If You Haven’t Introduced a Team Beer or Bourbon, You’re Losing

In case you’ve been living on the International Space Station, you may not know that just about every college football program is boasting some kind of branded booze. We’ve identified a few for you.

According to the official press release, “Howlin’ Red Wolves Pilsner is an American-style light lager using Jonesboro, Arkansas grown rice alongside traditional pilsner malt to create a dry, easy drinking and refreshing beer that will be available at A-State football, basketball and baseball games, beginning with the Red Wolves’ football home and season opener against Central Arkansas on August 31.” If we’re not up by four TDs on UCA by halftime, I may drink an entire case of Howlin’.

Per the Fire Maker website, “As a Georgia Southern grad, I’m so excited to be able to do this for my school. Whenever you run into a fellow Eagle, the first thing they usually say is ‘Hail Southern!’ And that’s the perfect name for our beer. Made for Eagles by an Eagle. I think Eagle Nation will love it as much as we do,” Elliott Hall, owner and co-founder of Fire Maker Brewing Company. Part of the proceeds will benefit the Eagle nation Collective.

The Montpelier Collective invites you to “celebrate JMU’s athletic legacy with Tailgate Bourbon, the first release in the Champions Drive Bourbon Collection. This exceptional bourbon has been meticulously crafted and aged five years in new American oak barrels.” No North Korean barrels! Anyway, the website further explains that “Tailgate Bourbon captures the essence of JMU’s drive for success, making it a perfect companion for celebrating the Dukes’ achievements.”

The Thundering Herd has boasted a brew since at least 2022. “We are so lucky to find a partner in Marshall University that appreciates a great crafted beer,” Owner and Founder of Country Boy Brewing Daniel “DH” Harrison said. “We have a couple Marshall alums on our team and cannot wait to hit that first tailgate with a Herd Country Lager.”

In a world full of lagers, Southern Miss offers another lager. According to the Golden Eagles, “The new Southern Skies Premium Lager is a flavorful, yet crushable lager made with premium ingredients and attention to detail. An addition of flaked maize accentuates a crisp classic flavor ready for an occasion and carries a 4.5% ABV.”

Old Dominion has a beer, too. “The theme “raised with pride” celebrates a Monarch win as a toast with ODU Golden Ale or rallying cry as the reign on banner is raised to celebrate Monarch pride during the third quarter. This partnership celebrates the pride and passion of the new realm family and the entire ODU community. ODU Golden Ale has a light citrus & piney hop aroma featuring cascade and Idaho 7 hops. The beer pours golden yellow, easy drinking and very refreshing.”

The Georgia State Panthers may not have much of their 2023 roster, but they do have beer. “The signature buffalo on our can represents a manifesting of goals and service to the community,” Justin Ruth, Director of Off-Premises Sales and Business Development for Wild Leap, said. “It teaches us to be “all in” on the goals we set for ourselves. This partnership with Georgia State solidifies our mission to positively impact the communities that surround us.”