset over Duke.
11. Indiana
BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA – DECEMBER 16: Various Indiana basketball fans look shocked at an officials call during the first half of a game against the Kansas Jayhawks at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on December 16, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Gunnar Word/Getty Images)
Historically, there are only a few that can compare to the Hoosiers on this list, but the fans leave a lot to be desired. Numerous fans report the fans using lots of profanity and having obnoxious chants during home games.
10. Arizona
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 10: Arizona Wildcats cheerleaders and fans look on as the team shoots a free throw against the Arizona State Sun Devils in the second half of a semifinal game of the Pac-12 basketball tournament at T-Mobile Arena on March 10, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Wildcats defeated the Sun Devils 78-59. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Looking at Arizona, it seems like a normal school that regularly competes and for the most part that is the truth. The fans chant however drive those in the away crowd to never want to return to Tucson.
9. Vermont
HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT – MARCH 21: Fans cheers during the first round game of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament between the Vermont Catamounts and the Florida State Seminoles at XL Center on March 21, 2019 in Hartford, Connecticut. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Give fans a successful team every year with no championships outside of the West Coast Conference and you can surely expect the false hope and delusion to be at an unmatched level.
8. Kansas
LAWRENCE, KANSAS – DECEMBER 01: A general view of Kansas Jayhawks fans cheering during the 2nd half of the game against the Connecticut Huskies at Allen Fieldhouse on December 01, 2023 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
The only way we can think to describe Kansas fans is New England Patriots turned collegiate basketball fans. Championship or bust is bad for all fans when repercussions are felt by all.
7. North Carolina
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA – FEBRUARY 03: Fans call for a foul as Jared McCain #0 of the Duke Blue Devils tangles with Harrison Ingram #55 of the North Carolina Tar Heels during the second half of the game at the Dean E. Smith Center on February 03, 2024 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The Tar Heels won 93-84. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Fanbases around winning teams, unfortunately, suffer from fans who couldn’t even locate their city on a map. North Carolina has this plus arguably the greatest basketball player of all time which adds even more frustration for those who encounter Tarheel fans.
6. North Carolina State
DENVER, COLORADO – MARCH 17: North Carolina State Wolfpack fans cheer during the first half against the Creighton Bluejays in the first round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Ball Arena on March 17, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
While rich with history and legends in its own right, NC State has become delusional like that of other teams on this list but also suffers from a little brother complex to our next entry on the list. Add in prior success with inflated expectations and you get some of the nation’s most toxic fans.
5. Connecticut
STORRS, CONNECTICUT – NOVEMBER 27: Connecticut Huskies fans cheer on their team against the New Hampshire Wildcats during the second half at the Harry A. Gampel Pavilion on November 27, 2023 in Storrs, Connecticut. The Huskies defeated the Wildcats 84-64. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)
Out of our top 10, UCONN shares the same thing as many of the other schools up here with its dominance over the years. Add in men’s and women’s basketball being dominant over the years and you get a whole added level to what fans can bring to the table.
4. Kentucky
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 18: Kentucky Wildcats fans cheer during the CBS Sports Classic between the Wildcats and the North Carolina Tar Heels at T-Mobile Arena on December 18, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Kentucky fans have a few things going for them as to why they are making our top 5. Between long-term success, blasting refs on social media, death threats, and players turning over like crops each season, there is always a reason UK fans lose games.
3. Duke
DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 24: Duke Blue Devils fans taunt A.J Smith #21 of Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles as he attempts to inbound the ball during the second half of the game at Cameron Indoor Stadium on November 24, 2023 in Durham, North Carolina. Duke won 80-62. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Across college basketball, there are few brands that have the achievements that Duke has over the years. Their fans will let you know that on an annual basis. Another news site reported Duke’s fans as the “Cameron Crazies”.
2. Texas
AUSTIN, TEXAS – FEBRUARY 07: Fans cheer as the Texas Longhorns defeat the Kansas Jayhawks 79-76 at the Frank Erwin Center on February 07, 2022 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Chris Covatta/Getty Images)
Everything is bigger in Texas including the number of obnoxious fans that cheer this team on during March Madness. Most of this stems from the extremely unrealistic expectations that fans have placed on their favorite team. Sounds kind of like another team within the state.
1. Maryland
COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND – FEBRUARY 16: Hakim Hart #13 and Julian Reese #10 of the Maryland Terrapins celebrate with fans after a 68-54 victory against the Purdue Boilermakers at Xfinity Center on February 16, 2023 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
This will come as no surprise for most ACC or Big Ten fans, but for fans across the country, Maryland fans have built themselves quite a reputation throughout the years. Between their inappropriate comments on appearance and weight for multiple collegiate athletes, throwing batteries and debris at players’ mothers during games, and a particular chant that JJ
Redick was not very fond of is why they earned our number 1 spot.
No comments: