Final answer:
NCAA does not officially recognize a single top college tradition; opinions on the top tradition can vary, with the University of Alabama and the University of Kansas having notable traditions. The issue of mascot appropriateness, such as Chief Illiniwek from the University of Illinois, highlights the evolution of traditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The mascot recognized as the top college tradition by the NCAA has not been officially designated by the NCAA. The question may refer to various notable college traditions, and different sources might provide various opinions on which is considered the "top" tradition. For example, the University of Alabama has a long, rich tradition of success in college football and could be regarded for its tradition. Another example is the University of Kansas, where the chant "Rock Chalk, Jayhawk" adds local flavor to their sports traditions, which could be considered by some as one of the top college traditions.
However, not all traditions have been positively received; the mascot Chief Illiniwek from the University of Illinois faced significant opposition and was dropped by the university in 2007 due to concerns about its portrayal of Native American culture. Similarly, pro teams like the Washington Redskins faced protests and ultimately had to change their name. While traditions play a significant role in college sports, they are often subject to change based on societal values and awareness.