Often, geography is the biggest factor in a college football rivalry.
But it’s certainly not the only factor. Sometimes, it’s based on two powerhouse teams from the same conference playing in a grudge match. And sometimes, it’s based on two storied programs capturing attention from the Pacific Coast to the Midwest. Occasionally, it goes even further than that and draws the interest of an entire nation.
Here’s a look at college football’s best rivalries:
MICHIGAN VS. OHIO STATE
It’s known as “The Game” simply because it is The Game for both sides. Michigan fans despise Ohio State fans, and Ohio State fans can’t stand Michigan fans. There’s definitely no bigger rivalry in the Big Ten Conference and, quite possibly, in the nation.
Part of the dislike stems from the fact that this series has been close through the years, with Michigan holding a slight edge with a 63-53-6 all-time record against Ohio State. But this rivalry is about more than numbers. There have been iconic moments in this series — Michigan players trying to plant a flag at Ohio Stadium after a 2024 upset win, Desmond Howard’s Heisman pose, and Ohio State’s Curtis Samuel’s walk-off touchdown in 2016. It doesn’t get much better than Ohio State vs. Michigan.
AUBURN VS. ALABAMA
The all-time series record is a bit lopsided, with Alabama holding a 52-37-1 record against Auburn. But this annual matchup consumes an entire state because it features two powerhouse programs located just 157 miles apart.
The game is known as “The Iron Bowl,” and that name was never more appropriate than in 2021 when two teams made up of ironmen clashed in Alabama’s four-overtime victory, which is regarded as one of the best games in the history of college football. Other memorable games include the 2013 meeting when Auburn’s Chris Davis returned a kickoff 100 yards for a walk-off touchdown, and the 2023 game when Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe connected with Isaiah Bond for a game-winning touchdown on fourth-and-goal with 32 seconds remaining.
OKLAHOMA VS. TEXAS
The annual Red River Showdown involves two states that share a border as well as a passion for college football. This annual game is held in Dallas because rowdy fans from both sides could make things a little dicey if it were played in Austin or Norman.
The series has been relatively even through the years, with Texas leading 65-51-5. For most of the rivalry’s history, the two schools competed in the Big 12, but both moved to the SEC in 2024 and the intensity level hasn’t changed. In October of this year, Texas recorded a 23-6 upset victory over No. 6 Oklahoma. Some say this has been a disappointing season for Texas, but the Red River Showdown win made things much more tolerable for Longhorns fans.
ARMY VS. NAVY
This rivalry is different than most because neither school is a football powerhouse that often contends for a national championship — at least in the modern era. But the meeting between the service academies has captured the nation’s attention since the schools first met in 1890.
Navy won 14 consecutive games from 2002–15, but Army has made the series much more balanced in recent years.
NOTRE DAME VS. USC
This series is loaded with nostalgia, including legendary names like George Gipp, Joe Montana, Paul Hornung, and Jerome Bettis for Notre Dame, and O.J. Simpson, Marcus Allen, Ronnie Lott, Keyshawn Johnson, and Reggie Bush for USC.
They all played in the distant past, but this series — which features two schools with no geographical proximity and alternates between the LA Memorial Coliseum and Notre Dame Stadium — hasn’t lost any of its luster in recent times. However, the series that dates back to 1926 may be in danger of coming to an end due to scheduling concerns. Still, USC and Notre Dame are in talks to attempt to extend the rivalry on at least a short-term basis.
FLORIDA VS. GEORGIA
Unofficially called “The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party,” this border rivalry annually draws more than 100,000 fans to take part in a massive tailgate event in Jacksonville.
It shouldn’t impact the crowd much, but the venue is about to go through a temporary shift. With EverBank Stadium set for renovation, the game will be played in Atlanta in 2026 and Tampa in 2027.
FLORIDA STATE VS. MIAMI
You can’t get much further apart in the state of Florida than Tallahassee and Miami. But that doesn’t lessen the passion among Seminoles and Hurricanes fans and players.
Historically, this might be the most evenly matched rivalry of all, with Miami holding a slim 37-33 advantage.
BYU VS. UTAH
Known as “The Holy War,” this rivalry features two schools located about an hour apart. The series, which dates back to 1922, lost some of its appeal when BYU became an independent in 2011 and Utah joined the Pac-12.
But things got interesting again in 2024 when both schools joined the Big 12, and the rivalry should grow even more intense going forward.
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