The Biggest Rivalries in College Football
College football is home to some of the most storied rivalries in all of sports. These rivalries often encompass more than just the game itself, featuring deeply rooted historical, cultural, and regional significance. Here are some of the biggest rivalries in NCAA Football, not necessarily ranked in any particular order:
No Data1. Ohio State vs. Michigan (The Game)
One of the most iconic rivalries in college football, “The Game” between Ohio State and Michigan dates back to 1897. The rivalry is deeply ingrained in both states and is marked by high levels of intensity on and off the field. The stakes are often high, with Big Ten championships and national title implications frequently on the line.
2. Alabama vs. Auburn (The Iron Bowl)
Another iconic college football rivalry, the Iron Bowl features in-state foes Auburn and Alabama. The rivalry has resulted in some of the most memorable moments in college football history, including last-second victories and shocking upsets.
3. Oklahoma vs. Texas (Red River Showdown)
Held during the Texas State Fair, the Red River Showdown features the Oklahoma Sooners and the Texas Longhorns. This annual matchup frequently has Big 12 and even national championship implications and is named after the Red River that forms part of the boundary between Texas and Oklahoma.
4. Army vs. Navy
This game features more than just football; it is a competition between two of the United States’ military academies. The Army-Navy game is steeped in tradition and is one of the most-watched college football games every year, even when the teams are not competing for championships.
5. USC vs. Notre Dame
The rivalry between the USC Trojans and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish is one of the most storied in college football history. The matchup features two private schools with storied football traditions and is known for its sportsmanship and mutual respect, despite the fierce competition.
6. Florida vs. Georgia (The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party)
Despite attempts to distance the game from its party atmosphere, the Florida-Georgia rivalry remains one of the most entertaining in college football. The annual game is played in Jacksonville, Florida, and is a key contest in determining the SEC East champion.
7. Harvard vs. Yale (The Game)
Though not as significant in the modern landscape of college football, the Harvard-Yale rivalry dates back to 1875 and is one of the oldest in the sport. It still carries enormous significance for the Ivy League and showcases a different style of college football.
8. Clemson vs. South Carolina (The Palmetto Bowl)
This in-state rivalry in South Carolina might not have the national cachet of some other rivalries on this list, but it is among the most heated. Both teams have had their moments of national prominence, adding fuel to an already fiery contest.
9. Miami vs. Florida State
Throughout the ’80s and ’90s, this matchup frequently had national championship implications. Even though both programs have had ups and downs in the 21st century, the rivalry remains intense and closely followed.
10. Michigan State vs. Michigan (Paul Bunyan Trophy)
Another intense in-state rivalry, the matchup between Michigan State and Michigan is an annual game that divides households and friendships in the state of Michigan. The Paul Bunyan Trophy is awarded to the winner, adding an extra layer of incentive to an already charged game.
11. Oregon vs. Oregon State (Civil War)
This in-state rivalry between the Oregon Ducks and the Oregon State Beavers is known as the “Civil War.” With its roots going back to 1894, the rivalry divides the state of Oregon and is one of the oldest in the Pacific Northwest.
12. Ole Miss vs. Mississippi State (Egg Bowl)
Another in-state rivalry, this contest is dubbed the “Egg Bowl.” The game pits Ole Miss against Mississippi State and is traditionally played on Thanksgiving. This rivalry holds a special place in the heart of Mississippi college football fans.
13. Tennessee vs. Alabama (Third Saturday in October)
This SEC matchup isn’t an in-state rivalry but has a history of high stakes and epic battles. Although Alabama has had the upper hand in recent years, the game remains a key date on the calendar for both programs.
14. UCLA vs. USC (Battle for the Victory Bell)
This rivalry between two Los Angeles-based schools is known as the “Battle for the Victory Bell.” The UCLA Bruins and the USC Trojans fight for city bragging rights and a real, physical bell that goes to the winner.
15. Cal vs. Stanford (Big Game)
Known simply as the “Big Game,” this Bay Area rivalry between Cal and Stanford is one of the oldest in college football. The teams compete for the Stanford Axe, and the game has been the setting for some of college football’s most iconic moments, including “The Play” in 1982.
16. Texas vs. Texas A&M (Lone Star Showdown)
Although this rivalry is currently dormant due to conference realignment, when the Longhorns and Aggies meet, it’s one of the most intense rivalries in the sport. The game traditionally took place on Thanksgiving and was one of the holiday’s marquee matchups.
17. Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma State (Bedlam Series)
Dubbed the “Bedlam Series,” this rivalry between Oklahoma and Oklahoma State frequently has Big 12 implications. While Oklahoma has traditionally been the stronger program, the rivalry remains intensely competitive.
18. Florida State vs. Florida
An in-state rivalry that often has national implications, this contest has produced some unforgettable moments. From shocking upsets to iconic plays, the Florida State-Florida game is a staple of college football in the Sunshine State.
19. BYU vs. Utah (Holy War)
This rivalry pits Brigham Young University against the University of Utah in a game commonly known as the “Holy War,” a nod to the religious undertones involving BYU’s affiliation with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The game often has strong emotional and cultural implications beyond just football.
20. Georgia vs. Georgia Tech (Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate)
Ending on a poetic note, the rivalry between Georgia and Georgia Tech is known as “Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate.” Despite often being in different conferences, the intensity and animosity make this one of the standout games each season in college football.
These rivalries showcase the passion, intensity, and tradition that make college football such a beloved sport in the United States.