Be the next Simone Biles, Michael Phelps: Best US sports colleges for aspiring Olympians

Do you ever wonder how Peter Kavinsky from “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” made it into Stanford University to play lacrosse or Noah Flynn’s path to Harvard University for American football?

In movies, athletes often land at Ivy League schools based on their sporting abilities, making it seem like these schools are the ultimate goal for athletes. But guess what? There are plenty of amazing sports colleges outside the Ivy League that are just as impressive.

Many non-Ivy League colleges boast exceptional sports programmes, producing national-level athletes and Olympians from all around the world.

These schools offer opportunities for athletes, proving you don’t need an Ivy League name to reach the top of your game. Some of them are even the best sports colleges to attend if you’re aspiring to be an Olympian in the near future. 

Take Australian singer Cody Simpson, for example.

In 2019, he attended the University of Southern California to train with the Trojan Swim Elite team while dreaming of competing in the Olympics. In 2022, he brought home a gold medal for the Commonwealth Games with the Australian Swim Team.

Though he did not make the 2024 Paris Olympics team, his journey is a testament to the sports opportunities available outside the Ivy League.

The making of an Olympian 

So, what does it take to be part of the coveted position of an Olympian for your nation? 

Athletes start by competing in local, regional, and national competitions, where their performances are closely watched by national sports federations.

It is an intense journey of constantly proving to the world and yourself your abilities and capabilities.

Like US gymnast Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history who bowed out of the 2020 Olympics for her mental health, returning for the 2024 Olympics “not to shut up the critics who still flood her mentions on social media wondering if she’ll ‘quit’ again, but because she remains determined to extract everything she can out of her remarkable talent,” writes Will Graves of AFP News.

Biles isn’t alone — many athletes seek this glory and redemption.

They head to the best sports colleges, where collegiate sports programmes become their stepping stone to becoming Olympians. These programmes offer high-level coaching, state-of-the-art training facilities, and opportunities to compete in national-level championships. 

Collegiate competitions, such as the NCCA championships in the US, are major stages where athletes can shine and catch the eye of national team selectors. It’s their chance to dazzle, impress, and take one step closer to the ultimate dream of becoming an Olympian. 

10 best sports colleges in the US that are not Ivy League:

1. University of Florida

Known for: American football, track, and basketball.

The University of Florida is possibly one of the best sports colleges in the US. The university’s athletic team, the Gators, represents the university in 21 sports, nine men’s and 12 women’s.

The Gators are no strangers to victory. Since 1968, the University of Florida has won over 367 national titles in track, gymnastics, tennis, and more. But that’s not all — the university has also produced over 207 Olympians. At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, 32 Gators from 16 countries competed in eight sports, bringing home 17 medals, further highlighting the university as one of the best sports colleges in the country. 

Notable international athlete alumni: 

• Al Horford: A professional Dominican basketball player for the Boston Celtics.
• Novlene Williams-Mills: A former Olympic Jamaican track and field in the Women’s 4x400m relay.

Upcoming international athlete:

• Jeremy Jin: An Australian tennis player ranked #53 in the ITF Junior Ranking and named Rookie of the Year in the Southeast Region.

2. University of Southern California

Known for: American football and track.

The University of Southern California isn’t just known for its world-class communication programme — it’s also home to an impressive 21 USC Trojans athletic teams, nine for men and 12 for women.

The Trojans have racked up a list of achievements. Beyond having the highest number of first-round NFL draft picks of any university, USC has also produced the most Olympians in the US. 510 Trojans have appeared in the Olympics, bringing home 326 medals, 153 of which were gold. It’s no question why they’re one of the best sports colleges.

Notable international athlete alumni:

• Gabriel de Jesus Alvarez: Former Major League Baseball for the Detroit Tigers and the San Diego Padres. 
• Bibiana Candelas Ramírez: Former Olympic Mexican volleyball player.

Upcoming international athlete:

• Hana Mizumoto: Football player and a freshman at USC.

3. University of Oklahoma

Known for: Softball and gymnastics.

The University of Oklahoma has solidified its reputation as one of the best sports colleges in the US. Home to 19 men’s and women’s collegiate teams, the “Sooners,” the university is a powerhouse of athletic talent.

The Sooners have won several championships and competitions over the years, including 44 national championships in several sports, including gymnastics, softball, and American football. In the Olympics, Sooners have brought home a total of 23 medals. 

Notable international athlete alumni:

• Danny McFarlane: Former Jamaican track and field and hurdler. 
• Kristian Doolittle: American professional basketball player for the Vaqueros de Bayamón and Perth Wildcats.

Upcoming international athlete:

• Angel Richmore: A Swedish Heptathlon athlete and 2023 Western Athletic Outdoor Champion.

4. Auburn University

Known for: American football, swimming, and equestrian.

Auburn University isn’t just a place for academic excellence, it’s also a place for athletic excellence. Known as the Auburn Tigers, the university boasts 21 collegiate teams, including nine for men and 12 for women.

The Auburn Tigers have a roaring legacy of athletic success. They earned 22 national championships, with Men’s swimming and diving and equestrian bringing home the highest titles. The American football team, in particular, has had 300 players drafted into the NFL. In the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Auburn Tigers has 18 representatives (15 current and 3 former students) from 14 different countries. 

Notable international athlete alumni:

• Marcelo Chierighini: Current Brazilian Olympic swimmer.
• Tim Puetz: Current German Olympic tennis player ranked #13 worldwide for doubles. 

Upcoming international athlete:

• Anastasia Makarova: Junior and swimmer for Auburn University.

5. University of Utah

Known for: Skiing, gymnastics, and American football.

If you dream of representing a college in winter sports, the University of Utah is the place for you. Tucked beneath the Wasatch Mountains, this top-tier college has 19 intercollegiate teams — seven for men, 11 for women, and one for co-ed teams. 

The Utes, as the athletes are known, have brought home many victories. They’ve claimed 28 team national championships and 112 individual national titles. Regarding the Winter Olympics, no other university compares, with 35 Utes athletes representing countries like the US, Australia, Iceland, and Canada.

Notable international athlete alumni:

• Hanno Aleksanteri Möttölä: Former Finish Olympic basketball player and current Finland national team assistant coach.
• Shona Thorburn: Current Canadian professional basketball player and former player in the WNBA.

Upcoming international athlete:

• Amelie Morgan: 2020 Great Britain Olympic gymnastics team bronze-medal winner.

6. Michigan State University

Known for: American football, basketball, and baseball.

Did you know that Michigan State University currently has six of its former basketball players in the NBA? 

The university has 23 intercollegiate athletic teams — 11 for men and 12 for women. From American football and basketball to cross country, ice hockey, and rowing, there’s no shortage of sports here.

The Spartans of Michigan State University have a rich Olympic history, representing over 13 countries besides the US over the years. These countries include Australia, the Bahamas, Belgium, Britain, Germany, Italy, Japan, Nigeria, Norway, and South Africa. Over the years, the athletes have brought home 13 gold medals, 12 silver medals, and five bronze medals. 

Notable international athlete alumni:

• Shay Colley: Current Canadian Olympic basketball player.
• Franklin Gomez: Current Puerto Rican Olympic wrestler.

Upcoming international athlete:

• Sophia Lucki: Distance track and field runner.

7. The University of Alabama

Known for: American football and basketball.

The Crimson Tide, which consists of 21 teams — 9 for men and 12 for women — is the University of Alabama’s pride. The intercollegiate athletics team is why the university is one of the best sports colleges in the US.

The university has the strongest American football team, claiming 18 national championships. Although Alabama does not have its own NFL team, the University of Alabama has gotten the most drafts in the NFL for seven straight years and currently has 88 active members.

When it comes to the Olympics, the University of Alabama shines bright. In the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the university was represented by four current student-athletes and 17 alumni athletes from 13 countries, bringing home five medals, earning them up to 35 total medals since 1972.

Notable international athlete alumni:

• Merel Van Dongen: Current Dutch Olympic football player.
• Anton McKee: Current Icelander Olympic Swimmer. 

Upcoming international athlete:

• Victor Kiprop: Crimson Tide cross country runner and 2023 SEC Cross Country Runner of the Year.

8. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Known for: Basketball, field hockey, lacrosse, and football.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is not only the oldest public university in the US but also a sports powerhouse. UNC is home to 28 intercollegiate athletics teams, 13 men’s and 15 women’s.

UNC Tar Heels is swimming in athletic success, solidifying its spot as one of the best sports colleges in the US. They have produced over 102 Olympians, including NBA fan favourite Michael Jordan, and have brought home over 50 Olympic medals. 

Notable international athlete alumni:

• Kate Elizabeth Bowen: Current New Zealander Olympic football player.
• Vikas Shive Gowda: Former Indian Olympic track and field, discus thrower, and shot putter.

Upcoming international athlete:

• Brooklyn Walker-Welch: Lacrosse player and junior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

9. University of Connecticut

Known for: Baseball and basketball.

The University of Connecticut is known for being one of the top public research universities and one of the best sports colleges in the US. Known as the UConn Huskies, it consists of 20 teams: seven men’s and 13 women’s.

The Huskies have brought home 24 national titles. Their basketball team has won eight consecutive titles for their men’s basketball team. In the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, 14 athletes with UConn ties have earned spots on various Olympic teams representing five countries.

Notable international athlete alumni:

• Niels Giffey: Current German professional Olympic basketball player.
• Roisin Upton: Current Women’s Field Hockey for Ireland.

Upcoming international athlete:

• Apostolos Roumoglou: Sophomore and guard for the men’s basketball team at UConn.

10. Ohio State University

Known for: Women’s hockey and men’s volleyball.

Nestled in Columbus, Ohio, Ohio State University has over 36 intercollegiate sports teams — 16 for men, 17 for women, and three co-ed. So, it’s no wonder OSU is recognised as one of the most comprehensive college athletics.

The university holds three #1 teams in the nation in 2024: women’s hockey, men’s volleyball, and men’s tennis. Adding to their list of achievements is sophomore Alex Axon, who made a splash by qualifying for Team Canada in swimming for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Notable international athlete alumni:

• Nicolas Szerszeń: Current Polish volleyball player for Indykpol AZS Olsztyn.
• Ruslan Gaziev: Current Canadian Olympic swimmer.

Upcoming international athlete: 

• Alex Axon: Canadian swimmer and Team Canada athlete for the 2024 Paris Olympics.