Which College Football Teams Have Played Each Other the Most?
College football is one of the most popular sports in the United States, with millions of fans tuning in each year to watch their favorite teams compete. One aspect of college football that has captivated fans for generations is the intense rivalries that have developed between certain schools. These rivalries often date back decades or even centuries, and they can be some of the most heated and competitive matchups in all of sports.
What college football teams have played each other the most?
The most-played college football rivalry is between Lehigh and Lafayette, with 157 games, known as “The Rivalry.” In the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), the Minnesota vs. Wisconsin series leads with 132 games. Other notable rivalries include Cincinnati vs. Miami (OH), Northwestern vs. Illinois, and the historic Army-Navy game.
One way to measure the intensity of a college football rivalry is by looking at the number of times two teams have played each other.
Some of the most storied rivalries in college football history have been played out over dozens or even hundreds of games, with each matchup becoming more intense and meaningful than the last. From the very first college football game played in 1869 to the modern era of the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), there have been countless examples of teams that have faced off against each other time and time again.
If you’re a college football fan, you may be curious about which teams have played each other the most over the years. Which matchups have stood the test of time and become the most iconic in the sport’s history? In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most-played college football series in NCAA Division I and explore the history and significance behind these storied rivalries. We’ll also examine some of the factors that have contributed to the longevity of these matchups, and consider what makes them so special to fans of the sport.
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Most Played College Football Team
College football has a long history filled with rivalries, and some of these rivalries have been going on for over a century. Here we will take a look at the top 10 most played college football rivalries.
Top 10 Most Played College Football Rivalries
- Lehigh vs. Lafayette – Known as “The Rivalry,” this is the most-played in Division I at 157 games. Lehigh and Lafayette are members of the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).
- Minnesota vs. Wisconsin – This is the most-played Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) series at 132 games. The rivalry dates back to 1890.
- Cincinnati vs. Miami (OH) – Known as the “Battle for the Victory Bell,” this rivalry has been going on since 1888 and has been played 124 times.
- Northwestern vs. Illinois – This rivalry is also known as the “Land of Lincoln Trophy” and has been played 124 times.
- Oregon vs. Oregon State – Known as the “Civil War,” this rivalry dates back to 1894 and has been played 123 times.
- Kansas vs. Missouri – Known as the “Border War,” this rivalry has been played 120 times and dates back to 1891.
- Oklahoma vs. Texas – Known as the “Red River Showdown,” this rivalry has been played 118 times.
- Harvard vs. Yale – Known as “The Game,” this rivalry has been played 137 times and dates back to 1875.
- Princeton vs. Yale – This rivalry is also known as the “Ivy League Championship” and has been played 142 times.
- Army vs. Navy – Known as the “Army-Navy Game,” this rivalry dates back to 1890 and has been played 121 times.
It’s important to note that these are only the most-played rivalries and there are many other notable rivalries in college football.
| Rank | Teams | Rivalry Name | Number of Games |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lehigh vs. Lafayette | The Rivalry | 157 |
| 2 | Minnesota vs. Wisconsin | Paul Bunyan’s Axe | 132 |
| 3 | Cincinnati vs. Miami (OH) | Battle for the Victory Bell | 124 |
| 4 | Northwestern vs. Illinois | Land of Lincoln Trophy | 124 |
| 5 | Oregon vs. Oregon State | Civil War | 123 |
| 6 | Kansas vs. Missouri | Border War | 120 |
| 7 | Oklahoma vs. Texas | Red River Showdown | 118 |
| 8 | Harvard vs. Yale | The Game | 137 |
| 9 | Princeton vs. Yale | Ivy League Championship | 142 |
| 10 | Army vs. Navy | Army-Navy Game | 121 |
These rivalries are steeped in tradition and history, and they continue to be some of the most exciting games of the college football season.
The Top 10 Most Played College Football Rivalries
College football rivalries are one of the most exciting aspects of the sport. These games are steeped in tradition, history and pride, and they bring out the best in both teams. Here are the top 10 most played college football rivalries:
- Lehigh-Lafayette: This rivalry, known as “The Rivalry,” is the most-played in Division I at 157 games. Lehigh and Lafayette are members of the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).
- Minnesota-Wisconsin: The most-played Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) series is the Minnesota-Wisconsin football rivalry, at 132 games.
- Yale-Harvard: The Yale-Harvard rivalry, also known as “The Game,” is one of the most storied rivalries in college football history. The two teams have played each other 137 times since 1875.
- Ohio State-Michigan: The Ohio State Buckeyes and the Michigan Wolverines have been battling it out on the gridiron since 1897. They have met 116 times, with Michigan leading the series 58-51-6.
- USC-Notre Dame: The USC Trojans and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish have played each other 92 times since 1926. The rivalry is known for producing some of the most memorable moments in college football history.
- Penn State-Pittsburgh: The Penn State Nittany Lions and the Pittsburgh Panthers have played each other 100 times since 1893. The rivalry was put on hold in 2000, but it was renewed in 2016.
- Nebraska-Oklahoma: The Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Oklahoma Sooners have played each other 86 times, with Nebraska leading the series 45-38-3. The rivalry was put on hold in 2011 when Nebraska joined the Big Ten Conference.
- Alabama-Auburn: The Iron Bowl is the battle between two of the most storied college football programs in the nation. Both sides boast NFL legends, Heisman winners, and national championships — although Alabama’s 13 since 1950 far outweighs Auburn’s two.
- Army-Navy: The Army Black Knights and the Navy Midshipmen have played each other 122 times since 1890. The game is always played on the second Saturday in December and is a celebration of the two service academies.
- Michigan State-Notre Dame: The Michigan State Spartans and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish have played each other 79 times since 1897. The rivalry has produced some of the most memorable games in college football history.
These rivalries have stood the test of time and have become an integral part of college football tradition. Whether it’s the Lehigh-Lafayette game or the Army-Navy game, these rivalries bring out the best in both teams and provide fans with some of the most exciting moments in college football history.
College Football Teams with the Most National Championships
When it comes to college football, winning national championships is the ultimate goal for every team. Some teams have been more successful than others in achieving this feat. In this section, we will take a look at the college football teams with the most national championships.
College Football Teams with the Most AP National Championships
The Associated Press (AP) has been ranking college football teams since 1936. The AP poll is one of the most widely recognized and respected polls in college football. Here are the top five college football teams with the most AP National Championships:
| Team | Number of AP National Championships |
|---|---|
| Alabama Crimson Tide | 12 |
| Notre Dame Fighting Irish | 8 |
| Oklahoma Sooners | 7 |
| USC Trojans | 7 |
| Miami Hurricanes | 5 |
It’s worth noting that Alabama’s 12 AP National Championships are the most by any team. The Crimson Tide have won national championships in 1961, 1964, 1965, 1973, 1978, 1979, 1992, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, and 2017.
College Football Teams with the Most Coaches Poll National Championships
The Coaches Poll, formerly known as the United Press International (UPI) poll, has been ranking college football teams since 1950. The Coaches Poll is another respected poll in college football. Here are the top five college football teams with the most Coaches Poll National Championships:
| Team | Number of Coaches Poll National Championships |
|---|---|
| Alabama Crimson Tide | 16 |
| Notre Dame Fighting Irish | 13 |
| Oklahoma Sooners | 7 |
| USC Trojans | 6 |
| Miami Hurricanes | 5 |
As you can see, Alabama is once again at the top of the list with 16 Coaches Poll National Championships. The Crimson Tide have won national championships in 1961, 1964, 1965, 1973, 1978, 1979, 1992, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023.
It’s important to note that the number of national championships won by a team is often a topic of debate among college football fans. Some argue that certain national championships are not legitimate, while others argue that certain championships should be counted that are not currently recognized. Regardless of the debate, the teams listed above have had tremendous success on the football field and have earned their place in college football history.
College Football Teams with the Most AP National Championships
When it comes to college football, winning national championships is the ultimate goal for every team. The AP (Associated Press) National Championship is one of the most prestigious titles a college football team can win. Here are the college football teams with the most AP National Championships:
- Alabama – 13
- Notre Dame – 8
- Oklahoma – 7
- USC – 7
- Miami – 5
- Ohio State – 5
- Nebraska – 5
- Florida State – 3
- Florida – 3
- LSU – 3
- Clemson – 3
- Texas – 3
- Washington – 2
- Penn State – 2
- Georgia – 2
Alabama is the clear leader with 13 AP National Championships, followed by Notre Dame and Oklahoma with 8 and 7 championships respectively. USC, Miami, Ohio State, and Nebraska are all tied with 5 championships each.
It’s worth noting that the AP National Championship is not the only way to determine a national champion in college football. Before the BCS (Bowl Championship Series) and the current playoff system, there were several other methods used to determine national champions, including the Coaches Poll, the Harris Poll, and the Bowl Coalition.
Despite the different methods used to determine national champions, the teams listed above have all had remarkable success in college football. Winning multiple national championships is a testament to a team’s consistency and dominance over a sustained period.
In conclusion, the teams listed above have all had tremendous success in college football, with multiple AP National Championships to their name. While there are other ways to determine national champions, the AP National Championship is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious titles in college football.
College Football Teams with the Most Coaches Poll National Championships
When it comes to college football, winning a national championship is the ultimate goal. One way to measure a team’s success is by the number of Coaches Poll National Championships they have won. Here are the college football teams with the most Coaches Poll National Championships:
| Team | Number of Coaches Poll National Championships |
|---|---|
| Alabama | 7 |
| USC | 5 |
| Notre Dame | 4 |
| Oklahoma | 4 |
| Michigan | 3 |
| Ohio State | 3 |
| Nebraska | 3 |
| Florida State | 3 |
| Florida | 3 |
| LSU | 3 |
| Texas | 2 |
| Clemson | 2 |
| Washington | 2 |
| Penn State | 2 |
| Georgia | 2 |
Alabama leads the pack with seven Coaches Poll National Championships. The Crimson Tide won their first championship in 1961 and have since added championships in 1973, 1978, 1979, 1992, 2009, and 2011.
USC is second on the list with five Coaches Poll National Championships. The Trojans won their first championship in 1962 and have since added championships in 1967, 1972, 2003, and 2004.
Notre Dame and Oklahoma are tied for third on the list with four Coaches Poll National Championships each. Notre Dame won their championships in 1966, 1973, 1977, and 1988, while Oklahoma won their championships in 1956, 1974, 1975, and 1985.
Michigan, Ohio State, and Nebraska are tied for fourth on the list with three Coaches Poll National Championships each. Florida State, Florida, and LSU are tied for fifth on the list with three Coaches Poll National Championships each.
Texas, Clemson, Washington, Penn State, and Georgia round out the list with two Coaches Poll National Championships each.
In conclusion, winning a Coaches Poll National Championship is a significant achievement in college football. The teams listed above have proven their dominance in the sport by winning multiple championships.
College Football Teams with the Most National Titles
When it comes to college football, winning national titles is the ultimate goal for every team. Some teams have been more successful than others in achieving this feat. Here are the college football teams with the most national titles:
| Team | Number of National Titles |
|---|---|
| Alabama | 18 |
| Notre Dame | 13 |
| Oklahoma | 7 |
| USC | 7 |
| Ohio State | 7 |
| Nebraska | 5 |
| Miami (FL) | 5 |
| Michigan | 4 |
| Florida State | 3 |
| Florida | 3 |
| LSU | 3 |
| Clemson | 3 |
| Washington | 2 |
| Penn State | 2 |
| Georgia | 2 |
| Texas | 4 |
As you can see, Alabama is the clear leader with 18 national titles. Notre Dame and Oklahoma are tied for second with 13 and 7 titles, respectively. USC, Ohio State, and Nebraska are tied for third with 7 titles each. Miami (FL) rounds out the top five with 5 national titles.
It’s worth noting that the number of national titles a team has can be a contentious issue. Different organizations have recognized different teams as national champions over the years. However, the list above represents the teams with the most widely recognized national titles.
In recent years, Alabama has been the dominant force in college football, winning five national titles since 2009. Clemson has emerged as a new powerhouse, winning three titles in the last five years. Ohio State and LSU have also been successful in recent years, each winning two titles since 2014.
Overall, winning national titles is the ultimate goal for every college football team, and the teams listed above have been the most successful in achieving that goal.
College Football Conferences with the Most National Championships
College football conferences are an essential aspect of the sport, and each one has its unique history and culture. Some conferences have achieved more success than others in terms of national championships. Here are the conferences with the most national championships in college football history:
Southeastern Conference (SEC)
The Southeastern Conference (SEC) is one of the most competitive conferences in college football and has produced several national champions. The SEC has 12 teams, and they have won a total of 41 national championships. The University of Alabama leads the way with 18 national championships, followed by the University of Tennessee with six national championships.
| Team | National Championships |
|---|---|
| Alabama | 18 |
| Tennessee | 6 |
| Florida | 3 |
| Georgia | 3 |
| LSU | 3 |
| Auburn | 2 |
| Arkansas | 1 |
| Ole Miss | 1 |
Big Ten Conference
The Big Ten Conference is one of the oldest and most prestigious conferences in college football. The conference has produced several national champions, including Ohio State, Michigan, and Penn State. The Big Ten has 14 teams, and they have won a total of 22 national championships. The Ohio State University leads the way with eight national championships, followed by the University of Michigan with seven national championships.
| Team | National Championships |
|---|---|
| Ohio State | 8 |
| Michigan | 7 |
| Minnesota | 6 |
| Nebraska | 5 |
| Penn State | 4 |
| Illinois | 2 |
| Michigan State | 2 |
Other conferences, such as the Pac-12, ACC, and Big 12, have also produced national champions in college football. However, the SEC and Big Ten have been the most successful in terms of national championships.
College Football Coaches with the Most National Championships
College football has a rich history of legendary coaches who have led their teams to national championships. These coaches have left indelible marks on the sport, and their legacies continue to inspire new generations of athletes and fans alike. In this section, we will take a closer look at some of the most successful college football coaches of all time, based on their number of national championships.
Nick Saban
Nick Saban is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in college football history. He has won a record-breaking seven national championships, six of which he won with the Alabama Crimson Tide. Saban’s other championship came when he was coaching the LSU Tigers in 2003. Saban’s success is due in large part to his attention to detail, his ability to recruit top talent, and his relentless drive to win.
Bear Bryant
Bear Bryant is another legendary coach who left an indelible mark on college football. He won six national championships during his tenure as head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide. Bryant’s teams were known for their toughness and discipline, and he was revered by his players and fans alike. Bryant’s legacy continues to inspire coaches and players to this day.
John McKay
John McKay is best known for his tenure as head coach of the USC Trojans, where he won four national championships in the 1960s and 1970s. McKay’s teams were known for their explosive offenses and dominant defenses, and he was a master at developing talent and getting the most out of his players.
Knute Rockne
Knute Rockne is one of the most legendary coaches in college football history. He won four national championships during his tenure as head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and his innovative offensive schemes revolutionized the sport. Rockne’s legacy continues to inspire coaches and players to this day.
Frank Leahy
Frank Leahy is another legendary coach who left an indelible mark on college football. He won four national championships during his tenure as head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and his teams were known for their toughness and discipline. Leahy’s legacy continues to inspire coaches and players to this day.
Other Notable Coaches
Other notable coaches who have won multiple national championships include Mack Brown, Bob Devaney, Tom Osborne, Larry Coker, Paul Brown, Woody Hayes, Jim Tressel, Urban Meyer, Pete Carroll, and Lou Holtz. Each of these coaches has left an indelible mark on college football, and their legacies continue to inspire new generations of athletes and fans alike.
| Coach | National Championships |
|---|---|
| Nick Saban | 7 |
| Bear Bryant | 6 |
| John McKay | 4 |
| Knute Rockne | 4 |
| Frank Leahy | 4 |
| Mack Brown | 2 |
| Bob Devaney | 2 |
| Tom Osborne | 3 |
| Larry Coker | 1 |
| Paul Brown | 3 |
| Woody Hayes | 5 |
| Jim Tressel | 1 |
| Urban Meyer | 3 |
| Pete Carroll | 1 |
| Lou Holtz | 1 |
In conclusion, college football has seen many great coaches over the years, but these coaches stand out as some of the most successful in the sport’s history. Their legacies continue to inspire new generations of athletes and fans, and their impact on the sport will be felt for many years to come.
Historical College Football National Championship Selections
College football has a rich history of national championship selections dating back to the late 1800s. Before the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) era, multiple organizations would select their own national champion, leading to a lack of consensus on who the true national champion was. The BCS era brought a new system, but it wasn’t until the College Football Playoff (CFP) era that a true playoff system was implemented.
College Football National Championship Selections Before the BCS Era
Before the BCS era, there was no official national championship game, and multiple organizations would select their own national champion. The National Championship Foundation, founded in 1869, is recognized as the first organization to select a national champion. Other organizations such as the Parke H. Davis and Billingsley Report would also select their own national champion.
The Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) and the National Football Foundation (NFF) would also select their own national champions. The United Press International (UPI) would select their national champion based on a poll of coaches.
College Football National Championship Selections During the BCS Era
The BCS era began in 1998 and lasted until 2013. The BCS system used a combination of polls and computer rankings to determine the top two teams in the nation, who would then play in the BCS National Championship game.
During the BCS era, there were still disagreements on who the true national champion was, as the BCS system only selected two teams to play in the championship game. In 2003, the Associated Press (AP) poll selected USC as their national champion, while the BCS selected LSU.
College Football National Championship Selections During the CFP Era
The CFP era began in 2014 and is the current system used to determine the national champion. The CFP uses a selection committee to choose the top four teams in the nation, who then play in two semifinal games and a national championship game.
Since the implementation of the CFP, there has been more consensus on who the true national champion is. However, there have still been debates on which teams should be selected for the playoff, leading to calls for an expansion of the playoff system.
Overall, the history of college football national championship selections is a complex and controversial topic. While the implementation of the CFP has brought more clarity to the process, there are still debates and disagreements on who the true national champion is.
| Year | National Champion |
|---|---|
| 1869 | Princeton |
| 1870 | No champion |
| 1871 | No champion |
| 1872 | No champion |
| 1873 | No champion |
| 1874 | No champion |
| 1875 | Harvard |
| 1876 | Princeton |
| 1877 | Yale |
| 1878 | Princeton |
| 1879 | Princeton |
| 1880 | Yale |
| 1881 | Yale |
| 1882 | Yale |
| 1883 | Yale |
| 1884 | Yale |
| 1885 | Princeton |
| 1886 | Yale |
| 1887 | Yale |
| 1888 | Yale |
| 1889 | Princeton |
| 1890 | Harvard |
| 1891 | Yale |
| 1892 | Yale |
| 1893 | Princeton |
| 1894 | Yale |
| 1895 | Penn |
| 1896 | Princeton |
| 1897 | Penn |
| 1898 | Harvard |
| 1899 | Princeton |
| 1900 | Yale |
College Football National Championship Selections Before the BCS Era
Before the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) was established, college football national championship selections were made by various organizations and polls. The two most prominent polls were the Associated Press (AP) and the Coaches Poll.
From 1936 to 1964, the AP poll was the sole selector of the national champion. In 1965, the Coaches Poll was added as a second selector. The two polls continued to be the primary selectors until the BCS was established in 1998.
During this era, there were several instances where multiple teams were selected as national champions by different polls. For example, in 1954, Ohio State was selected as the national champion by the AP, while UCLA was selected as the national champion by the Coaches Poll.
In some years, there were also controversies over the selection process. One notable example is the 1966 season, where Notre Dame was selected as the national champion by the AP poll, while Alabama was selected as the national champion by the Coaches Poll. This controversy led to the establishment of the National Championship Foundation, which aimed to provide a more objective and comprehensive selection process.
Overall, the pre-BCS era was characterized by a lack of consensus and an absence of a unified selection process. The establishment of the BCS in 1998 aimed to address these issues and provide a more objective and comprehensive selection process.
Here is a table showing the number of national championships won by select teams during the pre-BCS era:
| Team | National Championships |
|---|---|
| Alabama | 6 |
| Notre Dame | 5 |
| Oklahoma | 4 |
| USC | 4 |
| Nebraska | 3 |
| Michigan | 3 |
| Ohio State | 3 |
| Minnesota | 3 |
It’s worth noting that these numbers are based on the selections made by the AP and Coaches Poll, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of other organizations or fans.
College Football National Championship Selections During the BCS Era
The Bowl Championship Series (BCS) was a selection system that created four or five bowl game match-ups involving eight or ten of the top-ranked teams in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) of American college football from 1998 to 2013. The BCS era was a complex system that aimed to determine the top two teams in the country to play in the BCS National Championship Game.
The BCS rankings were determined by a combination of computer rankings and human polls, including the Associated Press (AP) and Coaches Poll. The top two teams in the BCS rankings at the end of the regular season would play in the BCS National Championship Game.
During the BCS era, the following teams won the national championship:
- 1998: Tennessee Volunteers
- 1999: Florida State Seminoles
- 2000: Oklahoma Sooners
- 2001: Miami Hurricanes
- 2002: Ohio State Buckeyes
- 2003: LSU Tigers
- 2004: USC Trojans
- 2005: Texas Longhorns
- 2006: Florida Gators
- 2007: LSU Tigers
- 2008: Florida Gators
- 2009: Alabama Crimson Tide
- 2010: Auburn Tigers
- 2011: Alabama Crimson Tide
- 2012: Alabama Crimson Tide
- 2013: Florida State Seminoles
The BCS era was replaced by the College Football Playoff (CFP) system in 2014. The CFP is a four-team playoff system that aims to determine the national champion based on a selection committee’s rankings.
During the CFP era, the following teams won the national championship:
- 2014: Ohio State Buckeyes
- 2015: Alabama Crimson Tide
- 2016: Clemson Tigers
- 2017: Alabama Crimson Tide
- 2018: Clemson Tigers
- 2019: LSU Tigers
- 2020: Alabama Crimson Tide
In conclusion, the BCS era was a complex system that aimed to determine the top two teams in the country to play in the BCS National Championship Game. The CFP system replaced the BCS era in 2014 and aims to determine the national champion based on a selection committee’s rankings. The AP and Coaches Poll played a significant role in determining the BCS rankings, and the top two teams in the BCS rankings at the end of the regular season would play in the BCS National Championship Game.
Conclusion
In conclusion, college football has a rich history of rivalries and long-standing traditions. Many of these rivalries have been played for over a century, and some have become so intertwined with the sport that they are now considered part of the fabric of American football.
The Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) has the most well-known rivalries, with many of the teams having played each other over 100 times. The most-played FBS series is the Minnesota-Wisconsin football rivalry, with 132 games played. Other notable FBS rivalries include:
- Michigan-Ohio State: 117 games played
- Oklahoma-Texas: 116 games played
- Army-Navy: 121 games played
However, the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) also has its fair share of long-standing rivalries. Lehigh and Lafayette, for example, have played each other 156 times, making it the most-played FCS series.
Division I football has a long and storied history, with many conferences and trophies that have become synonymous with the sport. The Heisman Trophy, awarded annually to the most outstanding player in college football, is one such example.
Overall, college football rivalries are an integral part of the sport’s history and culture. They bring fans together and create a sense of camaraderie and tradition that is unique to American football.