[2] A star quarterback, Nick Bonelli is not told by his coach until after winning a game that his parents have been killed in a car crash on their way to the stadium.

He decides to study architecture at a Chicago university called Sheridan but refuses to play football.

He makes only one friend, Howard Carter, and is soon subjected to hazing and insults from other students, including a fraternity that rejects him.

A seductive waitress, Susie Ward, causes a fight that leads to a rift between Nick and Howard, and the latter being placed on academic probation.

Susie, who is candid about wanting to marry a rich Sheridan man someday, persuades Nick to join the football team.