College Flags and Banners: A History of Tradition and Pride

College flags and banners are more than just decorative items; they are powerful symbols of school spirit, tradition, and institutional identity. Their history is intertwined with the evolution of higher education, sports, and the development of unique campus cultures. From simple felt pennants to elaborate gonfalons, these emblems represent a rich tapestry of collegiate life.

The Rise of Felt Pennants and Banners

Felt banners and pennants hold a special place in history, symbolising pride, achievement, and unity. Their origins trace back centuries, evolving from heraldic flags in medieval Europe, where they served as essential markers on the battlefield and in ceremonial contexts. These early flags were more than mere decorations; they were visual representations of families, clans, and nations, carrying deep significance in an era where literacy was rare, and symbols conveyed power and belonging. Over time, these flags evolved into more personalised symbols, reflecting achievements, alliances, and individuality. By the 19th century, advancements in textile production and printing techniques allowed for the creation of felt banners and pennants as we recognise them today.

Collegiate Novelties Take Root

The felt pennant became a popular novelty item thanks to two cultural changes: the proliferation of colleges and universities, and the popularity of a new sport called football. By the end of the 19th century, these changes combined to create an environment where the felt novelty pennant was destined for success.

Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, the American collegiate landscape was really limited to the Ivy League schools. Entry to one of these schools was restricted by numerous factors: gender, race, money, faith, family lineage, etc. These barriers to higher education were steadily eroded by the proliferation of Catholic schools, women’s schools, Black schools, and most notably, public schools spreading across the nation in the latter half of the 19th century. And while professional baseball would become the national pastime, by the turn of the century, football was the fastest growing sport across college campuses.

By 1900, the game of football began to supplant crew, lacrosse, and other traditional collegiate games that had dominated the Ivy League the previous century. And it was football that made the nation, for the first time, pay attention to collegiate sports. Now more than ever, people across the country took interest in the annual Harvard vs. Yale football game. Not only that, national interest extended well beyond the Ivies. By this time there were so many more colleges and universities nation-wide, newspapers and their readers could not help but follow the grid iron action taking place in their home state or region. Against this new backdrop the felt pennant was born!

Remember, back in those days, students did not wear hats and t-shirts emblazoned with their school's name on them. Today, that's exactly how we communicate what school or team we're rooting for; but, a century ago? No way. So, if you were heading to a track, fieldhouse, or stadium at the turn of the century to watch an athletic event, the dilemma became: how would you communicate to others what team you were there to support? The answer, of course, was the felt pennant.

By about 1898, the first felt pennants hit the market and were sold mainly to college students. It's unclear who came up with the idea, or what school was first to adopt them, but there's ample evidence that this trend emerged around the turn of the century and, most likely, within the Ivy League schools. To this point, there seems little doubt that the felt pennant was inspired by the many yacht club flags and pennants that had grown in popularity during the previous century.

Early Pennant Designs and Manufacturing

The first of these collegiate pennants were, shall we say, a bit crude by modern-day standards. Typical designs from that era consisted of a triangular piece of felt with a single letter sewed on the head-end of the pennant in a contrasting color, e.g., "P" for Princeton University. Vendors would often sell these items with a wooden dowel or cane to permit the student to wave it at the event. Afterwards, the item could be taken home and tacked to the wall of one’s dormitory.

If these first generation felt pennants look hand made, you're right. Much of them was cut by hand with scissors, causing slight variations from one pennant to the next. Within a few years, however, this would change. By 1910, power sewing machines and dye cutters helped manufacturers produce increasingly more intricate designs, which only made the felt pennant's popularity increase.

Examine one of these second generation beauties up close and you’ll soon notice: they were very well made. Many were comprised of two or three-piece construction. Some had borders. Full school names replaced the single letter initial; and complex Old English letter fonts joined block letter fonts for the first time. All of these felt pieces, of course, had to be sewn on. Because of this, these early "sewed letter pennants," as they came to be known, were hard to produce in great quantities. This meant they weren’t cheap either. The students that bought these could expect to pay as much as $2 each (more than $60 when adjusted for inflation in 2024) for one of these flags. For this reason, the felt novelty pennant was largely restricted to collegiate students in its first decade--that is, until further technological improvements helped drive production costs down.

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As felt pennants and other collegiate novelties grew in popularity, entrepreneurs across the country raced to produce them. A common observation among these early makers was their location: many began their wholesale production in college towns, taking full advantage of their close proximity to obvious retail customers, e.g., the local campus bookstore. It’s no accident that Chicago Pennant Co. started their business a stone’s throw from the University of Chicago. Collegiate Mfg. Co.’s roots trace back to Ames, IA, home to Iowa State University. And the Schloss Mfg. Co. spent nearly seven decades in Athens, OH--across the street from Ohio University. In the days before the internet, fax machine, even the telephone, being located near your customers made sound business sense.

To be fair, not every felt novelty maker was located next to a college campus. Chicago and New York City had their share of felt novelty makers. Indeed, by 1921, close to a dozen different businesses were making pennants within Manhattan's bustling garment district. Felt pennants became enormously popular by the 1920s. But if you were a wholesale pennant maker, and you wanted to stay in business, you had to offer your retail customers more than just a triangular flag. Most of these early pennant makers quickly expanded their product lines to other collegiate themed goods. Felt banners and pillow cases came next. Then came badges and pins. Others delved into caps and gowns, while others offered laboratory aprons, even laundry cases.

Pennants and Professional Sports

As noted earlier, the felt pennant really began as an expression of one’s collegiate pride. This came at the turn of the century, and was limited to college campuses. Eventually manufacturers would expand into professional sports. But, not immediately. To understand why you have to consider what professional sports looked like back then.

Until 1901, baseball was limited to one league of eight teams playing under the National League. The NFL, NBA, and NHL had not yet been organized. Compared to today, few people followed professional sports. Professional baseball’s growing popularity would change this. In 1901, the American League would usher in eight new teams; and, permit an annual contest between the two leagues then known as the “World’s Series” beginning in 1903. By the 1910s, new ballparks were constructed to accommodate the growing numbers of fans wanting to watch live baseball games. Over time, these ballparks became increasingly family friendly.

By the 1920s and 1930s, professional baseball was becoming more popular with children especially. Kids loved the game. They played stick ball in the streets by day.

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Modern College Flags and Banners

Today, college flags and banners are ubiquitous symbols of school pride. They are displayed everywhere from dorm rooms and sports stadiums to alumni events and graduation ceremonies.

NCAA Flags

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) represents over a thousand college teams in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. The NCAA sanctions a wide range of sports, from volleyball and cross-country to football and ice hockey. Many universities represented by the NCAA have their own flags, often featuring the school's colors, logo, and mascot. These flags are popular among students, alumni, and fans, and are a common sight at sporting events and campus gatherings.

Here are a few examples of NCAA university flags available:

Michigan Wolverines: A 3' x 5' polyester flag featuring the iconic "Go Blue" design.
Ohio State University Buckeyes: A scarlet and gray flag with the team's logo.
Texas A&M University Aggies: A flag capturing the essence of the team's traditions and dedication.
Indiana University Hoosiers: An Indiana University flag with its authentic design and made from 100% polyester with brass grommets for easy hanging.
University of Oklahoma Sooners: A premium 3' x 5' polyester flag.
University of Texas Longhorns: A premium 3' x 5' flag made from 100% polyester.
Michigan State Spartans: A 3' x 5' polyester flag featuring the Green and White.
University of Georgia Bulldogs: A 3' x 5' flag, crafted with an authentic design, 100% polyester.
University of Alabama Crimson Tide: A 3' x 5' flag, crafted with an authentic design, 100% polyester.
University of Kentucky Wildcats: A remarkable design featuring a durable 100% polyester fabric.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish: An authentic 3' x 5' polyester flag featuring the iconic design.
University of Wisconsin Badgers: An authentic Bucky Badger design which embodies the spirit of the Badgers and their commitment to excellence.
Clemson University Tigers: A 3' x 5' flag, made with an authentic design, 100% polyester.
University of Tennessee Volunteers: A high-quality flag celebrating the team's rich heritage.
University of Florida Gators: A 3' x 5' flag, featuring an authentic design, 100% polyester fabric.
Miami Hurricanes: A 3' x 5' polyester flag featuring an authentic design.
Louisiana State University Tigers: A flag crafted with an authentic design and made of 100% polyester.
University of South Carolina Gamecocks: A 3' x 5' polyester flag.
Arkansas University Razorbacks: An authentic design, 100% polyester.
Oklahoma State University Cowboys: A top-notch flag designed with a canvas header, brass grommets, and sewn edges.
North Carolina State University Wolfpack: A 3' x 5' polyester flag, showcasing the iconic logo.
University of North Carolina Tar Heels: An authentic 3' x 5' polyester flag designed with the iconic logo.
Iowa State University Cyclones: A flag created with an authentic design, 100% polyester fabric.
Auburn University Tigers: A 3' x 5' flag, crafted with an authentic design, 100% polyester.
University of Nebraska Cornhuskers: A flag to fly with pride.
Penn State University Nittany Lions: A 3' x 5' polyester flag with a canvas header, brass grommets, and sewn edges.
Texas Tech University Red Raiders: A 3' x 5' polyester flag with a canvas header, brass grommet, and sewn edges.
Purdue University Boilermakers: A high-quality flag.
Maryland Terrapins: A 3' x 5' polyester flag with an authentic design, sewn edges, and brass grommets.
Colorado Buffaloes: A 3' x 5' flag, made with an authentic design and 100% polyester.
University of Southern California Trojans: A 3' x 5' flag made from 100% polyester.
University of Iowa Hawkeyes: A 3' x 5' flag with an authentic design, 100% polyester.
University of West Virginia Mountaineers: An exceptional representation.
University of Minnesota Golden Gophers: A 3' x 5' polyester flag with an authentic design, sewn edges, and brass grommets.
Kansas University Jayhawks: A flag that genuinely expresses team loyalty.
University of Arizona Wildcats: A 3' x 5' flag crafted from 100% polyester with sewn edges and brass grommets.
Mississippi State University Bulldogs: A flag to show support.
Virginia Tech Hokies: A top-notch 3' x 5' flag made from 100% polyester.

Gonfalons: Symbols of Academic Ceremony

Gonfalons are flags or banners hung from crosspieces on poles, used since medieval times, particularly in the republics of Italy, as symbols of state or office. In recent years, many universities and colleges have adopted gonfalons to increase the ceremonial nature of academic convocations and exercises. Douglass Residential College regularly processes or displays three gonfalons on ceremonial occasions, each representing a historical period in the evolution of the College.

When attending in or participating in a graduation, there's a lot of symbolism that is often overlooked. The long gowns go back to medieval Europe, when scholars would wear long robes to remain warm in unheated castles. The mace carried by the Grand Marshall goes back to the same time period when bishops were not allowed to carry swords in battle and a mace was carried instead, as a symbol of their authority and as a means of defense. Gonfalons for graduation are banners, often shield-shaped, which hang from a crosspiece on top of a pole. They will bear the same school colors across all the gonfalons, but each college will have a different set of symbols that best represent the historical elements of that college. As an example, a trio of trumpets representing heralds passing news or trumpets as a way of signaling between encampments in the middle ages could be used for a communications program. logo. In a time when the vast majority of the population was functionally illiterate, gonfalons were the equivalent of McDonald's golden arches or the Nike swoosh. As the Renaissance and Enlightenment encouraged a more literate and educated population, gonfalons became a popular symbol of educational institutions, where they remain commonly used today.

The Ol' Crimson Flag: A Tradition of Unwavering Support

One unique example of college flag tradition is the "Ol' Crimson" flag of Washington State University (WSU). Every week during college football season, ESPN announces the college campus where College GameDay filming will take place next. A Coug who lives nearby volunteers to be “chief flag waver,” and the flag is shipped to them. That person arrives hours ahead of showtime to snag a coveted spot near the stage. Flag wavers “take their responsibility seriously". It’s a ritual Pounds started in 2003 with a homemade flag and a lot of Coug pride.

Pounds, class of 1981, helmed the Ol’ Crimson flag tradition from its inception through 2010. The logistics are impressive. As for the flags, more than 20 have been created by Pounds and his family. His wife Syndie was an accomplished seamstress who helped him get started. She died in 2009, and now his second wife, Mila, lends a hand. Some have embroidered dedications, including for Syndie, former WSU football coach Mike Leach, former WSU president Elson S. Floyd, and longtime WSU announcer Bob Robertson. Others have been given to alumni organizations, boosters, and fundraising events. The first flag from 2003 hangs in the Lewis Alumni Centre on the WSU Pullman campus, signed by all the flag wavers from that year. Pounds said one of the most fun memories was in 2013, when GameDay was held on the University of Washington campus. Pounds said he’s still amazed by the strength of the tradition he started.

Other Unique Traditions

College football has continuously inspired the creativity of its fans to develop a never-ending stream of amazing customs that capture their intense passion for the sport. "College football fans have developed a truly special collection of traditions stretching back to the first game in 1869,” said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. “These traditions matter because they highlight that college football provides a powerful platform for creating a sense of community on college campuses nationwide. College administrators recognize this, and more than 60 schools have added programs in the last decade alone, bringing the total number of college football programs to 773. “On each Saturday of each fall, we find caravans of millions of college alumni journeying back to their alma maters to watch their favorite teams play. There they renew old acquaintances and friendships. There they thrill from the nostalgia of their earlier years as they watch the colorful marching bands, the majorettes, and the cheerleaders urging on their teams. There the bonds are renewed with their colleges, and there we have an inspiring demonstration of a vibrant free society at play.

Other traditions highlighted at the Hall include the 18 mile per hour speed limit at Ole Miss, the Smurf Turf at Boise State, the Blackshirts at Nebraska, the pink locker room at Iowa, Tightwad Hill at Cal, the Oklahoma RUF/NEK Paddles, and the Minnesota-Wisconsin Paul Bunyan Axe.

The following list highlights many of the sport’s notable traditions:

Baylor Line: Established in 1970, the Baylor Line is composed entirely of new students who wear a football jersey with the number of their graduation year and a nickname on the back.
Jolly Roger/No Quarter: The hoisting of the school colors (raising the Jolly Roger) just before the opening kickoff at home Pirate Football games.
Osceola and Renegade: Chief Osceola and his Appaloosa horse, Renegade, have been fixtures at Seminole home games since 1978.
Ramblin’ Wreck: 1930 Ford Model A Sport coupe that serves as the official mascot of the student body at the Georgia Institute of Technology.
No. 38: Chucky Mullins wore No. 38 at Mississippi before he was paralyzed in a game in 1989.
First Game Statue: The team travels down the Scarlet Walk before each home game to touch the statue on campus, commemorating the first college football in history between Rutgers and Princeton on Nov.
No. 44: the retired jersey No.

The Resurgence of Vintage Pennants

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in pennant flags, driven by a desire for nostalgia and vintage aesthetics. Oxford Pennant, a company based in Buffalo, New York, has played a significant role in this modern revival. Founded in 2013, Oxford Pennant has become known for its high-quality, American-made pennants that pay homage to the past while embracing modern design sensibilities.

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