The Best College Football Rivalries

by Kobey Ronk, December 02, 2025

Source: AP Photo

The obvious: Ohio State vs Michigan

It would be a sin to not start this list off with the most infamous rivalry, possibly in all sports. Ohio State vs Michigan, aka “The Game”, is the most intense matchup in the sport. This rivalry is deeply rooted in hatred, not just for the schools, but the entire state. The rivalry often has high-stakes involved at the end of the year, with the winner of each game going to the BIG10 championship. Last year, Michigan played the perfect spoiler by ruining Ohio State’s chance at a BIG10 title by beating them in Columbus. This was followed by a flag planting at the 50 yard line, and players getting pepper sprayed by police. If that doesn’t scream hatred, I’m not sure what else will. Michigan leads the rivalry all time 62-52-6, with Ohio State finally beating Michigan this year after not winning since 2019.

The Iron Bowl: Alabama vs Auburn

The Iron Bowl is the state of Alabama’s biggest game every year. With no professional teams in the state, the rivalry is rooted in the state’s pride for their prospective program. Generations of Alabamians have passed down their pride and hatred for each side, and it draws national attention every year. Even if the stakes aren’t as high as they have been, each side has the chance for bragging rights and to play spoiler for their counterpart. The intensity is so high, that basketball player Charles Barkley said himself on live television that he would cheer for Afghanistan over Alabama if it came down to it. The Iron Bowl has brought us countless memorable moments over the years, with the most notable being the “Kick 6’. Alabama leads all time 57-37-1. Although Auburn hasn’t been as competitive as of late, the intensity is still there for either side to have state bragging rights.

Battle of the Troops: Army vs Navy

Even though this game doesn’t have the stakes of other games, like conference championship or playoff hopes, we can’t deny as sports fans that this game brings all of the intensity for an American Football matchup. No NIL, no playoff aspirations, just pure hatred for the other side. This game is about tradition, with important moments such as:

1. The United States President often attends this game, adding to the intensity.
2. Bragging rights within the United States armed forces, with the winner being seen as the dominant branch.
3. The “prisoner exchange”, where a student studying at the opposite campus is released before the game to enjoy it with their comrades.
4. No home games for this matchup, often being played at a neutral site on the East Coast.

This game is all about tradition, combining the respect of the armed forces with America’s favorite sport. Although neither of these teams are often the best amongst college football programs in today’s age, sports fans can’t lie when including this into the all time rivalries. The Navy currently leads the all time rivalry 63-55-7.

Red River Shootout: Oklahoma vs Texas

Although this game isn’t played during rivalry week, it still brings the intensity and passion the other rivalries on this list bring. Border war between states, these teams play every year at the neutral site of the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas. The Cotton Bowl is on the Texas State Fair Grounds, so fans can enjoy carnival food, games, and shows before and after going into the Cotton Bowl to cheer for the respective side. The stadium is supposed to serve as a middle point between both schools’ campuses, where fans of each side sit near the endzone closer to their respective campuses. The rivalry stayed when both teams moved from the Big12 to the SEC, making the game more intense as the SEC is seen as the premier and hardest conference to play in. Texas leads the series all time 65-51-5, having won the last two matchups.

Honorable mention games

These are just a few of the games most notable matchup. Some honorable mentions include:

1. USC vs UCLA. Although both teams have not been as relevant in recent years, the battle for Los Angeles will always serve as a premium west coast rivalry.
2. Notre Dame vs USC is another classic matchup rooted in historical games and national championship aspirations.
3. Florida vs Georgia is an annual SEC matchup that’s rooted in southern hatred for the rival state. This game is played at a neutral site every year, attempting to draw fans of both sides evenly to add to the environment.
4. Ole Miss vs Mississippi State, known as the “egg bowl” is an intense in-state rivalry that results in both teams fighting for state pride and dominance. This rivalry also stems from class issues, as Ole Miss students are seen as classier, looking down on State’s bulldogs.

College football brings us classic rivalries every year. Unlike pro sports rivalries, these games are historical, deeply rooted in hatred for the other school and/or state. Whether they’re playing for playoff hopes, or just bragging rights, these games always bring out the best and worst of their fanbases.