Familiar foes: The top college football rivalries in the country

College football rivalries are the heart and soul of the sport, fueling passionate debates, intense games, and unforgettable moments. These rivalries often have deep historical roots and traditions that transcend the gridiron. And the best part is that new ones can always be ignited, or old ones can be dredged up from dormancy, simply with an influx of new players, a new coach, or a significant moment during a game.

Here are some of the top rivalries that have endured through history and remain some of the most vigorous matchups on the schedule.

Michigan vs. Ohio State

All-time record: 61-51-6, advantage Michigan

Known as "The Game," the Michigan vs. Ohio State rivalry began in 1897. The rivalry intensified in the 1960s during the "Ten-Year War" between coaches Bo Schembechler and Woody Hayes. This annual clash often has conference and national championship implications, making it one of the most anticipated games of the season. In fact, last year Michigan edged Ohio State to remain undefeated and would go on to win the national title.

Alabama vs. Auburn

All-time record: 50-37-1, advantage Alabama

The Iron Bowl dates back even further to 1893. The rivalry’s name reflects the state's history in the iron and steel industry. The game has grown in importance, often determining the conference champion and impacting the national title race. This rivalry truly embodies the phrase, “Iron sharpens iron.”

Army vs. Navy

All-time record: 62-55-7, advantage Navy

The Army vs. Navy game, first played in 1890, symbolizes the fierce but respectful competition between the United States Military Academy and the United States Naval Academy. This rivalry transcends football, representing the honor and commitment of the armed forces.

Oklahoma vs. Texas

All-time record: 63-51-5, advantage Texas

The Red River Showdown dates back to 1900 and is played annually at the neutral venue of the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, near the Texas-Oklahoma border. However, what happens on the field between these two teams each year is anything but neutral, as this fierce rivalry often influences the conference championship race. It also coincides with the State Fair of Texas, giving people plenty of excuses to show up and support their favorite side.

USC vs. Notre Dame

All-time record: 49-37-5, advantage Notre Dame

There’s a lot of difference between these two schools, but they’ve been coming together for high-stakes games since 1926. As the story goes, the wife of a USC graduate manager and the wife of Notre Dame’s coach at the time met to discuss the possibility of the two teams playing each other regularly, alternating home games each year. Although the truth of that story and its influence on the rivalry has been debated, the teams have stuck to their agreement and have thrilled audiences for decades.

Florida vs. Georgia

All-time record: 56-44-2, advantage Georgia

You don’t often see an alligator and a dog on the same field, but it’s technically been happening every year since 1915 as Georgia and Florida face off on the gridiron. These games are known for their festive atmosphere and conference implications, and oddly enough, the winner of the game doesn’t receive a trophy. Instead, they are honored with a staff from the Okefenokee Swamp.

Oregon vs. Oregon State

All-time record: 68-49-10, advantage Oregon

This in-state rivalry between Oregon’s two major universities dates back to 1894. It was originally called the Oregon Classic and the State Championship Game, but in 1929, it became known as the Civil War. The somber connection between that term and U.S. history has since caused the nickname to be retired, but the football rivalry remains intact and intense. The schools have confirmed that they will continue to play each other even though Oregon has left the Pac-12 Conference.

Washington vs. Washington State

All-time record: 73-32-6, advantage Washington

The Apple Cup, played since 1900, is the annual rivalry game between Washington and Washington State. The name reflects Washington’s status as a top apple-producing state, and the game often stirs up bad blood between the two schools. They will also continue to play each other despite Washington leaving the Pac-12.

Michigan vs. Michigan State

All-time record: 73-38-5, advantage Michigan

The battle for the Paul Bunyan Trophy began in 1898. Michigan vs. Michigan State showcases the in-state rivalry between two of Michigan’s largest universities, with the winner earning bragging rights and a trophy symbolizing the state’s lumberjack heritage.

Auburn vs. Georgia

All-time record: 64-56-8, advantage Georgia

Known as the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry, this matchup has been extremely tight since its inception in 1892. Georgia is on a pretty good run right now, winning the last seven and 16 of the last 20, but as the all-time record shows, the pendulum could swing back at any time.

Clemson vs. South Carolina

All-time record: 73-43-4, advantage Clemson

The Palmetto Bowl began in 1896 and has been the source of several dust-ups between Clemson and South Carolina. The in-state rivalry’s history holds some crazy stories, including Clemson students marching on the South Carolina campus with bayonets and swords in 1902, the mob printing and selling fake tickets to the game in 1946, a South Carolina fraternity successfully posing as the Clemson team to fool fans on gameday in 1961, and an infamous on-field brawl breaking out and ending a game early in 2004.

Harvard vs. Yale

All-time record: 70-61-8, advantage Yale

The oldest rivalry in college football, known as "The Game," began in 1875. Harvard vs. Yale represents the pinnacle of Ivy League football, with alumni from both schools heavily invested in the outcome.

Iowa vs. Iowa State

All-time record: 47-23, advantage Iowa

This rivalry is known as the Cy-Hawk Rivalry, short for the mascots of the two teams. It is one of the most prominent in the state of Iowa, beginning in 1894 and continuing annually, although there was a long pause between 1934 and 1977 due to disagreements over scheduling. The game is a fierce battle for state bragging rights and is a major cultural event for residents and alumni.

Miami vs. Florida State

All-time record: 35-33, advantage Miami

This rivalry is as hot as the Florida summers. Beginning in 1951, these two teams have been battling for supremacy in the ACC, the state, and the national rankings, with dramatic matchups and a tightly contested overall record.

BYU vs. Utah

All-time record: 59-32-4, according to BYU’s count; 63-35-4, according to Utah’s count; advantage Utah

The Holy War between Brigham Young University (BYU) and the University of Utah is one of the most intense rivalries in the West. As the legend goes, the beef between these two teams started from a baseball game in 1895 that ended with no scoring on either side and a bench-clearing brawl. The rivalry has continued into modern times, fueled by cultural and religious differences, as BYU is affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, while Utah is a public university with a more diverse student body. The all-time record is disputed because BYU refuses to count the games between the schools that happened before 1900.

Ole Miss vs. Mississippi State

All-time record: 67-46-6, advantage Ole Miss

The Egg Bowl is the annual clash between the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) and Mississippi State University. The rivalry, which started in 1901, is actually named for the golden egg trophy that was created to distract opposing fans from fighting after some of the early matchups. Now that sportsmanship is prioritized, these battles are all about the teams vying for that shiny, egg-shaped trophy and SEC glory.

TCU vs. SMU

All-time record: 53-42-7, advantage TCU

The Iron Skillet rivalry between Texas Christian University (TCU) and Southern Methodist University (SMU) dates back to the first matchup between the schools in 1915, although the first official rivalry game was played in 1946. The name behind the rivalry has two different origin stories, the spicier of which comes from the SMU side. Their story goes that an SMU fan fried some frog legs in a skillet, presumably to signify the burning of TCU’s mascot. Then a TCU fan took offense and decided that the game should be played for the “honor” of owning the skillet and frog legs. Unfortunately this one might come to an end because of the conference realignments that have happened recently.

Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma State

All-time record: 91-20-7, advantage Oklahoma

The Bedlam Series is the rivalry between the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University. The football matchup, which dates back to 1904, is a key game in the state and often features high-scoring contests. The rivalry extends to other sports as well, and the term “bedlam” was actually used by a reporter who was describing a wrestling match between the two schools.

Pitt vs. West Virginia

All-time record: 62-41-3, advantage Pitt

The Backyard Brawl is a historic rivalry dating back to 1895 between the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) and West Virginia University, mostly due to the fact that the two schools are only 75 miles apart. Think of this one as an age-old version of a family argument in the backyard, being hashed out over a spirited scrimmage that often leads to a close and exciting finish.

UCLA vs. USC

All-time record: 52-34-7, advantage USC

The matchup that determines bragging rights in California, also known as The Battle for the Victory Bell, happens every year between UCLA and USC. It has been a tradition since 1929, but the game earned its name in 1941 when some USC students stole the UCLA student section bell and hid it. Now the schools play for the possession of the victory bell, which gets to be painted in the winning team’s colors.

Arkansas vs. LSU

All-time record: 42-23-2, advantage LSU

These two teams play for the Golden Boot, a trophy fashioned out of 24-karat gold and modeled after the shape of Arkansas and Louisiana. It’s estimated to weigh about 200 pounds, and it is worth thousands of dollars, not to mention every last ounce of pride that these schools put into preparing for this game that has endured since 1901.

These rivalries are more than just games; they are deeply ingrained in the fabric of college football, embodying the spirit, tradition, and passion of the sport. Each year, these matchups and many more not listed capture the attention of fans and players alike, creating unforgettable moments and continuing the legacy of college football’s greatest rivalries.