Florida Gators Shine with Multiple Entries on The Athletic’s Top 100 Greatest Rivalries in College Football History List
When The Athletic released its list of the 100 greatest rivalries in college football, the Florida Gators were more than just a footnote — they were one of the central themes. The Gators didn’t merely make the list; they were all over it. Florida’s presence was strong, showcasing just how deeply entrenched the program is in the sport’s most storied and passionate battles. College football thrives on rivalries, and few schools have more deeply woven threads in the fabric of these bitter, emotional, and often unpredictable matchups than the University of Florida.
To truly understand Florida’s influence on the rivalry-rich culture of college football, one must look at the context behind these matchups. Florida’s rivalries are not just driven by geography but are built on decades of competition, unforgettable moments, championship implications, and players and coaches who have defined eras of college football. What separates Florida from many programs is not that it has one great rivalry — it has several, each with its own identity, history, and level of ferocity.
Perhaps most notable on The Athletic’s list was the iconic Florida-Georgia rivalry, often dubbed the “World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party.” Played annually in Jacksonville, this game is as much a cultural event as it is a football showdown. The rivalry dates back to 1915 and has seen national title dreams crushed and unexpected heroes born. It represents more than football; it’s Southern tradition at its finest. The game is historically tight, with winning streaks swinging momentum back and forth between the two programs. The SEC East race often goes through this clash, making it one of the most consequential games on the college football calendar.
Florida’s rivalry with Florida State also secured a deserved spot on the list. This in-state grudge match has brought national attention for decades, particularly during the 1990s when it routinely featured top-5 matchups, national championship stakes, and Heisman-level talent on both sides. The Bobby Bowden vs. Steve Spurrier era elevated the feud to epic proportions, blending high-stakes football with raw animosity and unforgettable moments — from missed kicks to late-game heroics. Despite being in different conferences, Florida and Florida State maintain one of the sport’s most consistently relevant rivalries, with both pride and postseason implications on the line.
The Gators’ annual matchup with LSU was also recognized, further demonstrating Florida’s place among the elite in college football’s rivalry ecosystem. Though this rivalry may not have the century-old history of some others, it has quickly grown into one of the most intense and unpredictable in the SEC. Since the 2000s, the Florida-LSU series has produced a slew of memorable clashes — from the Tim Tebow era dramatics to Odell Beckham Jr.’s electrifying plays to hurricane-induced scheduling conflicts that added new layers of controversy and tension. It’s a rivalry born of proximity, conference alignment, and competitive balance, but it has matured into one that fans circle on their calendars every year.
Also of note is Florida’s long-standing but now-dormant rivalry with Miami. Though no longer an annual affair due to differing conference affiliations, when these two meet, the results are always fireworks. Whether it’s in the Orange Bowl, the Sugar Bowl, or an early-season marquee matchup, the stakes are always sky-high. This rivalry may be fueled as much by fan disdain and regional recruiting battles as it is by the games themselves, but its absence from the annual schedule has only heightened its mythos. That The Athletic included it despite its infrequency speaks volumes about its legacy.
What makes Florida’s rivalries so unique isn’t just the number of them that rank among college football’s greatest — it’s the variety. From a neutral-site border war in Jacksonville to an in-state blood feud that spans generations, to a cross-divisional SEC showdown filled with theatrics, Florida’s rivalries encapsulate virtually every dimension of college football competition. The Gators don’t just play big games — they live in them.
The presence of Florida on so many entries of The Athletic’s top 100 list is also a reflection of the program’s overall national relevance. Rivalries only become great when both sides matter, when the stakes are high, and when the games routinely affect the course of conference and national championships. For decades, Florida has delivered on that front. The Spurrier era redefined the SEC and brought with it a new brash, high-flying identity that clashed with more traditional programs. The Urban Meyer years featured dominant defenses, electrifying offenses, and titles that further fueled every rivalry. And even in less dominant seasons, the pride of Florida’s fan base and the sheer volume of elite talent ensure that the Gators are never taken lightly.
Florida’s status as a rivalry-rich program is also aided by its unique recruiting position. Situated in one of the most talent-rich states in the country, Florida is constantly battling with Florida State and Miami for in-state prospects. Add in battles with Georgia for top players in the Southeast, and the recruiting wars only amplify the on-field tension. These rivalries extend beyond Saturdays — they play out in living rooms, on social media, and during National Signing Day. The competitive fire never cools.
Even when Florida isn’t at its peak, the rivalries endure. That’s a key marker of a true college football rivalry — it matters no matter the record. When Florida faces Florida State, it doesn’t matter if one team is ranked No. 2 and the other is 4–7 — the game will still attract national interest. Upsets are not just possible; they are part of the lore. That’s the beauty of rivalry football, and Florida has a front-row seat for some of the best examples of it in the country.
There’s also something to be said for the atmosphere these games produce. From “Gator chomps” in the stands to Tomahawk chops in Tallahassee, from the swirling oranges and blues in Gainesville to the raucous Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Florida’s rivalries are not just physical contests — they are spectacles. These games carry an energy unmatched by regular matchups, and The Athletic’s recognition of multiple Florida contests is a nod to the game-day pageantry that comes with them.
Coaching personalities have also added layers to these rivalries. Steve Spurrier’s sharp tongue and offensive genius made him a lightning rod and a villain to opposing fans. Urban Meyer’s relentless efficiency created dynasties that crushed rival spirits. More recently, coaching changes on both sides of Florida’s rivalries have reignited tensions — whether it’s Florida State’s new direction under Mike Norvell or Georgia’s ascension under Kirby Smart, each twist alters the narrative and renews the stakes.
The Athletic’s comprehensive list reflects the ever-changing and yet somehow timeless world of college football, and Florida’s overwhelming presence on it is no accident. Programs with rich tradition, passionate fan bases, and a long history of meaningful, emotional, and competitive games inevitably dominate any list of rivalries. The Florida Gators, with multiple top-tier rivalries that have shaped college football history, are exactly that.
If there is one takeaway from Florida’s frequent appearance on The Athletic’s list, it’s that the program occupies a rare space in college football — a team that doesn’t just participate in great games but defines them. For fans, it means every fall Saturday has the potential for legacy-defining moments. For players, it means wearing the Gator uniform is never just about individual success — it’s about carrying on traditions that are part of the sport’s soul.
As college football evolves — with realignment, playoff expansions, and NIL reshaping the landscape — rivalries remain the emotional backbone of the sport. And for Florida, they are more than just history; they are an enduring presence. The Gators aren’t just part of college football’s rivalry tradition — they are one of its standard bearers. And The Athletic’s list simply reaffirmed what Gator Nation already knew: in the world of rivalries, few do it better than Florida.
