Many under-the-radar colleges across other conferences provide equally spirited campus cultures devoted to supporting their beloved teams. Here are 8 hidden gem options that offer the intimacy of smaller schools alongside big-game atmospheres. 

University of Utah (Salt Lake City, UT) - The University of Utah joins the Pac-12 conference with a rapidly growing reputation in football and basketball. The university's passionate student section, called The Mus, became the most popular student section in the Mountain West Conference and is now one of the most prominent in the Pac-12. Nestled against the Wasatch Mountains, Rice-Eccles Stadium offers one of the most scenic settings in college football.

University of Kansas (Lawrence, KS) - In the Midwest, the University of Kansas has a $12.5 million dollar recreation center dedicated entirely to student enjoyment of Jayhawk basketball. With spirited interest in everything from football tailgates to soccer chants, KU's proud athletic traditions span over 120 years in the Big 12 conference.

Butler University (Indianapolis, IN) - At Butler University, “Dawg Pound” students power the electric gameday environments inside historic Hinkle Fieldhouse, one of basketball's most revered gyms (where scenes from the movie Hoosiers was filmed). Butler wins big with spirit, heart, and ACC-level Final Four runs.

Gonzaga University (Spokane, WA) - Gonzaga University has earned a national reputation from its basketball program’s 23 straight NCAA berths under Coach Mark Few. Students form a raucous Kennel Club cheering section inside the intimate McCarthey Athletic Center. With competitive rowing, baseball, and other growing programs, Gonzaga athletics punch above their weight.

Boise State University (Boise, ID) - For a thrilling college football environment rich in tradition, don’t overlook Boise State. Boise State’s famous blue turf field leads #SmurfTurf to trend during upset wins over more acclaimed teams. Despite being a lesser-known name in college football, Boise State boasts loyalty and school spirit that stacks up with any college in the nation. Their acceptance rate of 66% means more accessible admissions compared with more top-division programs. Students passionate about spirited campus traditions would feel right at home.

North Dakota State University (Fargo, ND) - North Dakota State has also built a proud college football tradition, winning 17 national FCS championships with a relentless fan base. NDSU offers an intimate setting to cheer “loud and proud” for the Bison. Fans handle gameday traditions with infectious pride no matter the opponent. Students who bleed school colors would thrive in the spirited atmosphere.

Marquette University (Milwaukee, WI) - Marquette University in Milwaukee flies under the radar nationally but attracts passionate student fans to their Big East matchups. With well-known alums like basketball legend Dwyane Wade, Marquette games feature spirited student sections decked out in blue and gold. Historic home venues like the Milwaukee Panther Arena and Fiserv Forum bring the friendly reputation of Midwestern sports fans. Students seeking both school spirit and academics would thrive in this Jesuit environment.

University of Dayton (Dayton, OH) - In Ohio, University of Dayton basketball has carved out a reputation for its thrilling on-court play and deafening home-court advantage. The 11,000-seat University of Dayton Arena is lauded as one of college basketball’s toughest road tests, thanks to raucous student sections like the “Red Scare.” The Flyers take great pride in traditions like fans rushing the court after significant wins. With a 74% acceptance rate and a highly ranked undergraduate engineering program, Dayton balances approachable admissions with school spirit. Prospective students seeking tight-knit campus communities united around sports would feel right at home among Flyers fans.