Rivalries and tradition are the lifeblood of college football. In college football, many programs have unprecedented hate for one another with their storied traditions and history. Whether it be the deep Southern old-timey rivalries or the infamous Blue Bloods who compete for a chance to make their mark on history, rivalries are one of many reasons college football becomes so personal for so many. With that being said, here are my top 5 college football rivalries.

1. The Game (Michigan-OSU)

When people think of college football, they think of Michigan and Ohio State competing with some of the most vehement hate in sports. These two schools have decades of history and are some of the most competitive in college football history. Amassing the second most viewers in the ‘24-25 season, the entire country was watching this display of classic Big Ten football, a duel that is known by all. 

2. America’s Game (Army-Navy)

While this rivalry doesn’t warrant as much hate for one another, its name as America’s game is rather telling. This rivalry unites the country as one, with the singing of alma maters and a devoted week just to appreciate the men and women who protect our country as we watch them put on a display of pride for their armed services branch and our country. Every player there has four years to make a name for themselves before they fight for a greater cause, as opposed to chasing money and fame. 

3. The Iron Bowl (Auburn-Alabama) 

There’s only one thing Auburn and Alabama fans could ever agree on; the other side is terrible. The Iron Bowl feels like a civil war within itself as citizens of Alabama will go to the farthest extents to represent their team and wreak havoc on the other. This rivalry has fostered the Kick Six, which is arguably the greatest moment in the history of college football, or Jalen Milroe heaving it up to Isiah Bond on “fourth and a mile!”

4. Battle for the Jewelled Shillelagh (Notre Dame-USC)

Has anyone actually ever called it this? As a Notre Dame fan, I’ve heard people call it the battle for whatever a “Jeweled Shillelagh” is about twice. Anyway, that’s irrelevant. Notre Dame-USC is New versus Old. The storied Catholic Blue Blood out of the Midwest versus the flashy Californian school shows us a rivalry that manages to even transcend time zones. With almost 100 years under their belt, this rivalry is one that has stirred a relationship between these schools never short of dirty tackles, fights, and even cheating with the Bush Push. (That one still has the Notre Dame fans reeling)

5. Red River Rivalry (Oklahoma-Texas)
   Down in Dixieland, there are two schools who hate each other more than anything. Oklahoma and Texas feels like a duel between two cowboys, where two powerhouses meet halfway to engage in some of the best college football ever. Whether it be Bevo the longhorn or the ten gallon gold hat that the winner is given, these two schools have trained Heismans, NFL Hall of Famers, and legends all who have a deep rage in their gut for the opposing side. 

Honorable Mention: The Third Saturday in October: You’ll have to break the cigars out for this one. The Third Saturday in October is a faceoff between two elite SEC schools that has seen less attention in recent years due to Tennessee’s lack of competitiveness, but is still amazing to watch. The SEC gets one thing right, it just means more. 

That concludes the top 5 college football rivalries and my honorable mention! College football is one of the greatest sports here in America, and I truly believe that everybody needs to give it a chance. The rivalries are one of the biggest reasons that it becomes so personal for many, and as Jim McKay says, there’s always the thrill of victory, yet the agony of defeat.