2024 Paris Olympics: Ranking the College Athletics Powerhouses That Have Produced the Most Medals

As the 2024 Paris Olympics nears its grand conclusion, the athletic world is reflecting on the achievements of its brightest stars. For college sports fans, this is a moment to celebrate the tremendous accomplishments of their alma maters. The medal tally provides a fascinating glimpse into which college programs have excelled on the global stage. With the Olympics serving as a showcase of peak athletic performance, let’s delve into the top collegiate programs that have dominated the medal count at the Paris Games. These institutions have made a mark, not just in national competitions, but on the world stage, adding a significant chapter to their storied histories.

The Top 20 College Programs by Medal Count

Note: The rankings below are based on the total number of medals earned by current and former athletes from these programs. Medals won by athletes who transferred between schools are attributed to the last team they played for.

20. Penn State Nittany Lions (3 Medals)

• Gold: 0
• Silver: 1
• Bronze: 2

Penn State’s contributions to the 2024 Olympics come courtesy of its strong gymnastics and track and field programs. Stephen Nedoroscik, a standout gymnast, earned bronze in the Men’s Pommel Horse and as part of the Men’s Gymnastics Team All-Around. Joe Kovacs, a former standout in track and field, added a silver in Men’s Shot Put. While Penn State didn’t capture gold, their athletes’ performances underscore the university’s competitive strength across disciplines.

19. Auburn Tigers (3 Medals)

• Gold: 1
• Silver: 0
• Bronze: 2

Auburn’s Olympic success was highlighted by gymnast Suni Lee, who continued her impressive career from Tokyo into Paris. Lee secured a gold medal in the Women’s Team All-Around and bronze medals in the Women’s Individual All-Around and Uneven Bars. Lee’s performance not only bolsters Auburn’s reputation but also showcases the university’s strength in producing world-class gymnasts.

18. Georgia Bulldogs (3 Medals)

• Gold: 1
• Silver: 2
• Bronze: 0

The University of Georgia’s swimming program made significant strides at the Paris Olympics. Nic Fink, a notable swimmer, achieved a gold medal in the Mixed 4 x 100m Medley Relay and won silver in the Men’s 100m Breaststroke and the Men’s 4 x 100m Medley Relay. Georgia’s strong showing in swimming continues its tradition of excellence in aquatic sports.

17. Princeton Tigers (3 Medals)

• Gold: 3
• Silver: 0
• Bronze: 0

Princeton’s presence in Paris was marked by all-gold achievements. Hannah Scott secured gold for Britain in Women’s Rowing Quadruple Sculls, Nick Mead won gold for the USA in Rowing Men’s Coxless Four, and Maia Mei Weintraub clinched gold in Fencing Women’s Team Foil. Princeton’s clean sweep of gold medals reflects the university’s prowess in rowing and fencing.

16. Ohio State Buckeyes (4 Medals)

• Gold: 1
• Silver: 1
• Bronze: 2

Ohio State’s contribution to the 2024 Olympics includes notable performances from Hunter Armstrong and Eleanor Harvey. Armstrong won gold in the Men’s 4 x 100m Medley Relay and silver in the same event. Harvey, along with Maximilien Chastanet, secured bronze medals in individual and team fencing, respectively. Ohio State’s strong showing highlights its diverse athletic programs.

15. NC State Wolfpack (4 Medals)

• Gold: 2
• Silver: 1
• Bronze: 1

NC State’s notable achievements came in swimming and tennis. Ryan Held and Katharine Berkoff both earned gold in the men’s and women’s 4 x 100m Freestyle Relay. Berkoff also won bronze in the Women’s 100m Backstroke. Additionally, Diana Shnaider, competing for Russia, won silver in Women’s Doubles Tennis. NC State’s diverse medal count demonstrates its strong presence in multiple sports.

14. Indiana Hoosiers (4 Medals)

• Gold: 2
• Silver: 2
• Bronze: 0

Indiana’s swimming program excelled at the Olympics, with Matt King and Lilly King each securing gold in the Men’s and Women’s 4 x 100m Freestyle Relay and 4 x 100m Medley Relay, respectively. Blake Pieroni and Anna Peplowski added silver medals in the Men’s and Women’s 4 x 200m Freestyle Relay. Indiana’s contributions underscore its continued dominance in swimming.

13. Texas A&M Aggies (5 Medals)

• Gold: 0
• Silver: 3
• Bronze: 2

While Texas A&M did not secure any gold medals, its athletes still made a significant impact. Shamier Little and Bryce Deadmon earned silver in the Athletics Mixed 4 x 400m Relay. Austin Krajicek also helped the USA secure silver in Men’s Doubles Tennis. The Aggies’ performance showcases their strength across multiple events.

12. LSU Tigers (5 Medals)

• Gold: 1
• Silver: 4
• Bronze: 0

LSU’s Armand Duplantis continued his Olympic success by winning gold in the Pole Vault for Sweden. Track star Sha’Carri Richardson earned silver in the Women’s 100-meter dash. LSU’s four silvers tie them for the second-most in the SEC, highlighting their strength in track and field events.

11. Michigan Wolverines (6 Medals)

• Gold: 0
• Silver: 2
• Bronze: 4

Michigan’s contributions included strong performances from swimmers and rowers. Abby Dent won silver in Women’s Rowing Eight, while Charlie Swanson secured another silver in the Men’s 4 x 100m Medley Relay. Siobhán Haughey of Hong Kong brought home bronze medals in the Women’s 100m and 200m Freestyle, demonstrating Michigan’s broad athletic talent.

10. Yale Bulldogs (7 Medals)

• Gold: 3
• Silver: 1
• Bronze: 3

Yale’s success came primarily from rowing, with three gold medals earned by athletes competing for Great Britain in the Rowing Men’s Eight. The Bulldogs also won bronze in Rowing Men’s Eight and Sailing Men’s Skiff. Yale’s performance reflects its strength in aquatic and sailing sports.

9. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (7 Medals)

• Gold: 3
• Silver: 1
• Bronze: 3

Notre Dame’s medal count was bolstered by standout performances in swimming and fencing. Chris Guiliano won gold in the 100m and 200m Freestyle Relay. Lee Kiefer clinched two gold medals in Women’s Individual and Team Foil. Additional bronze medals were earned in Women’s Individual Epee and Men’s Individual Foil, showcasing Notre Dame’s broad athletic prowess.

8. Arizona State Sun Devils (7 Medals)

• Gold: 4
• Silver: 0
• Bronze: 3

Arizona State’s Leon Marchand was a standout performer, winning four individual gold medals and a bronze in the Men’s 4 x 100m Medley Relay. His performance set a record in the 200m breaststroke. Canadian Ilya Kharun also added a bronze in the 100m and 200m Butterfly, highlighting Arizona State’s strength in swimming.

7. Washington Huskies (8 Medals)

• Gold: 1
• Silver: 2
• Bronze: 5

Washington’s sole gold medal came from Jacob Dawson, who helped Great Britain win in the Rowing Men’s Eight. The Huskies had three athletes compete for the USA in the same event, resulting in a bronze medal for their efforts. Washington’s performance underscores its strength in rowing and broad participation in the Olympics.

6. Florida Gators (8 Medals)

• Gold: 2
• Silver: 4
• Bronze: 2

Florida’s dominance in swimming was evident, with Caeleb Dressel and Bobby Finke winning gold in the Men’s 4 x 100m Freestyle Relay and Men’s 1500m Freestyle, respectively. Both also earned additional silver medals in other events. Jasmine Moore’s bronze in the Women’s Triple Jump further contributes to Florida’s impressive medal count.

5. Harvard Crimson (10 Medals)

• Gold: 5
• Silver: 1
• Bronze: 4

Harvard’s Olympic success is marked by its achievements in fencing, rowing, and cycling. The Crimson earned gold in Fencing Women’s Team Foil, Rowing Men’s Coxless Four, Cycling Women’s Road Race, Triathlon Mixed Team Relay, and Athletics Women’s 200m. Harvard’s diverse range of medals underscores its broad athletic strength.

4. California Golden Bears (11 Medals)

• Gold: 3
• Silver: 6
• Bronze: 2

California’s presence at the Olympics was notable with performances in swimming and track. Swimmers Ryan Murphy and Jack Alexy won gold in the Men’s 4 x 100m Freestyle Relay and earned silver in the 4 x 100m Medley Relay. Camryn Rogers secured a gold in the Women’s Hammer Throw for Canada. California’s medal count reflects its strong athletic programs.

3. Virginia Cavaliers (12 Medals)

• Gold: 5
• Silver: 5
• Bronze: 2

Virginia’s remarkable performance in women’s swimming was a highlight, with Kate Douglass and Gretchen Walsh winning a total of eight medals, including four golds. The Cavaliers’ dominance in women’s swimming was a key factor in their impressive overall medal count.

2. Texas Longhorns (13 Medals)

• Gold: 4
• Silver: 6
• Bronze: 3

Texas has a storied history of Olympic success. This year, Scottie Scheffler led with a gold in Men’s Stroke Play Golf. Hubert Kos, Ryan Crouser, and Julien Alfred also secured individual gold medals in Swimming Men’s 200m Backstroke, Men’s Shot Put, and Women’s 100m, respectively. Texas’ strong showing across multiple sports highlights its continuing legacy of excellence.

1. Stanford Cardinal (23 Medals)

• Gold: 8
• Silver: 9
• Bronze: 8

Stanford’s dominance in the 2024 Olympics was underscored by Katie Ledecky’s exceptional performances. Ledecky, the most decorated female swimmer in Olympic history, won golds in the 800m and 1500m Freestyle and bronze in the 400m Freestyle. Stanford’s 23 medals, including eight golds, are a testament to its exceptional athletic programs and its significant contribution to Team USA’s success.

The 2024 Paris Olympics has once again showcased the incredible talent nurtured within collegiate athletic programs across the United States. From the swimming pools to the track and field, and from fencing to rowing, these institutions have demonstrated their ability to produce top-tier athletes capable of competing and excelling on the world stage. As we reflect on these achievements, it is clear that these college powerhouses will continue to be a source of pride and competitive spirit for years to come.