One of the greatest distinctions between pro football and college football is rivalries. These are regional battles between conference opponents that stir up strong feelings on both sides. They last generations, handed down like family heirlooms, and with just one matchup every single year, they carry weight and stakes that last until the next meeting. Some of these rivalries date back more than a century, and this year each one adds another entry into its storied history.
November 28 is rivalry weekend in college football, but some of these rivalries can’t wait until then.
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College Football Rivalries 2026 Game Schedule
Here’s a look at when some of the biggest College Football Rivalries are facing off during the 2026 CFB season, along with where to watch them live.
Iowa vs. Iowa State Rivalry (Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series)
How to Watch: Stream Iowa at Iowa State on September 12, 2026 on NBC (check local listings)
All-Time Record: 47-25, Iowa leads
Iowa and Iowa State have been playing each other since the late 1800s for the Cy Hawk Trophy. Iowa leads the season series, but in recent years Iowa State has come out on top.
The balance of power is once again up for grabs, as Iowa will likely open at the bottom of the college football rankings with Iowa State on the outside looking in. But it doesn’t really matter where these teams rank in the country. This is a game that gets circled on each team’s schedule every year.
Washington vs. Washington State Rivalry (Apple Cup)
How to Watch: Stream Washington at Washington State on September 5, 2026 on CBS
All-Time Record: 74-34-6, Washington leads
The Apple Cup pits the Washington Huskies against the Washington State Cougars. Their first meeting was a 5-5 tie on November 29, 1900, and their latest meeting was a 59-24 Washington drubbing.
Since the turn of the 21st century, Washington has dominated the rivalry, ranking in the top 25 five times over that span. This year makes it six, as Washington is poised to rank among the top 20 in the country while Washington State is in rebuild mode. But that doesn’t matter when it comes to rivalries.
Oregon vs. Oregon State Rivalry (formerly known as the Civil War Rivalry)
2025 Results: Oregon (41) vs. Oregon State (7)
All-Time Record: 69-49-10, Oregon leads
Oregon and Oregon State have been playing each other since 1894. Oregon leads the rivalry series and is 15-3 in their last 18 matchups. This season Oregon enters as one of the country’s powerhouses, likely aimed at a top 5 ranking when the polls come out in mid-August.
With the changing of conferences, these two teams won’t battle again until 2028, with Oregon in the Big Ten and Oregon State rebuilding the Pac-12. Fans, after two years away, will be hungrier than ever to win the Civil War.
Texas vs. Oklahoma Rivalry (Red River Rivalry)
How to Watch: Stream Texas vs. Oklahoma on October 10, 2026 on 3:30 p.m. on ESPN
All-Time Record: 64-51-5, Texas leads
One of college football’s best rivalries is the Red River Rivalry between Texas and Oklahoma. First played in 1900, these two teams are poised for their 122nd meeting in 2026.
Texas enters as one of the top teams in the country, with Oklahoma looking to prove that last season was no fluke. This is a game that could have national championship implications, with both teams looking for a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Related: Texas vs. Oklahoma Rivalry History
Utah vs. BYU Rivalry (The Holy War)
How to Watch: Stream Utah at BYU on November 7, 2026 on TBD
All-Time Record: 62-35-4, Utah leads (according to Utah); 59-33-4, Utah leads (according to BYU)
The Holy War pits the BYU Cougars against the Utah Utes. First played in 1896, these two teams battle for the Beehive Boot, which BYU has won three straight years after Utah had won nine in a row.
Notre Dame vs. USC Rivalry
All-Time Record: 50-37-5, Notre Dame leads
Notre Dame and USC first started playing one another in 1926. As two of college football’s crown jewels, they’ve established a fierce rivalry. They’ve alternated runs of success, with Notre Dame dominating since the mid 2000s, winning 7 of their last 8 meetings, and they’ll enter the 2026 season again as a top 10 team.
Notre Dame and USC won’t play in 2026, but the historic rivalry is set to return in 2030 and 2031. When these two storied programs meet again, it will bring plenty of excitement to South Bend and Southern California, with the Jeweled Shillelagh once again up for grabs.
Florida vs. Georgia Rivalry (The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party)
How to Watch: Stream Florida vs. Georgia on October 31, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC
All-Time Record: 57-44-2, Georgia leads
A battle of two SEC powerhouses, Florida and Georgia are two of college football’s major success stories in the 21st century. Both teams have won back-to-back championships in that span and produced legendary players, staying among the top teams in the country. Georgia leads the all-time series 58-44 and has dominated since the mid-2010s, winning 8 of their last 9 matchups. Georgia will enter this season as the favorite.
Ohio State vs. Penn State Rivalry
All-Time Record: 25-14, Ohio State leads
Ohio State and Penn State are two staples of the Big Ten Conference. The two teams have only played 41 times, but their rust belt regional fervor helps make this feel like one of the oldest rivalries in college football. Ohio State, who will likely enter the season as the number one team in the country, has won 9 straight matchups and 13 of the last 14. Penn State will also enter as a top 25 team and will have the added bonus of getting to play spoiler. However, their next matchup won’t come until 2028.
Ole Miss vs. Mississippi State Rivalry (Egg Bowl)
How to Watch: Stream Ole Miss at Mississippi State on November 27, 2026 at 12 p.m. ET on TBD
All-Time Record: 66–46–6, Ole Miss leads
The Egg Bowl pits the Bulldogs against the Rebels, two teams separated by less than 50 miles in a rivalry that stretches back more than 120 years. Historically each team has gone on major runs in the rivalry, but of late it’s been more balanced. Ole Miss has won 5 of the last 6 matchups, though it’s been an even split since the mid 2000s. This year Ole Miss enters as a top 15 team, with Mississippi State playing the hungry underdog.
Georgia Tech vs. Georgia Rivalry (Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate)
How to Watch: Stream Georgia Tech vs. Georgia on November 27, 2026 on TBD
All-Time Record: 72-41-5, Georgia leads
The Georgia Tech and Georgia matchup is one of clean old-fashioned hate. One of the oldest rivalries in college football, dating back to 1893, these two schools are separated by just 37 miles in the Peach State.
Georgia Tech has played the underdog for the last decade, but over the last three seasons this has been no walk in the park for the highly ranked Bulldogs. Their biggest margin of victory has been just 8 points over that stretch, as the Yellow Jackets keep proving to be a persistent annoyance.
Texas A&M vs. Texas Rivalry (Lone Star Showdown)
How to Watch: Stream Texas A&M at Texas on November 27, 2026 on ABC
All-Time Record: 77-37-5, Texas leads
A matchup of two top 25 teams, Texas versus Texas A&M is a College Football Playoff preview. The two teams are separated by just 75 miles and are neck and neck in their aspirations for a national championship. Texas has won three straight matchups and enters the 121st meeting between the two teams with sky-high expectations as Arch Manning begins his final season at quarterback.
Related: Texas A&M vs. Texas Rivalry History
Ohio State vs. Michigan Rivalry (The Game)
How to Watch: Stream Ohio State at Michigan on November 28, 2026 at 12 p.m. ET on FOX
All-Time Record: 62–51–6, Michigan leads
Ohio State vs Michigan is one of the great rivalries in all of sports. It takes on such significance that it’s referred to simply as “The Game.” It’s one of the most balanced matchups between rivals. Michigan holds the series lead, but for the last 20 years Ohio State has dominated the matchup. Not of late, though. Michigan has won four of the last five meetings between the two teams, with three of them featuring both teams ranked in the top five.
This season Ohio State will likely enter as the number one team in the country, with Michigan fighting to get back into College Football Playoff contention. As usual, come late November, this is the one game everyone in the Midwest will be tuned into.
Alabama vs. Auburn Rivalry (Iron Bowl)
How to Watch: Stream Alabama at Auburn on November 28, 2026 on TBD
All-Time Record: 51–37–1, Alabama leads
The Iron Bowl dates back to 1893, when Birmingham was the industrial capital of the South thanks to its production of pig iron, coke, coal and steel. Alabama has won 14 of the last 18 meetings, with each Auburn win coming as an upset over the Crimson Tide. A victory this year will likely need to be a surprise as well, with Auburn on the outside of the top 25 and Alabama staking its claim for the top 10.
USC vs. UCLA Rivalry (Crosstown Rivalry)
How to Watch: Stream UCLA at USC on November 28, 2026 on TBD
All-Time Record: 53-34-7, USC leads
USC and UCLA are separated by just 4 miles in Los Angeles. The rivalry carries added significance with both the Coliseum and the Rose Bowl alternating as the stadium for this classic matchup, giving it an arena befitting the intensity of the game.
Florida State vs. Florida Rivalry (Sunshine Showdown)
How to Watch: Stream Florida State at Florida on November 27, 2026 on ABC
All-Time Record: 38–28–2, Florida leads
The Sunshine Showdown pits the Seminoles against the Gators in a game of great regional relevance in northern Florida, between two of the most historic programs in the country. It’s been close to an even split between the two teams since the turn of the 21st century, but Florida has dominated the last few meetings, winning 5 of the last 7 matchups, including a 40-21 drubbing in 2025. Both teams have reason to feel overlooked heading into the 2026 season, so this game will be a chance for each to show it’s worthy of a top spot in the polls.
Clemson vs. South Carolina Rivalry (Palmetto Bowl)
How to Watch: Stream Clemson at South Carolina on November 28, 2026 at 12 p.m. ET on TBD
All-Time Record: 73–44–4, Clemson leads
Clemson and South Carolina are separated by just 37 miles and have a rivalry that dates back to the late 19th century. Now in different conferences, this rivalry holds on to its relevance with both teams among the country’s best. The last four years have been a split between the two teams, and this year will bring its trademark intensity with both teams on the outside of the top 25 looking to make a run at the College Football Playoff.
Virginia Tech vs. Virginia Rivalry (Commonwealth Clash)
How to Watch: Stream Virginia Tech at Virginia on November 28, 2026 on TBD
All-Time Record: 62-38-5, Virginia Tech leads
The Commonwealth Clash pits the Cavaliers against the Hokies in a matchup that dates back to 1895. While not among the nation’s best, these two teams have been competitive and are roughly in the same spot heading into the 2026 season. Virginia was ranked for the first time in years in 2025 and pulled off just its second victory over Virginia Tech since 2004. The Cavaliers will look to make it two in a row for the first time since the late 90s.
Kentucky vs. Louisville Rivalry (Governor’s Cup)
How to Watch: Stream Kentucky at Louisville on November 28, 2026 on TBD
All-Time Record: 19-16, Kentucky leads
The Governor’s Cup is awarded to the winner of the Kentucky-Louisville matchup. Separated by just 37 miles, these two programs have been facing off since 1912, with Kentucky leading the series 19-17. Neither team is known for football prowess, but entering 2026 Louisville will likely enter as a ranked team and will need its third straight victory over its Bluegrass State rivals to climb the polls and make its first appearance in the College Football Playoff.
Notre Dame vs. Stanford Rivalry
How to Watch: Stream Notre Dame at Stanford on October 10, 2026 on TBD
All-Time Record: 23-14, Notre Dame leads
It could aptly be called the Academic Bowl given the reputation each school carries, making this one of the most underrated rivalries in college football. As the second of Notre Dame’s California rivals, Stanford and Notre Dame first met in 1925.
Over the last 20 years the two programs have alternated ownership of the rivalry, and right now it’s Notre Dame’s turn, having won 6 of the last 7 matchups. In 2026, Notre Dame will enter the season as a top 5 team, with Stanford far on the outside looking in. It’ll take a Herculean effort from the Cardinal to pull off the upset against the Fighting Irish.
Army vs. Navy Rivalry
How to Watch: Stream Army vs. Navy on December 12, 2026 at 12 p.m. ET on CBS
All-Time Record: 63-55-7, Navy leads
Perhaps the most iconic rivalry in college football, Army-Navy is the oldest rivalry in the sport, dating back to 1890. Its significance is unmatched, since it pits two branches of the military against one another, making it one of the most highly anticipated matchups every year. This season Navy will look to make it three straight wins.
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