Virtually all NFL players come via the US college system, and in many parts of America, college football is more popular than the NFL.
College games often have bigger crowds – eight of the world’s 10 biggest stadiums are for college football, all holding more than 100,000.
The fans are also more passionate as support is often passed down from one generation to another, and multiple generations attend the same school. Kansas player Calvin Clements, for example, is a fifth-generation Jayhawk.
Actor Paul Rudd is also a Jayhawk, while lifelong fan Jason Sudeikis grew up in Kansas and frequently weaves KU references into his work.
“They’re very spirited, and you get the tribalism, so it’s the closest thing we have to European football fanbases,” Dubiski told BBC Sport.
Both the NFL and college football have tailgate parties, where fans gather in the car park and eat and drink for hours before the game.
But college football fans chant during games, which feature marching bands and spirit squads – made up of cheerleaders, dancers and mascots.
“We want the game to showcase what we think is one of the greatest sports in America,” said Yormark.
“There’s something special about college football – the pageantry, the traditions, the fandom. It’s dynamic – there’s a lot of energy and passion. It truly is an experience.”
