From UCF's 'Pretzel Sword' to Wisconsin's 'Badger Bakers': College football's top new foods

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  ESPN staffSep 4, 2026, 07:03 AM ET

The arrival of college football season means exciting action on the gridiron and outlandish food off of it.

College programs have taken it up a notch with concession items. There are area- and team-specific creations as well as various takes on classic nachos and burgers. There's even one snack that could potentially be used as a weapon.

It's safe to say that some fans will have plenty of creative concoctions to choose from on game day. Here's a look at some notable new food items that will hit stadiums this season.

UCF: The Pretzel Sword

In the running for the most viral new creation this year, the Knights are leaning into their namesake for a standout snack. Created by Levy Restaurants, the pretzel baked in the shape of a knight's sword is served with a spicy mustard and cheese sauce for dipping.

Arizona: The Zookeeper

It's unclear whether the real "Zookeeper," Kevin James, approves of this burger, but Arizona's meal is surely eye-popping. It includes beef, chicken, bacon, Spam, egg, cheddar, pepper jack, mozzarella, and peanut butter and jelly.

Notre Dame: Birria Cheesesteak

The Fighting Irish's take on a cheesesteak boasts slow-braised birria with peppers, onions, fried jalapeños and Irish cheddar cheese sauce on toasted beer cheese bread.

LSU: Boudin Crawfish Nachos

When in Louisiana. The Tigers' take on nachos is one that will likely make fans feel at home.

Nebraska: Footlong Ribwich

Nebraska's creation includes maple barbecue boneless riblets, onions and dill pickles on a Rotella hoagie roll.

Tulane: Guinness Brat

A new concession station at Tulane games this season is the Guinness Bar, headlined by the Guinness Brat -- a Guinness-infused bratwurst sausage with sauteed onions and cheese on a pretzel bun.

Wisconsin: Badger Bakers

When it rains, it pours in regard to Wisconsin's special "Badger Bakers." There will be three new loaded baked potatoes that are each twice baked: the Poutine Baker (smoked brisket, gravy, cheese curds and onion), Classic Baker (cheddar cheese, bacon bits, sour cream and green onions) and the Sweet Corn Baker, topped with buttered sweet corn.

Minnesota: Spam Fries

Minnesota is home to the Spam Museum, so it's no surprise the Golden Gophers are bringing Spam fries to games, equipped with a special holder.

James Madison: Peanut Butter Pie

A campus staple, James Madison's famous peanut butter pie will make its debut at games in miniature fashion.