College football thrives on its rivalries. Each highly anticipated matchup draws in massive crowds, who perform all kinds of traditions and rituals to make the event a spectacle.
However, sometimes conference realignment and scheduling shifts remove these rivalries from a season. On a recent episode of “The Joel Klatt Show,” FOX Sports analyst Joel Klatt shared five non-conference rivalries that he believes should be permanent fixtures on the college football calendar.
Joel Klatt Gives 5 Non-Conference Rivalries That Should Be Permanent Additions to the Football Calendar
Colorado vs. Nebraska
For Klatt, a former Colorado quarterback, the Colorado-Nebraska rivalry is personal. “This is the rivalry that made me personally fall in love with college football,” he said. From the mid-1980s to 2005, this matchup often decided the Big 8 or Big 12 North champion, with iconic moments like Colorado’s 1994 upset of No. 3 Nebraska.
The 2024 clash, a 28-10 Nebraska win, rekindled the rivalry, but no future games are scheduled between these teams. With Deion Sanders elevating Colorado and Matt Rhule rebuilding Nebraska, Klatt sees this as a must-play for its historical legacy and regional pride.
Kansas vs. Missouri
The Kansas-Missouri rivalry, known as the “Border War,” holds a unique place in college football history.
“Before they ended their annual matchup, it was the game played more than any other in the country,” Klatt explained. Dating back to 1891, the series (Missouri leads 56-54-9) was halted in 2012 when Missouri joined the SEC. The 2024 season saw both programs reach very close to the Top 25 status, giving fans more reasons to look forward to a clash.
Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma State
The Bedlam Series, pitting Oklahoma against Oklahoma State, is a cultural cornerstone in the state, dating back to 1904.
Klatt is still sour with its absence, saying, “Man, I want Bedlam every year. Nothing is scheduled right now.”
Oklahoma’s move to the SEC has left the rivalry on indefinite hiatus, with OU’s athletic director, Joe Castiglione, suggesting no revival until the 2030s. The Sooners dominate the series (88-18-7), but OSU’s upset wins make their clash a treat.
USC vs. Notre Dame
Perhaps the most shocking entry in the list, Klatt revealed that USC vs. Notre Dame, which have played nearly every year since 1926, is not guaranteed after 2026.
“We should probably find a way to lock that in,” he urged, talking about its 100-year legacy. Notre Dame leads 49-37-5, with unforgettable moments like the 2005 “Bush Push” game. Despite Lincoln Riley’s comments on its uncertain future, the rivalry’s national prominence, fueled by Heisman winners and NFL talent, makes it non-negotiable.
Florida vs. Miami
Klatt called Florida vs. Miami a “no-brainer.” He explained further, “I want to see Miami and Florida every single year.”
MORE READING: 5 College Football Rivalries That Should Be Resurrected Annually
This in-state clash, rooted in the 1930s, has been infrequent since the 1980s due to conference divides (SEC vs. ACC). The 2024 game, a 41-17 Florida rout, showed the fans why this rivalry is so intriguing.
However, nothing is set post-2025. Miami leads the series 29-27, with classics like the 2001 Sugar Bowl showdown. Klatt emphasized the lifelong connections between players, who often face off from youth leagues to college, making this a rivalry that needs annual renewal.
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