8 College Football Rivalries We Want to Save or Bring Back in 2026 SEC Unfiltered.

College football conference realignment—especially the SEC's expansions and shift to a division-less, nine-game schedule—has preserved some classic matchups (like Texas vs. Texas A&M) but disrupted or eliminated others. Annual games that once defined seasons are now sporadic or gone, thanks to scheduling logistics, travel demands, and playoff considerations.In the latest episode of SEC Football Unfiltered (a USA TODAY Network podcast hosted by Blake Toppmeyer and John Adams), the duo spotlights eight rivalries they'd love to see saved or restored as annual fixtures. These include historic gems threatened by realignment, some with SEC ties and others from the Big Ten/Big 12 landscape.

Here's the full list of the eight rivalries they highlighted, with their reasoning:

1 - Nebraska vs. Oklahoma

The 1971 Game of the Century (No. 1 vs. No. 2) remains one of college football's all-time classics. Even if both programs aren't at their 1970s/1980s peaks, tradition demands this matchup belongs on the calendar every year.

2 - Nebraska vs. Colorado

In the 1990s Big 12 era, this replaced Nebraska-Oklahoma as a Thanksgiving staple and delivered must-watch drama. Fans who grew up in that decade remember it fondly alongside holiday leftovers—it's a shame it's faded.

3 - USC vs. Notre Dame

The "Bush Push" game and century-plus history make this iconic. Yet the rivalry faces interruption: No matchup for at least the next few years (e.g., Notre Dame plays SMU in 2026 while USC faces Rutgers). Adams calls the pause a "farce" for such a storied series.

4 - Michigan vs. Notre Dame

Notre Dame once packed schedules with elite foes like USC, Michigan, Penn State, and Miami. By 2027, the Irish won't face any of them annually. This Golden Dome vs. Maize and Blue clash was appointment TV—time for both sides to show the courage to reschedule it regularly.

5 - Alabama vs. LSU

The SEC West's defining battle often carried national-title implications. Stakes remain sky-high with mutual disdain fueling the fire. Other rivals exist, but few match this one's intensity and consistency.

6 - Florida vs. Tennessee

Peak 1990s/early 2000s versions (fueled by Steve Spurrier's Gator era) were electric and hugely consequential. It may not be at that level now, but the series still has juice—don't let it fade just because it's not "what it once was."

7 - Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma State

"Bedlam" is one of the sport's best rivalry names, and in-state clashes form college football's backbone. Realignment (OU to SEC) has interfered, but OU dominates the series while OSU has landed signature upsets (including 2023). Keep this one annual.

8 - Kansas vs. Missouri

The "Border War" predates football, rooted in pre-Civil War conflicts. If "War" is in the name, it should be mandatory yearly. Missouri's Big 12 exit paused it; a brief renewal ended, and another hiatus looms after 2026. Realignment strikes again.

The episode also covers other topics, like reactions to Joey Aguilar's failed bid for another season at Tennessee QB, with the hosts split on the NCAA's eligibility enforcement (one defends the rules, the other shows less sympathy).This discussion captures the broader tension in modern college football: Balancing super conferences, expanded playoffs, and revenue with the traditions that make the sport special. Fans agree—some rivalries are worth protecting beyond conference mandates.

Where to listen to SEC Football Unfiltered:

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

iHeartRadio

Google Podcasts

Catch the full episode for their debate and more context. What rivalry do you miss most, or which one should be added to this list?