Top 10 Most Famous College Football Rivalries of All Time

College football rivalries are the lifeblood of the sport, creating intense competition, unforgettable moments, and traditions that span generations. These matchups transcend mere games—they become cultural events that define entire regions and capture the imagination of millions of fans nationwide.

This list celebrates the most famous college football rivalries in history, considering not just the intensity of competition, but the historical significance, memorable moments, and lasting impact these matchups have had on the sport and American culture.

The top of this list features rivalries that have defined eras, decided championships, and created moments that will be remembered forever.

Methodology

Ranking the most famous college football rivalries requires considering multiple factors across different eras. We evaluated rivalries based on:

• Historical Significance: Length of rivalry and historical importance
• Competitive Intensity: Level of competition and close games
• National Impact: Influence on college football and American culture
• Memorable Moments: Iconic games and plays that defined the rivalry
• Fan Passion: Intensity of fan support and community involvement
• Championship Implications: How often the rivalry decides titles
• Cultural Impact: Influence beyond the football field
• Traditions: Unique rituals, trophies, and customs associated with the rivalry

List of Most Famous College Football Rivalries

10. Army vs Navy

First Meeting: 1890 | Total Games: 124 | Series Record: Navy leads 62-54-7

The Army-Navy Game is one of the most unique and respected rivalries in all of sports. Played annually since 1890, this matchup transcends football to represent the honor and tradition of America's military academies. The game is typically the final regular-season contest and is played at a neutral site, often drawing national attention. The rivalry is marked by mutual respect between the academies, as players will serve together in the military after graduation. The game's traditions include the "March On" ceremony, where both teams march onto the field together, and the singing of each academy's alma mater. The Army-Navy Game represents the best of college football tradition and American patriotism.

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

First Meeting: 1915 | Total Games: 101 | Series Record: Georgia leads 54-44-2

The Florida-Georgia rivalry, known as "The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party," is one of the most intense and colorful rivalries in college football. Played annually in Jacksonville since 1933, this neutral-site game draws massive crowds and creates an electric atmosphere. The rivalry has been marked by numerous memorable moments, including the famous "Gator Stomp" in 2007 when Georgia's entire team celebrated in the end zone after their first touchdown. The game often decides the SEC East division title and has produced countless NFL stars. The unique neutral-site location and the passionate fan bases make this one of the most anticipated games each season.

8. Texas vs Oklahoma (Red River Rivalry)

First Meeting: 1900 | Total Games: 119 | Series Record: Texas leads 63-50-5

The Red River Rivalry between Texas and Oklahoma is one of the most storied rivalries in college football history. Played annually at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas during the Texas State Fair, this neutral-site game draws massive crowds and creates an electric atmosphere. The rivalry has been marked by numerous memorable moments, including the famous "Red River Shootout" games that have decided conference championships and national title implications. The game's unique location at the State Fair of Texas adds to its cultural significance, as fans can enjoy the fair before and after the game. The Red River Rivalry represents the best of college football tradition and regional pride.

7. Notre Dame vs USC

First Meeting: 1926 | Total Games: 93 | Series Record: Notre Dame leads 50-37-5

The Notre Dame-USC rivalry is one of the most historic and nationally significant rivalries in college football. This cross-country matchup has been played annually since 1926 and has produced countless memorable moments and legendary players. The rivalry is marked by its unique alternating home-and-away schedule, with games played in South Bend and Los Angeles. The game has often decided national championships and has featured some of the greatest players in college football history. The rivalry's national significance and the prestige of both programs make it one of the most anticipated games each season.

6. Auburn vs Alabama (Iron Bowl)

First Meeting: 1893 | Total Games: 87 | Series Record: Alabama leads 49-37-1

The Iron Bowl between Auburn and Alabama is one of the most intense and passionate rivalries in all of sports. This in-state rivalry divides the entire state of Alabama and creates an atmosphere unlike any other in college football. The game has been marked by numerous memorable moments, including the famous "Kick Six" in 2013 when Auburn returned a missed field goal for a touchdown to win the game. The rivalry often decides the SEC West division title and has produced countless NFL stars. The Iron Bowl represents the best of college football tradition and regional pride.

5. Florida State vs Miami

First Meeting: 1951 | Total Games: 66 | Series Record: Miami leads 35-31

The Florida State-Miami rivalry is one of the most intense and competitive rivalries in college football history. This in-state rivalry has been marked by numerous memorable moments and legendary players, including the famous "Wide Right" games in the 1990s. The rivalry has often decided national championships and has featured some of the greatest players in college football history. The game's intensity and the passionate fan bases make it one of the most anticipated games each season. The Florida State-Miami rivalry represents the best of college football tradition and regional pride.

4. Michigan vs Ohio State (The Game)

First Meeting: 1897 | Total Games: 118 | Series Record: Michigan leads 60-52-6

The Game between Michigan and Ohio State is widely considered the greatest rivalry in college football history. This annual matchup has been played since 1897 and has produced countless memorable moments and legendary players. The rivalry is marked by its intensity and the passionate fan bases of both programs. The game often decides the Big Ten championship and has featured some of the greatest players in college football history. The Game represents the best of college football tradition and regional pride.

3. USC vs UCLA (Battle for Los Angeles)

First Meeting: 1929 | Total Games: 92 | Series Record: USC leads 50-33-7

The Battle for Los Angeles between USC and UCLA is one of the most intense and competitive rivalries in college football history. This in-city rivalry has been marked by numerous memorable moments and legendary players. The rivalry has often decided conference championships and has featured some of the greatest players in college football history. The game's intensity and the passionate fan bases make it one of the most anticipated games each season. The Battle for Los Angeles represents the best of college football tradition and regional pride.

2. Notre Dame vs Michigan

First Meeting: 1887 | Total Games: 44 | Series Record: Michigan leads 25-17-1

The Notre Dame-Michigan rivalry is one of the most historic and nationally significant rivalries in college football. This matchup has been played since 1887 and has produced countless memorable moments and legendary players. The rivalry is marked by its intensity and the passionate fan bases of both programs. The game has often decided national championships and has featured some of the greatest players in college football history. The Notre Dame-Michigan rivalry represents the best of college football tradition and regional pride.

1. Michigan vs Ohio State (The Game)

First Meeting: 1897 | Total Games: 118 | Series Record: Michigan leads 60-52-6

The Game between Michigan and Ohio State stands as the greatest rivalry in college football history. This annual matchup has been played since 1897 and has produced countless memorable moments and legendary players. The rivalry is marked by its intensity and the passionate fan bases of both programs. The game often decides the Big Ten championship and has featured some of the greatest players in college football history. The Game represents the best of college football tradition and regional pride, making it the most famous rivalry in the sport.

Summary of the Top 10 Most Famous College Football Rivalries

Conclusion

These 10 rivalries represent the pinnacle of college football tradition and competition, each creating intense competition, unforgettable moments, and traditions that span generations. From The Game's annual Big Ten championship implications to the Iron Bowl's state-dividing intensity, these rivalries showcase the evolution of the sport while maintaining the core values that make college football special.

What makes these rivalries truly famous is not just their competitive intensity, but their ability to create moments that transcend sports and become part of American culture. Each rivalry on this list represents a different aspect of college football tradition, yet they all share the common traits of passion, history, and the ability to create memories that last a lifetime.

The debate over which rivalry is truly the greatest will continue, but one thing is certain: these 10 rivalries have earned their place in college football history and will continue to be remembered as long as the sport is played. Their traditions, intensity, and cultural impact are what make college football the greatest sport in America.