Realignment changed the nature of rivalries in college football.
Take Bedlam, for example. Oklahoma-Oklahoma State used to be a staple on the best rivalries list every year. Now, the Sooners and Cowboys no longer play. Oregon-Oregon State and possibly Notre Dame-USC could be next on the endangered rivalries list.
Realignment also renewed some rivalries. Texas-Texas A&M is back – this time in the SEC. BYU and Utah are in the Big 12 now. Those are top-10 rivalries again.
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How do you measure the heat of a rivalry? Who won last year? Which school has the current winning streak? What did the last 10 years look like? How many times were both teams ranked when they played? Of the 25 rivalries on Sporting News’ list, only three featured two ranked teams last year. That short list was Clemson-South Carolina, Tennessee-Alabama and Texas-Texas A&M. Those are top-10 rivalries now.
How do you balance the historical nature with the present tense with college football rivalries? We did our best here with the 25 hottest rivalries in college football.
College Football top 25 rivalries for 2025
25. Iowa-Minnesota
Last year: Iowa 31, Minnesota 14
Streak: Iowa won last game
Last 10 years: Iowa 9, Minnesota 1
Ranked matchups since 2015: 1
Iowa and Minnesota play for the best trophy on this list – the coveted pig known as the Floyd of Rosedale – but the rivalry has been one-sided for too long. The Hawkeyes won eight straight games from 2015-22, and the questionable penalty on Cooper DeJean’s punt return in a 12-10 loss to Minnesota in 2023 is the only thing that prevents this from being 10-0. Iowa also has a 9-1 advantage on Nebraska the last 10 years.
MORE: Big Ten QB rankings for 2025
24. Oregon-Oregon State
Last year: No. 9 Oregon 49, Oregon State 14
Streak: Oregon won last two games
Last 10 years: Oregon 7, Oregon State 3
Ranked matchups since 2015: 3
This was an underrated rivalry on the national scope, but the nature has changed with Oregon leaving for the Big Ten. The Ducks and Beavers will play on Sept. 20 at Autzen Stadium. The game is not on the 2026 schedule – another casualty of realignment. We have no choice but to drop to this spot.
23. Georgia-Georgia Tech
Last year: No. 7 Georgia 44, Georgia Tech 42, 8 OTs
Streak: Georgia won last seven games
Last 10 years: Georgia 8, Georgia Tech 1
Ranked matchups since 2015: 0
Georgia is 7-1 against Georgia Tech under Kirby Smart, with seven straight victories in the series. That included an average margin of victory 36.3 points per game from 2017-21. Brent Key’s arrival with the Yellow Jackets has trimmed that margin down to 11 points per game the last three years – which includes last year’s thriller. Key needs to win one against the Bulldogs to heat Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate back up again.
MORE: Sporting News preseason Top 25
22. Iowa-Iowa State
Last year: Iowa State 20, No. 21 Iowa 19
Streak: Iowa State won last game
Last 10 years: Iowa 7, Iowa State 2
Ranked matchups since 2015: 1
It’s one of the reliable September specials on the menu, and it produces close games. Only one of the last 10 meetings has been decided by more than 10 points. Iowa State has won two of the last three, and the road team has won the last five meetings. It needs more matchups when both teams are ranked to elevate beyond its steady place in the rivalry pecking order.
21. Wisconsin-Minnesota
Last year: Minnesota 24, Wisconsin 7
Streak: Minnesota won last game
Last 10 years: Wisconsin 6, Minnesota 4
Ranked matchups since 2015: 1
Paul Bunyan’s Axe changes hands more often these days. Wisconsin had won 14 in a row from 2005-17, but the Gophers have won four of the last six meetings under P.J. Fleck. The ninth-year Minnesota coach is 4-4 against Wisconsin. This could be a pressure-point game for Luke Fickell in his third season with the Badgers. The magnitude of the game has slipped with the Big Ten moving away from a divisional format.
20. Washington-Washington State
Last year: Washington State 24, Washington 19
Streak: Washington State won last game
Last 10 years: Washington 7, Washington State 2
Ranked matchups since 2015: 3
Washington moved to the Big Ten, but the Apple Cup will continue. The Cougars upset the Huskies last season, and the intensity will be there for the Pacific Northwest rivalry that produced too many blowouts before the last two years.
19. USC-UCLA
Last year: USC 19, UCLA 13
Streak: USC won last game
Last 10 years: USC 7, UCLA 3
Ranked matchups since 2015: 1
This Pac–12-turned-Big Ten rivalry remains an all-time uniform matchup, but there has only been one ranked matchup in the last 10 years. No. 7 USC beat No. 16 UCLA 48-45 in that matchup on Nov. 19, 2022. DeShaun Foster and Lincoln Riley will push this rivalry forward, but will it gain national traction outside of the Los Angeles market?
18. Kentucky-Louisville
Last year: Louisville 41, Kentucky 14
Streak: Louisville won last game
Last 10 years: Kentucky 6, Louisville 3
Ranked matchups since 2015: 0
This includes Kentucky’s 52-21 victory in 2021 on the field, which was vacated by the NCAA. This is not a major rivalry nationally, This game has featured pre-game and in-game fights in the last decade, including 2017. This is a nasty rivalry, and Jeff Brohm added to it last season. The home team is 2-7 in the last 10 years. This is another reason why we don’t want to lose those traditional ACC-SEC end-of-season matchups.
17. Florida State-Miami
Last year: No. 6 Miami 36, Florida State 14
Streak: Miami won last game
Last 10 years: Florida State 5, Miami 5
Ranked matchups since 2015: 1
The in-state rivalry has evened out over the last 10 games, but it has dwindled from that once produced seven straight top-10 matchups from 1987-1993. Six of the last 10 meetings have been one-score games, so the in-game excitement is still there. But one ranked matchup in 10 years? That would have seemed unfathomable in the 1990s.
MORE: ACC QB rankings for 2025
16. Auburn-Georgia
Last year: No. 5 Georgia 31, Auburn 13
Streak: Georgia won last eight games
Last 10 years: Georgia 10, Auburn 1
Ranked matchups since 2015: 6
Auburn last won 40-17 on Nov. 11, 2017. The Bulldogs beat the Tigers 28-7 in the ensuing 2017 SEC championship game later that year, which started a run of eight straight victories. The Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry – which began in 1892 – faces a tenuous future if the conference goes to a nine-game conference schedule. Will this rivalry be protected?
MORE: SEC QB rankings for 2025
15. Michigan-Michigan State
Last year: Michigan 24, Michigan State 17
Streak: Michigan won last three
Last 10 years: Michigan 6, Michigan State 4
Ranked matchups since 2015: 2
The in-state rivalry made headlines for a post-game altercation in the Michigan Stadium in 2022, and that narrative has done more harm than good in the battle for the Paul Bunyan Trophy. The Spartans won both ranked matchups between the teams in 2015 – the legendary “Punt Fumble” game – and 2021 – but Michigan has re-asserted control in the rivalry as a whole. This year, the Wolverines can stretch their winning streak to four games – the longest since a six-game win streak from 2002-07.
14. Florida-Tennessee
Last year: No. 8 Tennessee 23, Florida 17
Streak: Tennessee won last game
Last 10 years: Florida 7, Tennessee 3
Ranked matchups since 2015: 2
Tennessee coach Josh Heupel led the Volunteers to victories in two of the last four meetings, including two of three against Florida coach Billy Napier – a Tennessee native. The last three meetings have been decided by eight points per game. Florida still has controlled the series, and the Vols have not won at The Swamp since 2003. Can Tennessee end that streak on Nov. 29?
MORE: SN’s SEC schedule rankings, from hardest to easiest
13. Ole Miss-Mississippi State
Last year: No. 14 Ole Miss 26, Mississippi State 14
Streak: Ole Miss won last two
Last 10 years: Ole Miss 6, Mississippi State 3
Ranked matchups since 2015: 1
Ole Miss is 4-1 against Mississippi State under Lane Kiffin in the Egg Bowl, and the Rebels have been ranked in four of those games. The Bulldogs have the most-memorable victory in the last 10 years – a 21-20 victory on Nov. 28, 2019 where Ole Miss receiver Elijah Moore was assessed a penalty after pretending to pee like a dog. The Rebels missed the game-tying extra point.
12. Florida-Florida State
Last year: Florida 31, Florida State 11
Streak: Florida won last game
Last 10 years: Florida State 5, Florida 4
Ranked matchups since 2015: 2
It’s still a great in-state series – but the last ranked matchup between the schools was in 2016. Two of the last seven meetings have been decided by a touchdown or less – and Billy Napier and Mike Norvell have taken turns on the hot seat the last few seasons. Will this year’s meeting in The Swamp be a referendum on that job security?
11. Florida-Georgia
Last year: No. 2 Georgia 34, Florida 20
Streak: Georgia won last four
Last 10 years: Georgia 7, Florida 3
Ranked matchups since 2015: 3
This rivalry was hot between 2018-20 with three straight top-five matchups, and the Gators won the last one 44-28 on Nov. 7, 2020. The Bulldogs have won the last four meetings by 19.8 points per game. Kirby Smart is 7-2 against the Gators and 3-0 against Billy Napier.
10. Clemson-South Carolina
Last year: No. 15 South Carolina 17, No. 12 Clemson 14
Streak: South Carolina won last game
Last 10 years: Clemson 7, South Carolina 2
Ranked matchups since 2015: 2
The Gamecocks have won both ranked matchups in the last 10 seasons – but Clemson has won the other seven meetings. Shane Beamer has spiced a series where the road team has won each of the last five meetings, and there is a hint of pressure on Dabo Swinney to re-take the Palmetto State in 2025. When this rivalry is hot, it’s as good as any in college football.
9. BYU-Utah
Last year: No. 9 BYU 22, Utah 21
Streak: BYU won last two
Last 10 years: Utah 5, BYU 2
Ranked matchups since 2015: 0
The Cougars won 22-21 at Rice-Eccles Stadium on Nov. 9, 2024 – Utah athletic director Mark Harlan criticized officials for a defensive holding penalty in the aftermath. The Holy War is on the Big 12 stage now, and five of the last seven meetings have been decided by one score. Can you imagine a potential Big 12 championship game for a playoff berth? It’s possible now.
MORE: Big 12 QB rankings for 2025
8. Texas-Texas A&M
Last year: No. 3 Texas 17, No. 20 Texas A&M 7
Streak: Texas won last two games
Last 10 years: Texas 1, Texas A&M 0
Ranked matchups since 2015: 1
It’s back, and the first matchup between the Longhorns and Aggies did not disappoint. Texas won 17-7 at Kyle Field, and the SEC backdrop for this in-state rivalry is the perfect setting for the future. Texas A&M hasn’t played at Darrell K. Royal-Memorial Texas Memorial Stadium since Nov. 25, 2010 – a game the Aggies won 24-17.
7. Alabama-Tennessee
Last year: No. 11 Tennessee 24, No. 7 Alabama 17
Streak: Tennessee won last game
Last 10 years: Alabama 8, Tennessee 2
Ranked matchups since 2015: 4
The Third Saturday in October is heating up again. The Vols have won two of the last three under Josh Heupel, and the 52-49 thriller on Oct. 15, 2022 broke a 15-game losing streak to Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide. Now, Kalen DeBoer is 0-1 against the Vols. Alabama has not lost at home to Tennessee since 2003.
MORE: Ranking 2025 CFB head coaches, from 1-136
6. USC-Notre Dame
Last year: No. 5 Notre Dame 49, USC 35
Streak: Notre Dame won last two
Last 10 years: Notre Dame 7, USC 2
Ranked matchups since 2015: 4
It’s warming because of uncertainty about the future of this rivalry with the Trojans’ move to the Big Ten, and that would spoil a fun coaching matchup between Lincoln Riley and Marcus Freeman. The Irish are 2-1 in those games so far, and the last four matchups have been decided by 17 points per game. It’s a top-five historical rivalry without question, but what happens if USC does not agree to play Notre Dame past the 2025 season?
BENDER: It is not the Trojans’ fault the USC-ND series may be ending
5. Alabama-LSU
Last year: No. 11 Alabama 42, LSU 13
Streak: Alabama won last two
Last 10 years: Alabama 8, LSU 2
Ranked matchups since 2015: 8
How can we have this so low? After all, this rivalry has been arguably the most important annual game between programs that have combined for nine national championships this century. LSU and Alabama produced the most ranked matchups in the last 10 years among the rivalries on this list. The problem is Nick Saban won seven of those national titles between the two schools. Alabama hammered LSU last season in Kalen DeBoer’s first shot at the Tigers, and Brian Kelly is 1-2 against the Crimson Tide. Will this still be an annual game in the future?
4. Army-Navy
Last year: Navy 31, No. 22 Army 13
Streak: Navy won last game
Last 10 years: Army 6, Navy 4
Ranked matchups since 2015: 0
Losing independent status has enhanced this rivalry. The Army-Navy game remains a stand-alone fixture – at least for now – and both teams are in the American Athletic Conference. Army won the AAC championship game in 2024, and Navy is a heavy preseason favorite in 2025. The pageantry with the Army-Navy game is unmatched, and seven of the last 10 meetings have been decided by seven points or less.
3. Auburn-Alabama
Last year: No. 13 Alabama 28, Auburn 14
Streak: Alabama won last five
Last 10 years: Alabama 8, Auburn 2
Ranked matchups since 2015: 3
The Iron Bowl never goes cold – and it has had some great finishes in the last five years. In 2023, Auburn nearly had an upset before the “Milroe Miracle” on fourth-and-31 – a pass from Jalen Milroe to Isaiah Bond – gave Alabama a 27-24 victory. Alabama also pulled off a 24-22 four-overtime victory in 2021. The Tigers won the previous two meetings at Jordan-Hare Stadium – where the game will be this season. Will Kalen DeBoer take his first loss? Will Hugh Freeze get his first win?
2. Texas-Oklahoma
Last year: No. 1 Texas 34, Oklahoma 3
Streak: Texas won last game
Last 10 years: Oklahoma 7, Texas 4
Ranked matchups since 2015: 6
The Longhorns have won two of the last three meetings, and that includes a 49-0 victory in 2022 and 35-3 victory in 2024. The Sooners still have the upper-hand the last 10 years – including a 39-27 victory in the 2018 Big 12 championship game. and Steve Sarkisian is 2-3 against Oklahoma. Brent Venables will be on the spot in the 2025 installment of the Red River Rivalry – which is a key SEC matchup now.
1. Michigan-Ohio State
Last year: Michigan 13, No. 2 Ohio State 10
Streak: Michigan won last four
Last 10 years: Ohio State 5, Michigan 4
Ranked matchups since 2015: 7
Michigan broke an eight-game losing streak to the Buckeyes in 2021 – and the Wolverines have won four straight in the series clouded with controversy stemming from the Connor Stalions’ in-person scouting and sign-stealing scandal. Yet the Buckeyes were three-TD favorites last season and lost 13-10 at Ohio Stadium in ugly fashion both during and after the game. That put tremendous heat on Ryan Day before the national championship run. Michigan has not won five in a row in the series since a six-game streak from 1922-27. Will the Buckeyes break the losing streak on Nov. 29 at Michigan Stadium?
MORE: Ranking the Big Ten schedules, from hardest to easiest
