Ehhh, let’s pump brakes on brand recognition. Are they flushed w $? Yes. Do they sell a lot of merchandise? Yes. Why? Two reasons:
1. Texas is a big fcking state and 8&4 is in their own little world w/ a huge *** student pop (72,000)
2. They’re in the $EC, which has brought them their most notoriety in their entire history
Now, here’s the kicker; even w/ UT having 20k less students, they have been the #1 most profitable AD running; it wasn’t until2021 that 8&4 tied them. Why? B/C UT sports chits on 8&4 sports.
By comparison:
-UT Football: 4 National Titles (2005 most recent)
-8&4 Football: 3 National Titles (1939 most recent)
-UT All Time Record: 924–380–33 (.703)
-8&4 All Time Record: 758–487–48 (.605)
-UT All Time Bowl Record: 31–24–2 (.561)
-8&4 All Time Bowl Record: 20–22 (.476)
-UT All Time Conference Titles: 32
-8&4 All Time Conference Titles: 17
-UT All Time Heisman winners: 2
-8&4 All Time Heisman winners: 2
-UT All Time All-Americans: 61
-8&4 All Time All Americans: 28
-UT All Time NY6 bowl victories: 18
-8&4 All Time NY6 bowl victories: 7
-UT record since 2000: 193-86 (.690)
-8&4 record since 2000: 164-110 (.600)
Adidas is a great partner for 8&4 b/c Adidas is little brother to Nike, as 8&4 is little brother to UT. Adidas makes 8&4 feel important & special; that’s what they do. There’s a great Forbes article that shows how Adidas’ relationships w/ schools under their belt, helps grow Nike’s perception of dominance further.
Adidas’ 3 priority schools r UL, KU, 8&4 w/ UDub close behind only b/c 8&4 sells merch to a delusional fan base, UL has nepotism, KU is a blue blood basketball power, & UDub was the 1st victory in Nike’s perennial territory.
As far as brand & perception of 8&4, well, let’s let the professionals & Canton rate the top programs of the past 150 yrs:
Visit the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio & create long-lasting memories. Learn about the Legends of the Game & experience interactive exhibits.
www.profootballhof.com