10 Oldest College Football Rivalries

College football is known for its passionate rivalries, and some of the oldest matchups have become iconic over the years. These games aren’t just about football; they represent school pride, tradition, and fierce competition that spans decades. From historic Ivy League showdowns to military academy battles, the oldest college football rivalries bring excitement and anticipation every season. These rivalries are a big part of what makes college football so special.

Notre Dame vs. USC (The Rivalry)

The rivalry between Notre Dame and the University of Southern California (USC) began in 1926, and it has become one of the most widely recognized rivalries in college football. The game pits two of the most successful and storied programs in the sport, each with a rich tradition of national championships. Notre Dame leads the all-time series, but USC has had some dominant years, particularly under coaches like Pete Carroll. The rivalry is known for its exciting, high-scoring games, often featuring teams with NFL-caliber players. The game is usually held in late November and is often a crucial contest in shaping the college football landscape. Fans from both schools are fiercely loyal, and the game has produced numerous memorable moments. This rivalry transcends conference affiliations, with both schools having national followings and a tradition of recruiting from across the country.

Texas vs. Oklahoma (The Red River Showdown)

The Texas-Oklahoma rivalry, often referred to as the “Red River Showdown,” began in 1900 and is one of the premier college football rivalries in the country. Played annually at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas during the State Fair of Texas, the game is a spectacle of tradition, pageantry, and intense competition. Texas leads the all-time series, though Oklahoma has had its fair share of dominance in recent years. The rivalry is notable not only for its history and fanfare but also for the level of play, often featuring top-ranked teams and high-profile players. The game typically decides the winner of the Big 12 Conference, though both teams have also been in contention for national championships. The Red River Showdown is also famous for its halftime performances and the state fair atmosphere, which includes food, rides, and games. It remains one of the most anticipated matchups each year in college football.

Georgia vs. Florida (The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party)

The Georgia-Florida rivalry, often referred to as “The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party,” started in 1904 and has since become one of the premier rivalries in college football. This game is traditionally played at a neutral site—TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida—making it unique among rivalries. Georgia leads the all-time series, but Florida has had a dominant run in the 1990s and 2000s. It typically takes place in late October or early November and has become a key contest in the SEC East Division. The rivalry has a distinct atmosphere, with fans tailgating in huge numbers and making it a festive occasion. It is also notable for the intensity of the on-field play, which often features highly ranked teams. It has been the scene of some of the most memorable moments in college football history, including dramatic finishes and upsets.

Michigan vs. Ohio State (The Game)

The rivalry between Michigan and Ohio State, known simply as “The Game,” dates back to 1897 and is one of the most intense in college football. The matchup has often had huge implications for the Big Ten Conference title and even the national championship. Ohio State leads the all-time series, but Michigan has had its moments of dominance over the years. The game is typically played at the end of the regular season and has often determined which team goes to the Rose Bowl or the College Football Playoff. Both teams have passionate fanbases, and the competition is marked by deep-rooted animosity, especially in areas like recruiting and history. One of the most famous moments in the rivalry occurred in 2006, when the two teams met as No. 1 and No. 2 in the nation. While the teams are often on par in talent and success, the rivalry’s prestige remains undeniable.

Auburn vs. Alabama (The Iron Bowl)

The Iron Bowl, the rivalry between Auburn University and the University of Alabama, began in 1893 and has evolved into one of the most intense and high-stakes rivalries in college football. The two schools, located in Alabama, have a fierce competition both on and off the field. Alabama leads the series, but Auburn has had its fair share of upsets, including a dramatic victory in 2013 with the “Kick Six” play. The game is usually held in late November or early December and is typically a key game in the SEC Western Division standings. The rivalry has produced numerous classic moments, such as the 2009 “Iron Bowl,” where Auburn nearly pulled off an upset in Tuscaloosa. It is also known for its passionate fanbases, many of whom consider the game to be the most important on their respective schedules. The Iron Bowl’s significance goes beyond football, representing state pride, school spirit, and fierce competition.

Minnesota vs. Wisconsin (The Battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe)

The Minnesota-Wisconsin rivalry began in 1890 and is known as one of the fiercest and longest-running rivalries in college football. The game is played for “Paul Bunyan’s Axe,” a trophy that symbolizes the ruggedness of the Midwest and has been awarded since 1948. Wisconsin currently leads the series, but Minnesota has had periods of dominance, especially in the early years of the rivalry. The game is played annually and often has significant implications in the Big Ten West Division. Wisconsin’s dominant run in recent years has contributed to the rivalry’s renewed intensity, with both schools eager to claim supremacy in the region. Fans from both states are fiercely loyal, and the pre-game hype includes tailgating, pep rallies, and spirited festivities. The rivalry has had memorable moments, including several high-scoring contests and dramatic last-minute victories.

Army vs. Navy (The Military Bowl)

The Army-Navy rivalry is one of the most patriotic matchups in college football. First played in 1890, the game pits the United States Military Academy (Army) against the United States Naval Academy (Navy). With over 120 meetings, this rivalry is deeply rooted in tradition, and the game often represents more than just football—it’s about the pride and honor of the U.S. armed forces. The game is held annually at a neutral site, often in a stadium in a major city on the East Coast. Navy leads the series, but Army has had its share of victories, especially in recent decades. The Army-Navy game is typically the final college football game of the regular season and is widely viewed across the nation. It is also known for the spirited pre-game traditions, including the marching of the academies’ cadets and midshipmen and the famous “Flyover” by military aircraft.

Lehigh vs. Lafayette (The Rivalry)

The rivalry between Lehigh University and Lafayette College began in 1884, making it one of the oldest in college football. This rivalry, often referred to as “The Rivalry,” is contested annually by the two schools in the Patriot League. Lafayette leads the all-time series, though Lehigh has had its share of victories, especially in recent decades. The game is typically held at the end of the regular season, with both teams battling for pride and supremacy in the region. It is particularly significant for the small college community, where the rivalry is a major point of campus pride. The annual game is one of the most-watched events in the region, with a strong fan presence from alumni and students. The Lehigh-Lafayette game is also notable for its festive atmosphere, with both schools putting on pep rallies and tailgating events.

Harvard vs. Yale (The Game)

The rivalry between Harvard and Yale, known as “The Game,” began in 1875 and has become one of the most storied matchups in college football. The two Ivy League schools have clashed over 140 times, making it one of the longest-running rivalries in the sport. Harvard leads the series, though the competition is often fiercely contested. “The Game” typically takes place on the Saturday after Thanksgiving and is an iconic event in college football, drawing alumni and fans from both schools. The game has historically held a unique place in the Ivy League, often influencing the league’s football standings. The rivalry was once considered a contest for the unofficial Ivy League championship before the conference adopted a formal championship system. In recent years, though both teams are competitive in the league, the game still carries significant historical weight and national recognition.

Princeton vs. Rutgers (The Birth of College Football)

Princeton vs. Rutgers is considered one of the oldest rivalries in college football, beginning in 1869 when they met in the first-ever intercollegiate football game. Rutgers won the first contest, played under a set of rules that were quite different from modern football. The rivalry continued sporadically until it became more established in the 20th century. As members of the Ivy League (Princeton) and the Big Ten Conference (Rutgers), the rivalry has become more symbolic than competitive in recent years, though it holds historical significance. The game is not played regularly anymore, but it remains an important chapter in the development of college football. The two schools have met 15 times overall, with Princeton leading the series. Today, the rivalry is celebrated for its place in history, rather than for current competitive stakes.

This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.

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