10 college football rivalries that could steal the spotlight in 2024 season ft. Alabama vs. Georgia
Rivalries are a significant part of the popularity of college football. Certain rivalry battles are clearly circled on both teams' calendars even months before they are played.
Some rivalries are geographic or driven by conference alignment, while others grew more organically. Nevertheless, here are 10 college football rivalries to watch for in 2024.
Ten college football rivalries that could steal the show in 2024
#1 Alabama vs. Georgia
This isn't a big historical rivalry, but as the two best teams in the SEC, the two have won three of the last four national titles between them. Georgia's only two losses in the past three seasons came to Alabama. But Georiga only win over the Tide in that run was the national title game in 2021.
#2 Texas vs. Oklahoma
Two Big 12 rivals will continue their rivalry in the SEC. Texas holds a 63-51-5 all-time advantage in the series. The two programs have had some absolutely electric offenses in recent seasons, so it will be interesting to see how that translates to SEC success.
#3 Auburn vs. Alabama
While Alabama is usually on top in the Iron Bowl, Auburn wins enough games in the series to keep things interesting.
Bama's 50-37-1 edge doesn't reflect recent trends, with the Tide winning the last four battles. But Auburn has shown an incredible knack for coming up big late in these games.
#4 Florida vs. Tennessee
This is a perfect example of two power schools that have fallen on some hard times.
Florida holds a 32-21 series edge and won 11 in a row in the series between 1995 and 2005. While the Gators are coming off three straight losing seasons, they bested UT 29-16 last year.
#5 Ohio State vs. Michigan
While Ohio State had a tremendous run in this rivlary, winning 15 of 16 entering 2021, the Wolverines have won the last three over OSU.
Meanwhile, by winning a CFP title, Michigan ensured the envy of Ohio State fans. Many OSU followers are cranky over a continued run of near-misses. Besting Michigan would help Ohio State turn the corner.
#6 Penn State vs. Ohio State
While it would be neater to claim PSU's rival as Michigan, the Nittany Lions beat Michigan in 2019 and 2020.
Meanwhile, Ohio State has won the last seven games in its series with Penn State. If James Franklin's PSU team is going to get over the hump of being very good, a win over Ohio State would certainly set that stage.
#7 USC vs. Notre Dame
It's not a conference battle, and the teams don't have any obvious geographical point of common reference. But these are two of the nation's premier teams. and their annual battle has become a point of common pride.
Notre Dame holds a 49-37-5 all-time edge in the series and has won five of the last six, but USC could reel off some wins in this battle.
#8 Clemson vs. Florida State
The two top teams in the ACC have had a fairly uneven run lately, with Clemson winning the last three battles at FSU. But Clemson's time as a top national program seems to be waning, while FSU seems to have forsaken a recent tradition of up-and-down thanks to coach Mike Norvell.
#9 Florida State versus Miami
This is a low-key battle that will only gain traction with Miami's massive portal haul ahead of the 2024 season.
This battle couldn't be much more even, with Miami holding a 35-33 series lead. If Miami can take another step forward in 2025, they could make a playoff, while Florida State barely missed it in 2023.
#10 Colordo vs. Nebraska
Neither team is up at the moment, but two of the most proud programs in college football history are about to start playing each other again.
The two had played each other only three since the 2010 season. Colorado has won the last three games in the series, while Nebraska holds the all-time edge 49-21-2. The return of rivalries like this one is always welcome.
Which college football rivalries are you excited to see in 2024? Share your thoughts below in the comments section: