College football is a sport steeped in tradition, passion, and fierce competition. One of the most exciting aspects of college football is the rivalries that have developed over the years between different teams. These rivalries often stem from years of playing each other, close matchups, and intense fan bases. Here are the 12 biggest college football rivalries:
1. Ohio State vs. Michigan: Dubbed “The Game,” this matchup between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Michigan Wolverines is one of the most well-known rivalries in college football. The teams first played each other in 1897 and have been fierce competitors ever since.
2. Alabama vs. Auburn: The Iron Bowl is the annual matchup between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Auburn Tigers. The rivalry is intense both on and off the field, with fans from both schools showing unwavering support for their team.
3. Oklahoma vs. Texas: The Red River Showdown is the annual matchup between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Texas Longhorns. The game takes place at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas, and is always a highly anticipated matchup.
4. USC vs. UCLA: Known as the Battle of Los Angeles, this rivalry between the USC Trojans and the UCLA Bruins is a longstanding tradition in college football. The teams have been competing against each other since 1929.
5. Florida vs. Florida State: The Sunshine Showdown is the annual matchup between the Florida Gators and the Florida State Seminoles. The rivalry dates back to 1958 and has produced many memorable moments over the years.
6. Georgia vs. Florida: The rivalry between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Florida Gators is known as the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party and takes place annually in Jacksonville, Florida. The game is always a tough matchup between two competitive SEC teams.
7. Notre Dame vs. USC: The rivalry between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the USC Trojans is one of the most historic in college football. The teams have been playing each other since 1926 and have developed a fierce competitive spirit.
8. Army vs. Navy: The Army-Navy Game is the annual matchup between the Army Black Knights and the Navy Midshipmen. The game is steeped in tradition and is a symbol of the camaraderie and rivalry between the two military academies.
9. Clemson vs. South Carolina: The rivalry between the Clemson Tigers and the South Carolina Gamecocks is known as the Palmetto Bowl and is one of the oldest rivalries in college football. The teams first played each other in 1896 and have been bitter rivals ever since.
10. Michigan vs. Michigan State: The rivalry between the Michigan Wolverines and the Michigan State Spartans is known as the Paul Bunyan Trophy game. The teams first played each other in 1898 and have been competing for state bragging rights ever since.
11. Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma State: The Bedlam Series is the annual matchup between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Oklahoma State Cowboys. The rivalry is always a highly anticipated matchup between two competitive teams in the Big 12 Conference.
12. Oregon vs. Oregon State: The Civil War is the annual matchup between the Oregon Ducks and the Oregon State Beavers. The rivalry is one of the oldest in college football and has produced many exciting games over the years.
These 12 college football rivalries are steeped in tradition, history, and intense competition. Each matchup brings out the best in both teams and showcases the passion and dedication of college football fans. Whether they are battling for state bragging rights or national recognition, these rivalries are always highly anticipated and never fail to disappoint.