The rivalry between Brigham Young University (BYU) and the University of Utah, often referred to as the “Holy War,” is one of the most intense and storied matchups in college football. While fans and alumni of both schools are deeply invested in this regional clash, the broader question has always been: where does the BYU-Utah rivalry stand among the greatest college football rivalries in the United States?
Recently, this long-standing debate gained renewed attention when Scott Dochterman of The Athletic published a comprehensive list ranking the top 100 college football rivalries across the nation. Dochterman’s ranking aimed to provide a wide-angle snapshot of the sport’s most prominent and passionate head-to-head battles. In this expansive project, the BYU-Utah rivalry earned the 28th spot—a respectable placement that acknowledges its growing significance on the national stage.
Dochterman didn’t use a strict formula or defined metric system to compile his rankings. Instead, he explained that his process was a blend of objective analysis and subjective insight. He peeled back layers of reputation and tradition, examined the unique characteristics of each rivalry, and sought input from fellow journalists at The Athletic. The list was not meant to reflect only the most well-known or popular rivalries but to offer a broad view of how these matchups have evolved, how much they matter, and how they compare in terms of emotion, competition, and impact.
For those familiar with the BYU-Utah series, the ranking at No. 28 might seem surprisingly modest given the intensity surrounding the games and the rich history involved. Nevertheless, it does place the rivalry ahead of many other respected matchups. For instance, the long-standing Bay Area clash between Stanford and Cal, famously marked by “The Play” in 1982, was ranked 29th—one spot below BYU-Utah. On the other hand, the Oregon-Oregon State rivalry, also known as the “Civil War,” landed just ahead at No. 27.
What makes the BYU-Utah rivalry so compelling? Geography plays a major role. The campuses are located just 40 miles apart in the state of Utah, which naturally creates an in-state tension and familiarity that intensifies the competition. These are not just teams separated by conference lines or casual history—they are neighbors, cultural contrasts, and athletic enemies all rolled into one.
Moreover, the rivalry has grown in stature over the past 20 years. While historically Utah had more access to major conference affiliations through the Pac-12, BYU made waves with its independence and later its own leap into a power conference. Now that both programs are part of the Big 12, the stakes of the rivalry have become even higher. As Dochterman pointed out, this shared conference affiliation is expected to add another layer of significance to future matchups, as both teams will be competing not just for pride but also for crucial conference positioning and postseason implications.
This evolution has helped elevate the BYU-Utah series beyond a local or regional curiosity and into a game with national implications. As media coverage expands and the teams continue to perform at high levels, more attention is being drawn to their annual meetings. In fact, some of the recent games have featured thrilling finishes, last-minute comebacks, and emotional moments that underscore the raw energy the rivalry generates.
Historically, the “Holy War” moniker reflects the religious and cultural differences between the two schools. BYU is owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and many of its students and players are practicing members. Utah, while also home to a large population of Latter-day Saints, has a more diverse student body and represents the state’s flagship public university. This contrast has led to a rivalry that is not just athletic, but deeply rooted in cultural identity and pride.
Over the years, games between the Cougars and the Utes have had a wide range of implications. From seasons when one team was clearly dominant, to back-and-forth battles that came down to a single play, the rivalry has seen it all. The passion from both fanbases is unwavering, with each victory and defeat etched into memory and often discussed for years afterward. The emotional weight of the games is heightened by the fact that many players, coaches, and fans know each other personally due to the geographical proximity and shared history.
In Dochterman’s broader ranking, the top of the list was dominated by legendary rivalries that have shaped college football’s identity for decades. Unsurprisingly, the storied rivalry between Michigan and Ohio State claimed the No. 1 spot. This game is often viewed as the gold standard of college football rivalries, not only because of the intense animosity between the fanbases, but also due to the high stakes that often surround the game, such as conference championships and national playoff implications.
At the other end of the spectrum, the matchup between LSU and Mississippi State just made the cut at No. 100, highlighting the wide range of criteria used in the rankings. It’s a testament to the uniqueness of each rivalry—while some are built on proximity or shared history, others thrive on recent relevance or media exposure.
For BYU and Utah fans, being ranked 28th is both a recognition of the rivalry’s rich past and a challenge for the future. As the programs continue to grow within the Big 12 and attract higher-level recruits, national attention is bound to increase. The higher the stakes become, the more the games will matter—not just to fans in Utah, but to the broader college football landscape.
It’s also important to note that these rankings are fluid. A few exceptional seasons, high-profile games, or heated incidents could quickly elevate a rivalry’s profile. For BYU and Utah, that moment may come soon, especially as the Big 12 provides a shared competitive platform. Future matchups could feature playoff implications or conference title stakes, and those kinds of games can quickly push a rivalry up the national charts.
In summary, the BYU-Utah rivalry is recognized as one of the top 30 in the nation, reflecting both its historical intensity and its modern relevance. It’s a rivalry built on proximity, passion, cultural contrasts, and a shared journey toward football prominence. As the programs enter a new chapter as conference peers, the Holy War is poised to become even more meaningful—both for those in the stands and for fans across the nation watching from afar.
