College football rivalries define the sport in ways that statistics alone can’t capture. Every autumn, campuses come alive with traditions, energy, and anticipation as fans and students rally behind their teams.

Rivalries are more than contests on the field; they are cultural landmarks that shape school pride, alumni connections, and unforgettable memories.

The 2025 season offers no shortage of heated matchups that carry history, tradition, and national significance. From iconic clashes that determine playoff positioning to in-state battles for bragging rights, these games remain the lifeblood of college football.

The Cy-Hawk Series: Iowa vs Iowa State’s Battle for Bragging Rights

Few rivalries capture the essence of local pride better than Iowa vs. Iowa State. Known as the Cy-Hawk Series, this annual showdown is about more than a football trophy. It represents decades of history and the enduring spirit of two fan bases who share the same state but never the same loyalties.

The Cy-Hawk Trophy, featuring mascots Herky the Hawk and Cy the Cardinal, has become a symbol of tradition for generations of players and students alike. The 2025 matchup adds another chapter to this storied rivalry.

Iowa State hosts Iowa at Jack Trice Stadium for the 72nd installment of the storied matchup. The clash will inevitably see packed student sections, spirited chants, and a wall of noise that makes the Cy-Hawk game feel bigger than any single season.

Performance on the field fuels not just bragging rights, but also perceptions about how each team stacks up nationally. Early-season records and head-to-head clashes influence conversations across the sport, including betting markets.

Fans watching CFB odds will notice how matchups like the Cy-Hawk Series can shift expectations for the season, creating intrigue that extends far beyond Iowa’s borders.

Classic Clashes That Define the Season

The Iowa versus Iowa State rivalry may dominate headlines in early September, but several other showdowns define the college football calendar. These games carry traditions and stakes that decide conference titles and playoff berths.

Michigan and Ohio State meet on November 29 in “The Game,” a clash that has shaped the Big Ten and national picture for decades. Campuses rally, and the winner often reaches the conference championship.

Alabama and Auburn revisit the Iron Bowl on the same day. Iconic finishes and fevered loyalty make it a centerpiece. Oklahoma and Texas square off on October 11 at the Cotton Bowl during the State Fair of Texas. The matchup has gained urgency in the SEC’s new landscape, with both programs chasing supremacy.

Other national treasures include USC vs. Notre Dame, Army vs. Navy, and Penn State vs. Ohio State, each blending tradition, pride, and playoff implications. Stories passed down through generations magnify student excitement.

Fans who track standout performances know individual players become legends in these moments. Many rely on insights such as those provided by college football props to follow which players might deliver game-changing plays when the stakes are at their highest.

Tradition, Spirit, and the Student Experience

Rivalries are not only battles between programs; they are celebrations of campus life. Students experience them through tailgates, pep rallies, chants, and halftime shows that create an atmosphere unlike anything else. Rivalry games often feel like holidays on campus, when classes and routines take a back seat to school spirit.

The Red River Showdown is as famous for its setting at the Texas State Fair as it is for its football. Students enjoy the festivities and traditions surrounding the contest, making the game a cultural event as much as an athletic one.

The Army versus Navy game also extends beyond the gridiron, representing respect, service, and national pride.

At Iowa and Iowa State, students embrace the Cy-Hawk Series as an annual chance to showcase pride in their school. Pep rallies, community events, and the roar inside Jack Trice or Kinnick Stadium make the game unforgettable. Alumni often reflect on these moments as highlights of their college years, underscoring how rivalry games build lifelong connections.

These traditions foster belonging, uniting students in shared purpose. Rivalries transform campuses into celebrations where every chant, banner, and memory adds to school lore. The passion becomes part of personal identity, creating bonds that endure long after graduation.

Why Rivalries Still Matter in the Playoff Era

College football continues to evolve with the 12-team playoff expansion in 2025. The new format introduces fresh opportunities for programs across conferences, yet rivalries remain central to the sport. Even as playoff spots grow, rivalry games still influence seeding, momentum, and narrative.

Programs like Ohio State, Georgia, and Penn State are frontrunners for playoff byes. A single rivalry loss could shift the balance of power, proving tradition still impacts the national picture. Rivalries also affect recruiting, with athletes eager to shine on the sport’s biggest stages. NIL and the transfer portal add new layers, giving players opportunities to capitalize on moments of national attention.

Coaching staff and players feel unique pressure in these matchups, knowing legacies may be defined by results in a single game. The energy from fans, especially students, can change the course of contests and tilt momentum when it matters most.

Rivalries have always been about more than championships. They shape identity, foster belonging, and capture the intensity of competition. Even in an expanded playoff era, these traditions remain unshakable pillars of the sport.

Rivalries as Unforgettable College Memories

Rivalries are stories written not just in statistics but in memories that last a lifetime. Students remember rushing the field, celebrating in the stands, or simply gathering with friends to watch a game that carried meaning beyond the final whistle.

These experiences shape the college journey and connect generations of fans in a common language of tradition and pride. The 2025 season promises to deliver moments that students will carry with them forever. Whether it is the roar of the crowd at the Cy-Hawk Series, the intensity of “The Game,” or the pageantry of Army vs Navy, these rivalries continue to define what makes college football special.

They remind us that the sport is more than wins and losses; it is about belonging, tradition, and the joy of competition. The drama of rivalries ensures that every season is filled with excitement, passion, and the stories that keep fans coming back year after year.

*Content reflects information available as of 04/09/2025; subject to change

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