The Athletic ranks Top 25 college football rivalry games

The Athletic ranked the Top 25 college football rivalry games in the entire sport and it’s quite the list. While reading this, memories might be unlocked, anger might boil over, and tons of other emotions that come with an arch nemesis.

Most of these games these days are played on rivalry weekend, just after Thanksgiving of course. Some other matchups can be played at other points of the season, but traditionally, the best are saved for last.

Without further ado, let’s dive into each college football rivalry on the list. We start with the best.

1. Michigan–Ohio State

Series record: Michigan leads 62–51–6

The top rivalry in the country is this one where the Wolverines have owned it recently. Winners of four in a row, the defending national champion Buckeyes certainly want payback this year.

Whether it’s Jim Harbaugh vs. Ryan Day or Urban Meyer, Woody Hayes vs. Bo Schembechler, “The Game of the Century” or anything else, this rivalry never disappoints. Circle your calendars this year, again.

2. Auburn–Alabama

Series record: Alabama leads 51–37–1

The Iron Bowl has had some classic moments of course. We could probably name 10 in just the last quarter century!

Some of the modern day ones include “The Kick Six,” Cam Newton carrying the Tigers to an epic comeback, Jalen Milroe’s 4th and Goal heave just two years ago. It’s endless. Nick Saban, Bear Bryant, Pat Dye, the legends are endless.

3. Oklahoma–Texas

Series record: Texas leads, 64–51–5

Red River is epic isn’t it? We’re actually surprised this rivalry isn’t closer than that record shows in favor of Texas.

Whether it’s the Showdown or Shootout, throw all the record books when this game is played. It could have an interesting new era as both of these teams go from SEC newcomers to veterans.

4. Army–Navy

Series record: Navy leads 63–55–7

America’s game is one of the best rivalry games in all of sports. Nothing against Air Force, but Army-Navy hits different, especially when it’s on a standalone weekend.

Navy dominated this series this century until Army started roaring back. With both teams running the football, utilizing the triple option, it just has an old school feel to it every year.

5. USC–Notre Dame

Series record: Notre Dame leads 50–37–5 

A lot of people would favor Notre Dame these days based on the trajectory of the programs. But this is a fantastic rivalry game. 

The clash of styles, colors, the pageantry is great. The Irish have won seven or the last 10 as this game has been pretty streaky, pretty much every 10 years or so.

6. Nebraska–Oklahoma

Series record: Oklahoma leads 47-38-3

Back when these two were in the same conference, this was a bitter rivalry. Unfortunately, the two teams aren’t scheduled to meet again until 2029, seven years after their last meeting.

Although the two states aren’t directly next to each other, recruiting wars still wage on between the schools. If only we could get this one annually again.

7. Miami–Florida State

Series record: Miami leads 36–33

A bitter in-state rivalry here as the Hurricanes lead this series by a smidge. When both of these teams are competing at the top of the ACC, it seems like everything is on the line.

Just go look up the four wide right games or the couple wide left ones. That’s how razor thin some of the matchups are. The two square off this fall in October.

8. Ohio State–Penn State

Series record: Ohio State leads 25–14

Although their first meeting was in 1912, the two teams have only played each other 39 times. The rivalry has intensified in recent years though, with both teams winning the Big Ten in the last decade and competing for the College Football Playoff.

Although Ohio State has won 12 of the last 14 meetings, every game has had high stakes and the Buckeyes haven’t been ranked lower than No. 12 in the country in that time. This year’s game might be the year Penn State breaks an eight game losing streak and goes onto win a national title instead!

9. Florida–Florida State

Series record: Florida leads 38-28-2

We already mentioned one Florida rivalry, now here’s the other one between two out of conference foes. But make no mistake, the Gators and Seminoles circle this one every year.

Both teams won’t be ranked simultaneously this year, based on projections. But it’s always a good time when they are. You just have to go back to 2016 for something like that. Still, Sunshine State and recruiting bragging rights are on the line here.

10. Minnesota–Wisconsin

Series record: Tied 63–63–8

If you want to get Paul Bunyan’s Axe, you gotta be able to grind through this game. This series is so tight, it’s actually tied! The only one on this list that doesn’t have a leader.

From 2004-17, Wisconsin didn’t lose. But since 2018, Minnesota has pulled even and there have been some close, low scoring games. This is old school.

Ranking the Top 25 college football rivalries

11. Alabama–Tennessee
Series record: Alabama leads 59–40–7

12. Georgia–Florida
Series record: Georgia leads 56 or 57–44–2

13. Alabama–LSU
Series record: Alabama leads 57–27–5

14. USC–UCLA
Series record: USC leads 51–34–7 

15. Texas–Texas A&M
Series record: Texas leads 77-37-5

16. Michigan–Michigan State
Series record: Michigan leads 74–38–5

17. Auburn–Georgia
Series record: Georgia leads 65–56–8

18. Michigan–Notre Dame
Series record: Michigan leads 25–17–1

19. Kansas–Missouri
Series record: Missouri leads 57-54-9

20. Harvard–Yale
Series record: Yale leads 71–61–8

21. Washington–Oregon
Series record: Washington leads 63–49–5

22. Iowa–Wisconsin
Series record: Wisconsin leads 49–47–2

23. Ole Miss–Mississippi State
Series record: Ole Miss leads 66–46–6

24. Clemson–South Carolina
Series record: Clemson leads 73-44-4

25. Oklahoma–Oklahoma State
Series record: Oklahoma leads 91-20-7