Top 15 College Football Rivalries of All Time
These 15 college football rivalries are more than just games — they’re traditions fueled by pride, passion, and pure hatred.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
College football is built on deep-rooted rivalries. These games bring out the best and worst in players. Here are the 15 most unforgettable, emotionally charged rivalries in college football history.
15. BYU vs. Utah
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The Holy War is packed with intensity fueled by religion, culture, and geography. Utah’s rise to power has only amplified the stakes. Both sides take the game personally.
14. Georgia vs. Georgia Tech
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Clean, old-fashioned hate lives up to the name. SEC giants versus ACC brains makes for a spicy showdown. History and hostility are always present.
13. UCLA vs. USC
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Battle for Los Angeles? Check. West Coast style meets deep-rooted school pride. Whether it’s for the Rose Bowl or pure city supremacy, this crosstown clash is always loud.
12. Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma State
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Bedlam lives up to its name with wild finishes and emotional highs. Though Oklahoma has historically dominated, Oklahoma State always swings hard.
11. Clemson vs. South Carolina
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The Palmetto Bowl is a Southern tradition that cuts across ACC and SEC lines. The state of South Carolina all but shuts down when these two meet. Emotions run high, no matter the records.
10. Florida State vs. Miami
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Speed, swagger, and southern drama define this classic Florida rivalry. National championship implications used to be the norm. Games often come down to the final play.
9. Oregon vs. Oregon State
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The “Civil War” has rebranded, but the passion remains. Oregon’s flash meets Oregon State’s grit in this Northwest battle. Whether fighting for bowl eligibility or just pride, it’s always heated.
8. Harvard vs. Yale
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Dubbed “The Game” before most schools even had football teams, this rivalry is older than time. While the football may not always be elite, the tradition is rich.
7. Michigan vs. Michigan State
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The fight for Michigan supremacy is about respect and territory. Little Brother vs. Big Brother narratives fuel the intensity. It’s been home to wild upsets and dramatic finishes.
6. Florida vs. Georgia
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Played in Jacksonville, “The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party” is half rivalry, half festival. SEC pride is on the line every year. The stakes often decide division titles and bowl positions.
5. USC vs. Notre Dame
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This is the only rivalry where both teams are almost always relevant nationally. Coastal vs. Catholic, Hollywood vs. tradition — it’s got it all. With Heisman winners and national titles in the mix, the matchup feels like a history book in motion.
4. Texas vs. Oklahoma
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The Red River Rivalry ignites every October in Dallas at the State Fair of Texas. Split crowds and split outcomes make this one of the most entertaining rivalries around.
3. Army vs. Navy
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This isn’t just a rivalry — it’s a salute to American tradition. Played with pride, the Army-Navy Game is pure pageantry and patriotism.
2. Alabama vs. Auburn
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The Iron Bowl divides households in Alabama like nothing else. From kick-sixes to miracle finishes, this rivalry delivers unforgettable moments. Both teams often enter the game with national title hopes.
1. Ohio State vs. Michigan
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Known simply as “The Game,” this Big Ten showdown is a yearly war with playoff implications. Decades of close calls and high stakes keep the rivalry fierce. It’s more than football — it’s bragging rights for the entire Midwest.