College football’s landscape is shifting fast, with conference realignment, coaching drama, and playoff expansion breathing new life—and controversy—into some of the sport’s most storied rivalries. As tradition clashes with modern realities, five classic matchups are again at the center of national attention, sparking debate and renewed passion across fan bases.
From Bedlam Tensions to Lincoln Riley Drama, These Storied Matchups Are Heating Up Again
1. USC vs. Notre Dame (Lincoln Riley Drama)
Since 1926, the USC-Notre Dame rivalry has been recognized as one of the greatest tug-of-wars in college football. We don’t know how long this game will continue because of USC’s new alignment in the Big Ten and an expanded playoff. Choosing to win the championship over tradition has only made fans more nervous and drawn more criticism against Lincoln Riley.
Since game schedules extend just to 2026, there is ongoing tension in negotiations between the schools. Notre Dame prefers a long-term arrangement, but USC is skeptical, saying it has many scheduling issues. With people calling attention to preservation, the debate about college football’s future centers around this rivalry.
Critics are blasting Lincoln Riley for seemingly sidelining the USC–Notre Dame classic in favor of playoff positioning.
Here’s John Canzano sharing Petros Papadakis’s unfiltered take on Riley’s controversial move:
Petros Papadakis ripped Lincoln Riley for trying to wiggle out of the USC-Notre Dame rivalry.
Petros is on my show now on @750TheGame and @FoxSportsEugene.
Listen: pic.twitter.com/ZfRiEOAVon
— John Canzano (@johncanzanobft) May 22, 2025
2. Oklahoma Sooners vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys (Bedlam)
Bedlam has been a fixture since 1904, but Oklahoma’s move to the SEC ended its annual run after 2023. The rivalry’s absence has left a noticeable void, with FOX Sports’ Joel Klatt and fans demanding its return, arguing that these games are essential to college football’s fabric.
Both schools’ athletic directors have acknowledged that the earliest possible renewal is years away, likely not until the 2030s. The loss of Bedlam highlights the unintended consequences of conference realignment, fueling ongoing debate about the cost to tradition and regional identity.
3. Florida vs. Georgia
Every year, the SEC calendar is shaped by the world-renowned Florida-Georgia football contest called the “World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party.” The game is played in Jacksonville, with lots of history and a playoff on the line. Lately, there have been debates about whether its location will affect recruitment.
As Jacksonville is contracted through 2031, both schools must now seriously consider options on their campuses. People keep talking about where the rivalry is headed as Georgia continues to lead, an example of the friction caused by holding to tradition in a fast-changing world.
4. Clemson vs. South Carolina (Palmetto Bowl)
The Palmetto Bowl is South Carolina’s fiercest in-state rivalry, with Clemson historically holding the edge. Recent seasons, however, have seen South Carolina deliver dramatic upsets, raising the stakes and ensuring the game’s relevance as both teams chase playoff ambitions.
KEEP READING: Clemson 2025 Football Schedule: Can Dabo Swinney’s Squad Retain Their ACC Crown?
This rivalry, dating to 1896, is more than a game—it’s a cultural event that unites and divides the state. With both programs eyeing national prominence, the Palmetto Bowl’s intensity and significance have only grown.
5. Colorado vs. Nebraska
The regular series between Colorado and Nebraska, long considered the Big Eight’s main rivalry, has been put on hold by realignment. More recently, meetings led by figures like Deion Sanders and Matt Rhule have rekindled past rivalries and gained the nation’s attention.
Those supporting the rivalry, like Joel Klatt, insist it is necessary yearly for schools and college football. Since they both hope to regain their former glory, this game is a highlight on any sports calendar.
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