RIVALRY WEEK 2025: THE MATCHUPS THAT WILL SET THE FINAL WEEK OF THE REGULAR SEASON ON FIRE
Updated: Oct 31
As the final week of the regular season approaches, Rivalry Week takes over across the United States. It’s the moment when old grudges, cultural borders, and entire seasons can flip in a single night. Some rivalries are over a century old, others were born from recent conference realignments… but all share the same obsession: beating the rival, no matter the cost.
Here’s a look at the rivalries being played this weekend, their context, history, and the unique intensity that defines them in 2025.
Egg Bowl — Ole Miss @ Mississippi State
Friday, Starkville
The Egg Bowl has never been an ordinary game, but this year exceeds even its usual standards. Beyond the Golden Egg and the chaos this rivalry is known for, one question dominates the SEC: where will Lane Kiffin be heading after this game?
Rumors are everywhere: imminent coaching moves, impatient boosters, hot seats across the country. Many feel this could be Kiffin’s final game as head coach of the Rebels, making the atmosphere even heavier and more electric.
Air Force @ Colorado State — Ram–Falcon Trophy
Friday, Fort Collins
A less publicized rivalry, but one deeply rooted. Since 1980, Air Force and Colorado State have battled for the Ram–Falcon Trophy, showcasing two opposite styles: the military option attack versus a state university known for flair. Air Force is still aiming for a major Mountain West objective, while CSU hopes to play spoiler again like in 2024. A tough, cold, and never-trivial matchup in Colorado.
Georgia @ Georgia Tech — Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate
Friday, Atlanta
The name says it all: “Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate.” A rivalry nearly 120 years old in which Georgia has historically dominated, though last year delivered one of the wildest games of the decade: eight overtimes, a 44–42 finish, and a stadium erupting. This year, Georgia is virtually playoff-bound. Georgia Tech hopes to rescue its season with an upset. And in Atlanta, the sporting hatred never fades.
Iowa @ Nebraska — Heroes Game
Friday, Lincoln
The Heroes Game is rarely spectacular, but almost always intense. Since joining the Big Ten, Iowa has held the advantage, though Nebraska has ruined its neighbor’s ambitions more than once. Both programs are frustrated by 2025, but only one can salvage its pride at season’s end.
“The Game” — Ohio State @ Michigan
Saturday, Ann Arbor
You can’t talk about Rivalry Week without mentioning THE GAME, the most powerful matchup in college football. Last year, one image defined the season: Michigan players planting their flag at midfield on the Ohio State “O,” followed by a full-team altercation. A moment of pure rivalry, etched in memory.
This year, the tension is even heavier. Ohio State arrives undefeated but haunted by four straight losses to the Wolverines. Michigan is fighting for its Big Ten survival, with a chance to reach the conference championship if everything breaks right.
Miami @ Pitt — A Modern ACC Rivalry
Saturday, Pittsburgh
This matchup doesn’t have the age of an Ohio State–Michigan, but its rising intensity in the ACC now makes it a must-watch. Miami arrives with a playoff-caliber defense; Pitt counters with an aggressive ground game and is still in the ACC title race depending on results. A trap game, physical, heavy, decisive.
Kentucky @ Louisville — Governor’s Cup
Saturday, Louisville
In Kentucky, the Governor’s Cup is more than a game — it’s a snapshot of the state’s identity, a battle for symbolism as much as for points. Louisville, inconsistent this season, can erase a difficult fall by beating its rival. Kentucky, steadier but never safe from collapse, wants to continue dominating the region and prove its recent rise wasn’t a Stoops-era fluke.
The game is often tense, aggressive, defined by bruising defensive sequences and raw emotion. A rivalry that divides families and entire cities — the pure spirit of Rivalry Week.
Clemson @ South Carolina — Palmetto Bowl
Saturday, Columbia
Played since 1896, the Palmetto Bowl remains a Southern classic. Clemson dominates overall, but South Carolina loves being the spoiler. In 2025, both seasons have been disappointing — this game is the only memory that will truly matter.
Houston @ Baylor — Southwestern Heritage
Saturday, Waco
Houston and Baylor keep the spirit of the old Southwest Conference alive. Now in the Big 12, they battle for the title of “best Texas outsider,” behind the giants Texas and Texas A&M. A matchup with huge recruiting-room implications.
Virginia Tech @ Virginia — Commonwealth Cup
Saturday, Charlottesville
Tech dominated for two decades, but Virginia has finally fought back. This year, the Cavaliers can reach the ACC Championship Game with a win. The Hokies have a golden chance to crush that dream. Simple, brutal, perfect.
Alabama @ Auburn — Iron Bowl
Saturday, Auburn
The Iron Bowl creates trauma. Alabama dominates historically, but Auburn has mastered the art of breaking the Tide’s dreams — from the “Kick Six” to other unforgettable heartbreaks. In 2025, Alabama must win to reach the SEC Championship. Auburn can clinch bowl eligibility… by eliminating its rival. Jordan-Hare promises a volcanic night.
UCLA @ USC — Crosstown Showdown
Saturday, Los Angeles
The battle for the Victory Bell. USC leads, UCLA survives, but a Los Angeles derby carries enormous cultural weight. Losing this game means losing the city.
Northwestern @ Illinois — Land of Lincoln Trophy
Saturday, Champaign
In Illinois, this duel is far from a simple end-of-season game. It’s North vs. South, Chicago vs. the rest of the state, two cultures, two visions of football. Since 2009, the Land of Lincoln Trophy has become a key marker of regional dominance: the team lifting Abraham Lincoln’s statue wins the recruiting narrative and media perception.
Illinois looks solid, consistent, and powerful. Northwestern remains one of the most unpredictable programs in the country — capable of the best and worst in the same game. A matchup where every yard matters, and emotions go far beyond the standings.
North Carolina @ NC State — Tobacco Road, Football Edition
Saturday, Raleigh
Tobacco Road isn’t just a basketball thing. On the football field, the animosity is just as raw and visceral. UNC plays for bowl survival under heavy pressure on a staff criticized all season. NC State moves forward with a clear identity: aggressive defense, direct style… and Bill Belichick’s imprint as he experiences firsthand the ferocity of a Carolina derby where every play is a message.
UNLV @ Nevada — Battle for the Fremont Cannon
Saturday, Reno
The heaviest trophy in the country and one of the West’s most physical rivalries. UNLV is chasing another 10-win season; Nevada wants to flip the script. Mackay Stadium will be hostile.
Notre Dame @ Stanford — Legends Trophy
Saturday, Palo Alto
Academic prestige meets football heritage. Notre Dame is aiming for the CFP; Stanford wants to sabotage its playoff path. A refined rivalry — with a sharp competitive edge.
Fresno State @ San José State — Valley Trophy
Saturday, San José
Two California programs fighting for the “Valley.” Fresno holds the historical edge, SJSU is climbing back. A consistently tense Mountain West matchup.
Oregon @ Washington — The Northwest’s New Great Rivalry
Saturday, Seattle
Not as old as Midwest classics, but now one of the fiercest rivalries on the West Coast. Oregon–Washington took on national significance during the Pac-12 era: trash talk, decisive games, explosive stadiums. This year, Oregon plays for the CFP. Washington hosts at Husky Stadium, where the team often transforms into an unpredictable giant. A rivalry inherited… but more alive than ever.
Conclusion
Rivalry Week is a turning point, a final chance to roar, tremble, celebrate, or scream before the season shifts into a new phase: conference championships, impossible scenarios, bowl invitations, and the first major battles toward the CFP.
For some programs, it’s a farewell. For others, a rebound. But for all, it’s the weekend when football becomes instinctive, tribal, and visceral again.
