To truly grasp the essence of a college football rivalry, one only needs to step into a lively office building in cities like Birmingham, Salt Lake City, or Des Moines on the Monday following major games such as the Iron Bowl, Holy War, or Cy-Hawk. In these bustling workplaces, you'll notice a divide: half of the employees will be beaming with pride and gloating about their team's victory, while the other half may appear miserable and evasive, reflecting the immediate emotional impact of the game. These rivalry games create a unique atmosphere that unites families, friends, and colleagues before kickoff, only to split them apart based on the game's outcome.
Across various communities—and in countless others nationwide—the excitement and emotions surrounding rivalry games are palpable. But how do we differentiate between these intense contests, especially when the passion seems equally fervent for each in-state rivalry? This question motivated me to rank college football's top 100 rivalries. I delved deep into the layers of each rivalry's heritage, examining their distinctive attributes, and comparing them to objective metrics. I also collaborated with colleagues at The Athletic to gain diverse insights.
While some of my rankings may spark debate, it’s important to note that this list serves as a broad overview rather than a narrow perspective focused solely on one angle. There are several notable rivalries that didn’t make it into the top 100, which I also addressed separately, along with a more detailed explanation of the rankings. So, I invite you to explore the list below, and remember that the spirit of college football rivalries is meant to be enjoyed. Which rivalry do you think was ranked too low? Which one deserves a higher spot? Are there any rivalries you believe should have made the list? Let’s engage in a friendly debate!
As we discuss these rivalries, let’s all agree on one thing: the only experience worse than losing to a rival is the absence of a game against them. For a closer look at each rivalry, click the links provided to expand and read more information. What do you think are the best rivalries in college football? Don’t forget to cast your vote here!
(Illustration: Will Tullos / The Athletic; Photos: James Black, Rich Von Biberstein, Barry Chin, Richard W. Rodriguez, Brandon Sumrall, Damien Strohmeyer / Getty Images)
