Miami Hurricanes' turnover chain set a celebratory standard across the college football landscape

In their history, the Miami Hurricanes have had iconic teams, larger-than-life players and signature swag wherever they go.

But in 2017, the Hurricanes elevated the drip to a higher level when they unveiled a shiny new chain to reward defensive players who registered turnovers. Since then, the gold Cuban link chains have become synonymous with Miami football and set a new standard across college football for defensive celebrations.

Dubbed the turnover chain, the celebratory jewelry that launched numerous imitators debuted four years ago. Then-Miami defensive coordinator Manny Diaz is credited for the concept, and jeweler AJ Machado, aka the King of Bling, brought the idea to life

"I was like, 'That's the most enormous, gaudy thing I've seen in my entire life,'" Joel Rodriguez, Miami's director of player development in 2017, said to ESPN's Andrea Adelson in 2017 when he first saw the chain. "But it's supposed to be larger than life. That's what it's for."

Since then, many teams have tried to copy the chain's impact with props ranging from bags and belts to slot machines and crowns to celebrate turnovers and big plays.

Here are some of the most memorable:

College classroom essentials

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Florida State's backpack

In 2018, the Florida State Seminoles used a turnover backpack to flex after takeaways. The bag came out during the team's game against Samford that year after A.J. Westbrook grabbed an interception. The school viewed the item as defensive players "securing the bag" after a turnover, per USA Today -- and this wasn't your typical school backpack.

The turnover prop was a red Crown Collection backpack from Prime Society, priced at $495 according to the company's website. Despite the bag's hefty price tag, then-Seminoles coach Willie Taggart and his players didn't use it again after 2018 -- ending the "Turnover Backpack" era after one year, per the Tallahassee Democrat.

Akron's pencil

The Akron Zips brought out an enlarged version of the standard No. 2 pencil to celebrate turnovers. In 2019, they debuted the takeaway pencil in their regular-season matchup against UAB. Former Akron player Jordyn Riley was the first to receive the prop after an interception during the game.

Associate head coach Oscar Rodriguez is the one who thought of the idea, but he had help bringing it to fruition. His wife, Lauren, had the wooden item, measuring 44 inches long and 1.6 inches in diameter, created for him and his squad. Erasing offensive possessions and "writing their own history" is what the pencil represented to the team.

Rodriguez says that the pencil was misplaced during the team's game against Ohio State and hasn't been found since.

Turnover whiteboards

Dry-erase boards are often used to depict plays and assignments in football, but a couple of teams have repurposed them for celebrations.

When Geoff Collins was defensive coordinator at Florida, he had a turnover whiteboard where players who notched a takeaway would write their name or social media handle. It has been around since 2015 and has become a staple in Collins' coaching culture. His celebration tradition has followed him to his stops at Temple and Georgia Tech, with many players gracing the board with their signatures over the years.

Stylish accessories

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Kennesaw State's Plank

Kennesaw State's turnover prop isn't fancy, flashy, or expensive -- it's just a piece of wood with a face drawn on it.

The turnover plank was the brainchild of former player Tanner Jones, who brought it to practice after finding it during spring break in 2015, according to the school's website. The team officially designated "Plank" as its turnover prop after Taylor Henkle held up the piece of wood to fans celebrating an interception against Montana State during the 2017 season.

The Turnover Plank has arrived! #GoKSUOwls pic.twitter.com/APJeOvDa23

— Kennesaw State Football (@kennesawstfb) November 11, 2017

It looks very similar to Plank, a character from the Cartoon Network show "Ed, Edd n Eddy." Since its inception, the turnover plank has become an honorary team member, being pictured at many pregame events in stylish apparel.

Tulane's beads

Tulane, based in New Orleans, takes its turnover prop inspiration from the celebration of Mardi Gras. When a Green Wave football player secures a takeaway, he gets the beads. The jewelry first appeared in the team's 2018 season opener against Wake Forest after cornerback Donnie Lewis intercepted a pass in the second quarter.

Since its debut, the oversized necklace has become a mainstay for the Green Wave.

Living in luxury

UNLV's Rebel Roller

UNLV's slot machine is one of the newest sideline props -- making its debut in October 2021.

The Rebel Roller is a nod to Las Vegas' gambling roots. The machine's giant screen has "UNLV" printed on it along with "Be A Rebel," and Las Vegas' 702 area code is also featured on the machine.

According to Shelby McIntyre, UNLV's chief strategy officer and director of recruiting, the machine took four months to build, weighs about 700 pounds and wins on every spin.

It's unique to the list because offensive and defensive players can earn an opportunity to pull the slot machine's lever by scoring a touchdown or forcing a turnover.

Unfortunately, the slot machine can't be used on the road because of gaming rules.

Memphis' robe

The city of Memphis, birthplace of Ric Flair and Jerry "The King" Lawler, has a rich pro wrestling history. The Tigers borrowed from that legacy to create their props.

Memphis' Flair-inspired robe made its debut in the 2018 season opener against Mercer.

If you're at the Memphis game tonight or any game this season you may see their new turnover celebration item. I was asked several months ago to create this Ric Flair style robe for the football team! Such a fun project! #GoTigersGo #createdbycarrie @TigersAthletics @MemphisFB pic.twitter.com/3aweJPfCiz

— Carrie Rudy (@cre8dbycarrie) September 2, 2018

Its striking white tiger stripes are accompanied by electric blue feathers and the words "takeaway champ," along with the school's logo. The Tigers' previous prop was a faux championship wrestling belt. The Tigers forced the fourth-most turnovers in 2017, so the belt got used a lot.

Boise State's throne

The Broncos are well versed in the world of outrageous takeaway items. Boise State used a belt and a gold BMX bike with a matching crown before landing on the turnover throne.