Ranking The College Football Rivalries Most Likely To Flip In 2026

Drew Thirion|published: Mon 8th June, 10:19 2026

Hassan Haskins scores one of his five touchdowns against Ohio State. source: Getty Images

Many things make college football great, but the rivalries stand out from any other sport in America. The biggest rivalries in college football have been going on for over 100 years, and the schools have pools of bad blood between them after years of battles.

The best rivalries in the sport can flip back and forth year over year, so I’m looking to predict which of the three biggest rivalries in college football is most likely to have the opposite results as last season. These might not be your favorite rivalries in the sport, but they are three of the biggest. Here are my rankings.

#3 Michigan @ Ohio State

It might be irresponsible to think that Michigan can’t beat Ohio State this year, but on paper, Ohio State should blow out Michigan again this season. In Kyle Wittingham’s first season at the helm, I think this roster will have too much overhaul to contend with the top of the Big 10.

I believe Wittingham will emulate an offensive game plan similar to Ohio State’s, but with far less talented athletes. Julian Sayin, Bo Jackson, and of course, Jeremiah Smith make the strongest three-headed monster in the sport. I would be incredibly shocked to see Ohio State lose this season, especially with the game back in Columbus.

#2 Oklahoma vs Texas

Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer (10) before an NCAA football game between the Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and Kent State Golden Flashes at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025.

After an up-and-down first season as the starter, Arch Manning closed out the season with an impressive bowl game performance, where he totaled 376 yards and four touchdowns. Last season wasn’t perfect for Manning, but with the weapons they’ve added around him, there will be no excuses.

However, John Mateer is back and healthy at Oklahoma. The two newest schools in the SEC could be the cream of the crop this season. I just think Texas is way too talented this year. They’re my favorite in the conference, and I expect them to win the Red River Rivalry two years in a row.

#1 Auburn @ Alabama

Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer watches on during warm ups before Auburn Tigers take on Alabama Crimson Tide at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025.

Last season, Auburn had every opportunity to steal a massive upset win over Bama, but couldn’t finish their massive comeback. Fortunately, their roster is far more talented in 2026, thanks to the transfer additions brought in by new head coach Alex Golesh.

The tide lost some defensive starters to the portal, and I wasn’t entirely sold on that unit last season. Auburn will have the better defense in 2026, and Byrum Brown should vastly improve Auburn’s offense. If they can replace the production of Cam Coleman and Perry Thompson, whom they lost in the portal, I think Auburn can compete in the SEC right away under Golesh. Also, when it comes to the Iron Bowl, upsets happen when you least expect. Auburn is my number one under-the-radar team this season, so I think they can potentially pull the upset.

Latest