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ESPN ranks 3 B1G programs in list of nation’s Top-5 college towns

Spenser Davis

By Spenser Davis

Published:

ESPN released its list of their top five college towns on Tuesday night, and the Big Ten earned three selections.

While the SEC took home the top two spots — Oxford, Miss. and Athens, Ga. — the Big Ten rounded out the top five.

At No. 3 on their list is Madison, Wisconsin.

The Badgers’ home base has long been known as an elite college town. Here’s ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg explaining his feelings on Madison in a companion piece that was released Tuesday morning:

“I will never turn down a trip to Madison, Wisconsin, especially during a game weekend. The town really offers something for everyone. I love walking down State Street, checking out the terrace at Memorial Union, walking the hilly, lakefront campus or exploring the East Side. There’s plenty to do just outside the city, too (highly recommend Quivey’s Grove in Fitchburg). Wisconsin’s Camp Randall Stadium is tucked into a neighborhood, and Regent Street and Breese Terrace are electric before and after Badgers games. I’ve covered plenty of memorable games at Camp Randall — 2010 Ohio State remains one of my favorites — but Mad-town/Mad-city never disappoints.”

Ann Arbor, Mi. and State College, Penn. rounded out the top five on ESPN’s rankings.

Columbus, Ohio is a notable omission, but tough calls have to be made when putting together a top five list. As a consolation, the Buckeyes were ranked in the top five of college football’s top traditions on Tuesday evening.

Spenser Davis

Spenser is the news manager at Saturday Road and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.