How College Football Rivalries Are Born

28 May 2025

College football isn't just about touchdowns, turnovers, and trophies—it's about passion, history, and, most importantly, rivalries. Rivalries in college football aren't created overnight; they’re shaped by decades of intense clashes, bitter defeats, fan fervor, and, let’s be honest, a little bit of good old-fashioned hatred.

But how do these rivalries come to life? Why do certain matchups stir up so much emotion while others feel like just another game on the schedule? Buckle up—we’re diving deep into the origins of college football’s greatest rivalries.

1. The Role of Geography: Close Quarters, Big Battles

One of the most common ingredients in a great college football rivalry is proximity. When two schools are located near each other, whether in the same state or neighboring ones, it naturally breeds competition.

Think about it—when teams are close, fans bump into each other every day. Coworkers, family members, and best friends might find themselves on opposite sides of the rivalry, leading to year-round trash talk.

Examples? Auburn vs. Alabama ("The Iron Bowl"), Michigan vs. Michigan State, and Oregon vs. Oregon State ("The Civil War")—all of these feature in-state foes battling for regional supremacy.

2. Conference Clashes: Fighting for Supremacy

Being part of the same conference ensures that two programs meet regularly, but when those games consistently have high stakes—playoff berths, conference titles, or just pure bragging rights—things can get heated.

The SEC, Big Ten, ACC, and Big 12 are littered with historic rivalries that have been shaped by constant clashes. When teams play each other year after year, bad blood builds.

A prime example? Ohio State vs. Michigan ("The Game"). This Big Ten rivalry has been must-watch TV for well over a century, as both schools have traditionally been among the conference's best.

3. Recruiting Wars: Fighting for the Same Talent

Rivalries don’t just happen on Saturdays—they start in high school football fields, where teams battle for the best recruits. When two schools often chase after the same prospects, it adds fuel to the fire.

Coaches know that winning a rivalry game can sway recruits toward their program, making these matchups even more personal.

A great example? Florida vs. Florida State—both schools recruit heavily in the Sunshine State, making every victory a message to future players.

4. Memorable Moments: The Spark That Lights the Fire

Every major college football rivalry has "that moment"—the controversy, the jaw-dropping play, or the heated post-game interview that cements the hatred.

- The "Kick Six" (2013) in the Iron Bowl between Auburn and Alabama? That single play made the rivalry even more intense.
- The Bush Push (2005)—when USC's Reggie Bush illegally helped push QB Matt Leinart into the end zone against Notre Dame—added fuel to an already fiery matchup.
- The Snow Bowl (1950) between Michigan and Ohio State became legendary because of brutal conditions and a controversial finish.

Sometimes, all it takes is one unforgettable moment to turn a good rivalry into an all-time classic.

5. Fan Passion and Tradition: A Never-Ending Cycle

College football fans are a different breed. They don’t just root for their team—they live and breathe their team. And when a rivalry game comes around, the stakes go beyond just winning or losing.

Tailgates become more intense. Game-week trash talk reaches new heights. And traditions—like Florida-Georgia's "World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party" or Army-Navy’s patriotic pageantry—keep rivalries burning for generations.

For many fans, beating the rival isn't just about this year—it’s about maintaining bragging rights for life.

6. Coaching Feuds: Adding Fuel to the Fire

Sometimes, a rivalry isn’t just about the schools; it’s about the coaches who lead them. Some of the most intense rivalries are fueled by legendary coaches who just did not like each other.

Take Woody Hayes (Ohio State) and Bo Schembechler (Michigan)—two fiery leaders who turned "The Game" into must-watch drama.

Or how about Steve Spurrier (Florida) and Bobby Bowden (Florida State)? These two Hall of Famers traded jabs in press conferences and backed it up with epic battles on the field.

When coaches have history, their teams inherit their grudges, adding even more fire to the rivalry.

7. The Business of Rivalries: Money Talks

Let’s not ignore the elephant in the room—rivalries are great for business.

Networks love them. Ticket sales skyrocket. Merch flies off the shelves. Some rivalries are so big, they have their own names and sponsorships.

Just look at The Red River Rivalry (Oklahoma vs. Texas)—it’s played at the Cotton Bowl during the State Fair of Texas, making it unique and extremely lucrative.

The bigger the rivalry, the bigger the paycheck—and schools, conferences, and TV networks know it.

8. The Impact of Realignment: When Rivalries Are Lost (or Reborn)

In recent years, conference realignments have ended some historic rivalries while giving birth to new ones.

Nebraska left the Big 12 for the Big Ten and lost annual showdowns with Oklahoma and Texas. Missouri and Texas A&M bolted for the SEC, leaving behind annual battles in the Big 12.

But realignment has also introduced new potential feuds—like Texas and Alabama now being in the SEC. And let’s be honest—when USC and UCLA join the Big Ten, things are going to get very interesting.

9. The Future of College Football Rivalries

With the sport evolving, will rivalries remain as intense as they once were? Absolutely.

As long as there’s geography, competition, history, and passionate fan bases, rivalries will always play a massive role in college football.

The names may change, the conferences may shift, and new storylines may emerge, but one thing’s for sure—there’s nothing quite like a college football rivalry.

Final Thoughts

Rivalries are the heart and soul of college football. They create unforgettable moments, divide families, and keep the sport as intense as ever. Whether it’s a century-old battle or a budding feud, every great rivalry has a story.

So, the next time you watch a bitter college football rivalry unfold, just know—it wasn’t born overnight. It took history, hatred, heartbreak, and hype. And that’s why we love it.