College football is built on tradition, alma mater, loyalty, and fierce rivalries. These college football rivalries that exist between schools is what makes the sport so watchable for the average fan. It’s hard not to get caught up in any of them despite your own allegiance. Today, we discuss the 10 rivalries we think are transcendent and continue to leave a mark on sports. It’s an update from our list from 2023 when we looked at just five as well as the 2022 version. In the updated 2025 publication, we are opting to make a few additions and a couple swaps, expanding the list to 10.
Ohio State vs. Michigan (“The Game”)
Head to Head & Championships
“The Game”. Maybe the granddaddy of all college football rivalries, Michigan leads the all-time series, with the latest records showing the Wolverines to be ahead 62-52-6 (as of 11/25/25). Michigan has claimed 10 national championships, 11 according to them. Ohio State can officially claim 9 national titles. Michigan has 43 Big Ten titles, the most in conference history, while Ohio State trails slightly with 41—but has recently dominated the conference.
Traditions & Altercations
The Gold Pants tradition at Ohio State rewards players with a charm for every victory over Michigan. Michigan celebrates with the “Beat Ohio” rally and dedicates a whole week leading up to the rivalry. Fan altercations and on-field spats have frequently marred “The Game,” with postgame incidents like the Michigan flag plant in 2024 inflaming tensions. Both schools have reported clashes between fans and heated confrontations among players and even coaches, making security a common concern.
Alabama vs. Auburn (“Iron Bowl”)
Head to Head & Championships
Alabama leads the series with 51 wins to Auburn’s 37. Alabama is a powerhouse with 18 claimed national titles and 30 SEC titles. Auburn recently began claiming nine national championships (though only two are widely recognized by the AP)—the others come from various selectors over a century of play—and 15 conference titles.
Traditions & Altercations
Alabama and Auburn fans engage in traditions like “rolling” Toomer’s Corner in Auburn and the “Rammer Jammer” chant at Alabama. The Iron Bowl is notorious for its passionate, and sometimes volatile atmosphere, with famous altercations including the poisoning of Auburn’s iconic oak trees by an Alabama supporter in 2011. Fights and verbal incidents in the stadium and on social media are also well documented.
Army vs. Navy
Head to Head & Championships
Navy leads the series with 63 wins, Army follows closely with 55, and there have been 7 ties. Army claims three national titles, won during the World War II era (1944–46). Navy claims a national championship from 1926. Army won its first-ever conference title in 2024 after joining the American Athletic Conference.
Traditions & Altercations
Game day sees a sea of cadets and midshipmen in formation, with distinctive march-ons, military flyovers, and both teams singing alma maters together postgame. Tradition prevents serious altercations, but pranks, mild mischief, and playing games such as fishin frenzy are all a part of the rivalry’s culture. Both teams and fan bases pride themselves on respect and camaraderie, though heated moments do occur on the field.
Texas vs. Oklahoma (“Red River Rivalry”)
Head to Head & Championships
Texas leads the all-time series, 65–51–5, though Oklahoma has surged in recent years. Texas claims four major national championships (1963, 1969, 1970, 2005) and 34 conference titles. Oklahoma boasts seven national championships and 50 conference titles, one of the best records nationwide.
Traditions & Altercations
The Red River Rivalry is held at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas during the Texas State Fair, with tickets split equally between the fan bases for maximum intensity. The Golden Hat Trophy is awarded to the winner. Fans have notoriously thrown objects, and minor altercations have broken out in and around the stadium, especially after controversial finishes or officiating.
Notre Dame vs. USC
Head to Head & Championships
Notre Dame leads the series with 51 wins, 38 losses, and 5 ties. Notre Dame claims 11–15 national titles and is one of college football’s winningest programs. USC claims 11 national championships officially (7 from AP/Coaches). Notre Dame is independent; USC now competes in the Big Ten and has 39 conference titles.
Traditions & Altercations
The rivalry centers on the Jeweled Shillelagh trophy, with alternating home venues between South Bend and Los Angeles. Notre Dame’s “Play Like a Champion Today” sign is part of the matchup’s lore. Close games have led to heated confrontations, such as the infamous “Bush Push” play in 2005, and fan scuffles have occurred, especially in rivalry weeks with national implications. The rivalry’s intersectional nature has often tied into broader cultural storylines, keeping tensions high.
Oregon vs. Oregon State
Known as the “Civil War” until recently, this in-state battle has been played since 1894 and is one of the oldest rivalries in the country. Oregon currently leads the series, with the game often shaping postseason opportunities for both teams. The rivalry is marked by passionate fans, unique regional pride, and a tradition of close, high-scoring games.
Harvard vs. Yale
Dubbed simply “The Game,” Harvard and Yale have faced off since 1875 in what is considered the oldest college football rivalry. The two Ivy League schools have historic campuses and traditions, including elaborate tailgates and alumni gatherings. Yale leads the series by a narrow margin, and the rivalry remains a staple of college football history.
Florida vs. Georgia
The “World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party” pits SEC East foes Florida and Georgia against each other in Jacksonville, Florida. The rivalry is known for its neutral-site tradition and raucous atmosphere. Georgia currently leads the all-time series, but both teams have traded streaks of dominance, with conference and playoff implications often hanging in the balance. We’d be remiss if we didn’t at least mention Georgia’s other really big rival Auburn. The two have also shared incredible history with no love lost between the two programs.
USC vs. UCLA
This fierce Los Angeles rivalry features two storied programs separated by just 12 miles. USC has the overall edge in the series, but both teams compete annually for the Victory Bell. With both campuses and fan bases entrenched in the same city, the rivalry delivers huge stakes and local bragging rights.
Miami vs. Florida State
These two Florida powerhouses have battled since 1951, with Miami holding a slight edge in the win column. The rivalry is known for its dramatic moments, including last-second field goals and national title ramifications. Games are typically close and feature future NFL stars, making it one of the sport’s most entertaining matchups.
These rivalries are defined not only by what’s at stake on the field, but also by legendary traditions, passionate fan bases, and unforgettable moments that have shaped college football history.
Main Image: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
