The 2025-2026 college football season’s rivalry week is almost here. This week features the highest intensity games with a lot on the line. This year’s rivalry week looks like it could be one of the best yet. These are my picks for the biggest games this year.
Georgia vs Georgia Tech (Neutral Site)
This game is one of the best rivalries in college football. There’s a reason why this game is nicknamed “clean, old fashioned hate”. Last year this game went to 8 overtimes before Georgia finally came out on top. However, this year I don’t think Georgia Tech will be able to battle with Georgia like they did last year. Although they are ranked #16 in the country with a 9-1 record, they have looked shaky at times. Tech also does not have a great schedule, and they have not looked elite. I got Georgia cruising to a win 38 to 16.
Texas A&M at Texas
Undefeated Texas A&M will go to Austin for a monster rivalry game. Texas will be fighting for their playoff lives, as they already have 3 losses. Because of this, I think Texas will put up a good fight as the underdog vs A&M. But I don’t think it would be enough to stop the Aggies, who have a good shot to win the national championship. My prediction is A&M 30, Texas 28 in a close one.
Oregon at Washington
Although Washington will most likely be unranked going into this game, they are still a formidable team that will always put up a great fight. They will be looking to upset Oregon at home and potentially knock them out of the race for an at-large playoff spot. I think the Huskies will keep it close, but I think Oregon’s offensive talent will be too much to handle. I think Oregon beats Washington 26-20 in a physical, old-fashioned Pac-12 like game.
LSU at Oklahoma
Had this game been played in early October, it would have been one of the biggest games of the season. Instead, it looks like Oklahoma is going to crush LSU. The Tigers have no head coach, and the Sooners just got a monster road win against Alabama. I don’t think Oklahoma will drop this game, especially with all of their playoff hopes right in front of them. I predict OU winning comfortably at home 38 to 14 vs LSU.
Vanderbilt at Tennessee
Many people have been calling this a play-in game for Vanderbilt, and I agree. Should they win, it would be hard for the playoff committee to leave them out of the CFP. Vandy has a tough team with a great coach, and I think they get it done. My pick is Vanderbilt 23, Tennessee 21.
Alabama at Auburn
The Iron Bowl is one of the best rivalries in college football. This game has so many iconic moments from 2023’s “Gravedigger” play to the “Kick Six”. Although Alabama has looked amazing and Auburn has played poorly, I think it will still be a close game. True rivalry games like the Iron Bowl are always very physical and down to the wire, most of the time being decided by a couple important plays. Give me Alabama 21, Auburn 14 in a close, hard- fought game.
Ohio State at Michigan
Nicknamed “The Game”, Michigan vs Ohio State is the greatest rivalry in sports. Ohio State are defending national champions, but Michigan has won the last four meetings between the two teams. Ohio State will also be the number 1 team in the country coming into this game, while Michigan will be somewhere around 18, where they are as of writing. Michigan is also the youngest team in division one football, which could play a factor in this game.
I think this game will be closer than people think for a couple of reasons. First, Ohio State will not be fully healthy. Ohio State’s Smith is probably the best player in the country, but he might not be back to 100% for The Game. Second, Michigan has shown lots of fight at the end of this season. The game against Northwestern particularly impressed me. The Wolverines turned over the ball five times, and found a way to win. Great teams find ways to win when they’re not supposed to. My last reason is that Michigan has won the last four meetings. I understand that every year is different then the last, but it still feels like we can get a similar upset that has happened for the last four years. Michigan was not good last year, and if that team could win The Game, this Michigan team can too. For the last four years this game has been about which team wins the line of scrimmage and the trenches by running the football, which is Michigan’s specialty. Lastly, Michigan just has Ohio State coach Ryan Day’s number. He is 1-4 vs Michigan. For those reasons, I think Michigan shocks the world winning 26-23 at the Big House.
