Patriotic spirit is the most precious spiritual wealth indispensable to a country and nation. Patriotism represents the unity of deep patriotic sentiment and rational patriotic behavior. Promoting patriotic spirit requires not only a foundation of deep patriotic emotions but also rational expression and behavior. In the context of major changes unseen in a century, contemporary university students' expressions of patriotic sentiment have been strongly impacted, with irrational expressions such as blind xenophobia, collective venting, and conformist behavior spreading online. Exploring the interrelationship and organic unity between university students' patriotic sentiment and rational patriotism under this historical background, as well as their interaction mechanisms, and guiding mainstream patriotic values, helps promote positive value orientations among university students and facilitates the rational return of their patriotism.