The 5 Most 'Overrated' Rivalries In College Football

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College football is built on rivalries and tradition.

Ohio State vs. Michigan. Alabama vs. Auburn. Oklahoma vs. Texas. There are some great ones.

One all-time rivalry, Notre Dame vs. USC, won't take place in 2026. However, there are currently talks that the game could return.

According to a report from the Los Angeles Times, the two sides have renewed talks. Ryan Kartje reports that "it’s not clear yet when the rivalry series will return or what the terms will be," both sides are back at the table. Importantly, the Irish are now, per Kartje, "willing to discuss playing the game earlier in the season." 

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman wants it to return.

"It’s pretty black and white for me," Freeman said at the time. "You want my opinion? I want to play them every single year. When? I don’t care. I don’t care when we play them. Start of the season, middle of the season, end of the season — I don’t care. I want to play USC every year because it’s great for college football."

But is Notre Dame vs. USC actually that great of a rivalry in 2026 and beyond?

The 5 most 'overrated' rivalries in college football right now

Notre Dame vs. USC

There was of course a time when this rivalry mattered greatly on a national scale. But that is not the case anymore.

USC is now in the Big Ten and the Trojans haven't been serious national title contenders in a while. Notre Dame, meanwhile, continues to refuse to join a conference and is more associated with ACC teams than anyone else.

It feels like this rivalry lost its luster.

Florida vs. Florida State

Florida and Florida State were premier programs, competing for national titles, for much of the 1990s, 2000s and 2010s.

But in recent years, both programs have fallen on hard times, at different points. It feels like Florida has taken a step back in the SEC, while Florida State hasn't figured things out under Mike Norvell.

Miami vs. Florida State

In similar fashion to the Florida vs. Florida State rivalry, Miami vs. Florida State feels like it peaked in the 2000s, too.

Miami, of course, has bounced back, making the national title last year. But FSU remains in a state of flux.

It'll be interesting to see if these two powers can play a nationally relevant, College Football Playoff-type game in 2026.

Texas vs. Texas A&M

Oklahoma vs. Texas remains a classic, but ever since Texas A&M darted the Big 12 for the SEC – only later to be joined by the Longhorns – this rivalry has lost its impact, in our opinion.

These teams will still play in the SEC, but it doesn't feel as important.

Stanford vs. Cal

This rivalry produced one of the most iconic moments in college football history, but conference realignment – and the modern game – has mostly taken Stanford and Cal out of the national relevance.

Perhaps that'll change eventually.

But, for now, this remains a rivalry game of the past.

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Which college football rivalry games do you think are most overrated?

This story was originally published by The Spun on May 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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