In the passionate world of college football, rivalry games represent more than just competition-they embody tradition, regional pride, and decades of history. Recently, The Athletic joined forces with The New York Times to rank the top 100 college football rivalries, sparking debate across the fanbase. This article delves into the methodology behind the rankings, highlights notable rivalries that narrowly missed the cut, and examines which matchups are poised to break into the elite tier in the coming years. From time-honored classics to emerging showdowns, we explore what makes these rivalries so compelling and why some were left out of the prestigious list.
Ranking Criteria That Shaped the Top 100 College Football Rivalries
To assemble a definitive ranking of the top 100 college football rivalries, multiple dimensions were scrutinized beyond just historical win-loss records. The evaluation process favored intensity of fan engagement, regional and cultural significance, and the consistent competitiveness of the matchups over recent decades. Factors such as annual attendance figures, media coverage, and social media buzz also played pivotal roles in determining the weight each rivalry held in the collective American football consciousness.
Key components factored into the final decisions included:
- Tradition and Longevity: Rivalries dating back over a century naturally commanded respect for their embedded role in college football lore.
- Impact on Season Stakes: Games with direct implications on conference titles or national championship berths ranked higher.
- Balanced Historical Competitiveness: Rivalries with closely contested outcomes over time were preferred to ones dominated heavily by one team.
- Cultural Rivalry Narratives: Underlying social, historical, or state pride elements added layers of significance.
| Ranking Factor | Weight (%) | Example Rivalry |
|---|---|---|
| Fan Engagement & Atmosphere | 30 | Michigan vs. Ohio State |
| Historical Significance | 25 | Army vs. Navy |
| Competitiveness | 20 | Oklahoma vs. Texas |
| Media Presence & Coverage | 15 | Alabama vs. Auburn |
| Geographic & Cultural Impact | 10 | South Carolina vs. Clemson |
Notable Omissions and Surprising Snubs from the Final List
Despite the exhaustive effort to compile a definitive list, several historic matchups unexpectedly failed to make the cut, raising eyebrows across college football circles. Notable absences include the Army-Navy Classic, which has been a staple of American football tradition but didn’t rank high enough in competitive intensity or national relevance. Similarly, the California-Stanford “Big Game” missed out, surprising many given its rich history and cultural significance in the West Coast rivalry landscape. These omissions highlight the challenge of balancing legacy with present-day significance.
Beyond those surprises, a handful of emerging rivalries barely missed inclusion, signaling potential future additions to the pantheon of college football’s fiercest contests. Among them:
- Memphis vs. Tulane – A Southern rivalry gaining traction for its dramatic games in recent seasons;
- Boise State vs. Air Force – A Rocky Mountain duel noted for its unexpected upsets;
- Miami (OH) vs. Cincinnati – A Battle of the Belt with renewed competitive balance.
| Rivalry | Reason for Omission | Potential for Future Inclusion |
|---|---|---|
| Army-Navy | Less national TV coverage, perceived as ceremonial | High due to historic prestige |
| Cal-Stanford | Recent decline in competitive stakes | Moderate with renewed program investment |
| Memphis-Tulane | Emerging rivalry status | High as regional intensity grows |
Emerging Matchups Poised to Join the Elite Rivalry Ranks
As college football continuously evolves, several burgeoning rivalries have begun to capture the intensity and passion traditionally reserved for long-established matchups. These emerging contests are fueled by closely contested games, regional pride, and high stakes moments that promise to draw national attention for years to come. Noteworthy among them are clashes where underdog programs challenge powerhouse teams, creating narratives rich with unpredictability and drama.
Below is a breakdown of some key programs whose rivalries are gaining traction and could soon ascend into the elite tier:
- UTEP vs. New Mexico: Geographic proximity and competitive balance have added fuel to this Southwestern face-off.
- Memphis vs. Tulane: Frequent battles for conference supremacy with playoff implications.
- Washington State vs. Oregon State: An intense rivalry rekindled by recent shifts in program fortunes.
| Rivalry | First Meeting | Recent Game Margin | National Rankings Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| UTEP vs. New Mexico | 1922 | 5 points avg. | Minimal but growing |
| Memphis vs. Tulane | 1935 | 7 points avg. | Moderate, conference relevance |
| Washington State vs. Oregon State | 1900 | 4 points avg. | Emerging nationally |
Expert Recommendations for Fans Seeking Underrated Rivalry Classics
While the annual megabattles naturally dominate headlines and fan fervor, some underrated rivalries possess a rich tapestry of history and intense competition that deserves wider recognition. These matchups often fly under the radar but consistently deliver edge-of-the-seat moments and deeply entrenched regional pride. Fans looking to dive into less hyped but equally thrilling clashes should keep an eye on programs where proximity and tradition fuel an electric atmosphere.
For those eager to explore beyond the iconic rivalries, the following list highlights some hidden gems that merit serious consideration. These contests blend passionate fanbases, unpredictable outcomes, and deep-rooted narratives that make college football’s landscape richer and more compelling:
- Arizona vs. Arizona State: A desert showdown with decades of gritty matchups.
- Florida Atlantic vs. Florida International: South Florida’s own battle for bragging rights.
- Marshall vs. Western Kentucky: Appalachian rivalry packed with high stakes and fervor.
- Houston vs. Rice: The Bayou City’s oldest football competition.
- Wyoming vs. Colorado State: The Battle for the Bronze Boot, a Rocky Mountain classic.
| Rivalry | Region | Last Notable Game | Key Attraction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marshall vs. Western Kentucky | Appalachia | 2023 Thriller (45-42 OT) | High scoring, emotional intensity |
| Houston vs. Rice | Texas Gulf Coast | 2022 Defensive Battle | Century-old tradition |
| Wyoming vs. Colorado State | Rocky Mountains | 2023 Classic Comeback Win | Regional pride, physicality |
| Rivalry | Region | Last Notable Game | Key Attraction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marshall vs. Western Kentucky | Appalachia | 2023 Thriller (45-42 OT) | High scoring, emotional intensity |
| Houston vs. Rice | Texas Gulf Coast | 2022 Defensive Battle | Century-old tradition |
