Florida Football Rivalries Dominate The Athletic’s 100 Greatest List, Cementing Gators’ Legacy in College Football History and Tradition
The University of Florida has long been one of the most iconic programs in college football. From storied national championships to Heisman-winning quarterbacks and unforgettable moments under the bright lights of The Swamp, the Florida Gators have always found themselves at the heart of the sport’s fiercest competition. That legacy of ferocity and tradition was reinforced once again when The Athletic released its list of the 100 greatest rivalries in college football history. Not only did Florida feature prominently — they dominated.
In fact, few schools had more showings across The Athletic’s list, and for good reason. Rivalries aren’t just born of regional proximity or scheduling quirks — they’re forged in decades of emotion, high-stakes battles, bitter defeats, and triumphant moments. Florida’s rivalries check all of those boxes and more. The Gators don’t just play big games — they define them.
What sets Florida apart in this list is not just quantity, but quality. Each of Florida’s top rivalries carries significant historical weight, national relevance, and emotional intensity. Whether it’s the hate-fueled annual grudge match against Georgia, the high-octane battles with Florida State, or the once-season-altering duels with Tennessee, Florida’s place on this list isn’t just deserved — it’s inevitable.
At the heart of Florida’s rivalry dominance is the annual showdown with Georgia. The Florida-Georgia game — known popularly as the “World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party” — is one of college football’s crown jewels. Held in Jacksonville every year, this neutral-site game has become an October tradition as much about culture and pride as it is about playoff implications. This rivalry goes back to the early 20th century, but it truly heated up in the 1980s and 1990s, when both teams often played for SEC supremacy. Florida’s dominance in the Steve Spurrier era and Georgia’s recent ascension under Kirby Smart have flipped momentum back and forth, but one constant has remained: this game always matters.
But the Gators’ inclusion in The Athletic’s list doesn’t end there. The in-state rivalry with Florida State is equally legendary. No rivalry in the country features two schools with so much shared history, recruiting turf, and national spotlight. In the 1990s, the Gators and Seminoles were both consistently ranked in the top five, often deciding national championship fates when they clashed in late November. The Spurrier vs. Bowden matchups were legendary. The 1996 season, which saw the teams split their two meetings — with Florida winning the rematch in the Sugar Bowl to secure the national title — is one of the most iconic seasons in college football history.
This rivalry hasn’t always stayed at the elite level — both programs have had their down years — but the hatred and mutual respect remain strong. Whether it’s at The Swamp or Doak Campbell Stadium, this is a rivalry built on animosity, intensity, and tradition.
Tennessee also finds itself paired with Florida in this list, as the Gators-Volunteers rivalry — particularly from the mid-1990s to the early 2000s — was among the most impactful in college football. During that time, both programs were perennial SEC contenders, with matchups between Peyton Manning and Danny Wuerffel defining an era. The September showdowns often determined who would win the SEC East, with national title hopes frequently on the line. Though Tennessee has not been as dominant in recent years, the rivalry still holds a special place in the hearts of fans. Any time Florida and Tennessee meet, the potential for chaos is high — and the emotions even higher.
What makes Florida’s rivalries so compelling isn’t just that they feature great football — it’s the history, the stakes, and the personalities involved. From Spurrier’s swagger to Urban Meyer’s dominance to the unforgettable plays like the “River City Relay” or Chris Leak’s dagger throws in the Georgia Dome, these games are rich in narrative. Rivalries are stories told over generations, and Florida’s pages are some of the most dramatic and unforgettable in the book of college football.
Beyond the top-tier rivalries with Georgia, Florida State, and Tennessee, Florida’s feuds with programs like LSU, Miami, and Auburn also found mentions on The Athletic’s list or were noted as rivalries of historical significance. The Florida-LSU rivalry in particular has become increasingly relevant in the last two decades, often serving as one of the most physical and emotionally charged games in the SEC schedule. From Tim Tebow’s “promise” speech to LSU’s famous fake field goals and fourth-down conversions, this matchup has produced an abundance of unforgettable moments.
The Gators’ dormant rivalry with Miami also remains one of the sport’s great “what ifs.” Though the teams don’t play annually anymore, the animosity is deep and the stakes are always massive when they do meet. Florida and Miami, two of the three major in-state powers, have often battled for top recruits, media attention, and the right to claim superiority in the Sunshine State. Even if the games are infrequent, the rivalry simmers year-round among fan bases.
Auburn, once a more frequent opponent before SEC realignment, also represents a historic rival. The Gators and Tigers share a deep-rooted past, and while the rivalry has faded in national relevance due to scheduling shifts, the respect and intensity remain when they do face off.
This rich tapestry of rivalries shows exactly why Florida’s presence on The Athletic’s list is so dominant. Very few programs in college football can lay claim to as many significant rivalries that have impacted national rankings, conference championships, and Heisman races. Florida hasn’t just played in big games — they’ve shaped the sport through them.
It’s also a testament to the program’s national relevance and ability to draw ratings, attention, and emotion from fans and opponents alike. Rivalries aren’t just about who wins or loses. They’re about anticipation, heartbreak, elation, and legacy. And in that regard, Florida has given college football more than its fair share.
These rivalries have also served as the backdrop for some of college football’s most iconic individual performances. Danny Wuerffel’s pinpoint accuracy in pressure moments. Tim Tebow’s bruising runs and unmatched leadership. Percy Harvin’s breakaway speed. Fred Taylor’s unstoppable drives. Each of these legends built their resumes in the crucible of rivalry games. These contests often reveal a team’s character — and Florida’s greatest players always seemed to rise when the lights shined the brightest.
Off the field, these rivalries have affected recruiting battles, coaching changes, and even administrative decisions. Beating Georgia or Florida State can be the difference between job security and termination. Winning against Tennessee or LSU can salvage a season — or define a decade. These games are about more than bragging rights. They’re about legacy, and they carry implications that ripple through programs and conferences alike.
In recent years, with the expansion of the SEC and the increasing playoff focus in college football, some have worried that rivalries might lose their intensity. Florida has been a key counterpoint to that idea. Despite coaching changes, conference realignments, and evolving schedules, the Gators’ rivalries have remained passionate, deeply personal, and nationally relevant. Whether the team is contending for a championship or rebuilding, the stakes in these games never feel diminished.
As the 12-team playoff era begins and college football enters a new phase, Florida’s rivalries will only grow more important. Games against Georgia will likely help determine SEC seeding. Florida State will once again be a top-10 program, reigniting one of the sport’s greatest matchups. And with new teams like Texas and Oklahoma entering the SEC, Florida could see fresh rivalries form while the traditional ones maintain their fiery intensity.
Ultimately, Florida’s domination of The Athletic’s 100 greatest rivalries list isn’t just a nod to the past — it’s a blueprint for the future. Rivalries define college football. They are its beating heart, its defining pulse. And if this list proves anything, it’s that Florida has always been — and always will be — at the very center of that heart.
So as fans gear up for another season filled with tense Saturdays, passionate tailgates, and unforgettable moments, they can rest assured that when it comes to rivalries, nobody does it quite like the Florida Gators. Their legacy is written not just in championships and All-Americans, but in the battles that shaped the very soul of college football.
