ESPN College Football Encyclopedia: The Complete History Of the Game by

The ESPN College Football Encyclopedia is the most comprehensive reference book ever assembled on the history of college football. It covers the sport's rich history, tradition, and lore, featuring capsule histories for each Division 1-A program, Ivy League schools, and historically black colleges. The book includes year-by-year schedules and scores, statistical leaders, fight-song lyrics, box scores for every bowl game ever played, and weekly AP and UPI polls dating back to 1936. Additionally, it features a four-color insert illustrating the evolution of each school's helmet design and essays by top sports writers like Dan Jenkins and Beano Cook. Designed in an easy-to-read style, the encyclopedia is packed with tables, charts, and a lively round-table discussion on the state of the game with ESPN's GameDay team. Whether you're a casual fan or a dedicated enthusiast, this book is a must-have resource that dives deep into the history and culture of college football.

Reviews

ThriftBooks · 2025-10-24

comprehensive 5.00

The book is packed with tables and charts, making it an easy-to-read and comprehensive guide to college football history. It is praised for its detailed and accessible presentation of information.

The reviewer at ThriftBooks highlights the book's extensive use of tables and charts, which make it an easy-to-read and comprehensive guide to college football history. The detailed presentation of information is particularly noted, making it accessible even to the most knowledgeable fans. The book is seen as a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history and statistics of college football.

Quick quotes

Packed with tables and charts and designed in an easy-to-read style, the ESPN College Football Encyclopedia is sure to dazzle even the most knowledgeable fan.

A comprehensive guide to college football history.

The detailed presentation of information makes it accessible even to the most knowledgeable fans.

BooksRun · Reader · 2023-08-18

informative 4.60

The book provides a great background into college football, making it a good read for football enthusiasts. It is appreciated for its depth and the wealth of information it offers.

Reader finds the ESPN College Football Encyclopedia to be a great resource for understanding the history and intricacies of college football. They particularly enjoy the detailed background information provided, which enhances their appreciation of the sport. The book is seen as a valuable addition to any football fan's library, offering a wealth of information that is both informative and engaging.

Quick quotes

Great back ground into college football.

Good read on football.

Reader finds the ESPN College Football Encyclopedia to be a great resource for understanding the history and intricacies of college football.

Goodreads · Michael · 2005-09-01

comprehensive 4.30

The book is a comprehensive resource for college football history, praised for its detailed year-by-year schedules and scores. It is noted for its easy-to-read style and extensive use of tables and charts.

Michael highlights that this encyclopedia is a must-have for any college football fan. They appreciate the thoroughness of the information provided, including year-by-year schedules and scores, which make it a definitive resource. The book's design, with its tables and charts, is also commended for making complex data accessible and engaging. Overall, it's seen as an essential addition to any sports enthusiast's collection.

Quick quotes

Packed with tables and charts and designed in an easy-to-read style, the ESPN College Football Encyclopedia is sure to dazzle even the most knowledgeable fan.

A comprehensive resource for college football history.

The book's detailed year-by-year schedules and scores make it a definitive resource.

Appears in Lists

College Football: The 50 Greatest Books on the Sport