New York, November 23, 2025
Rivalry Week in college football on Saturday, November 29, 2025, features a series of historic matchups across major conferences, poised to disrupt current playoff standings and energize fanbases nationwide. These pivotal games will determine conference titles and influence College Football Playoff berths amid an atmosphere of heightened stakes and unpredictability.
Key Rivalry Games to Watch
The slate includes several high-profile matchups steeped in tradition and recent drama. Clemson visits South Carolina in a contest charged by last year’s upset, where the Gamecocks narrowly defeated the Tigers 17-14. This ACC rivalry carries significant implications for playoff positioning and regional pride.
Georgia faces Georgia Tech in a renewal of last year’s epic eight-overtime thriller, narrowly claimed by Georgia 44-42. Hosted at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Georgia Tech aims to break a long-standing losing streak to their in-state rivals dating back to 2016, intensifying the competitive stakes.
Texas and Texas A&M resume their storied rivalry in an SEC clash that holds critical weight for conference championship aspirations and potential playoff seeding, reflecting the strategic importance of this matchup for both programs.
The Iron Bowl between Alabama and Auburn remains one of the most watched and consequential rivalries nationwide. Taking place simultaneously on Rivalry Week, this game will heavily influence SEC standings and national championship trajectories.
Meanwhile, the USC-UCLA Crosstown Rivalry commands attention on the West Coast, frequently shaping Rose Bowl prospects and impacting national championship considerations. The Commonwealth Clash between Virginia Tech and Virginia continues its legacy during Thanksgiving weekend, affecting bowl game positioning and state bragging rights.
Implications on Standings and Playoffs
Rivalry Week’s games are expected to challenge the status quo established over the season, with several outcomes likely to cause significant shifts in conference rankings and playoff projections. The convergence of so many consequential games on a single day creates opportunities for both upsets and confirmation of emerging national title contenders.
Historical Context and Recent Dramatic Finishes
Many rivalries featured recent dramatic finishes that heighten anticipation for this year’s encounters. The eight-overtime thriller between Georgia and Georgia Tech remains a recent testament to the unpredictable nature of these contests. Similarly, last year’s Clemson-South Carolina upset and Texas’s narrow victory over Texas A&M underscore the potential for high-stakes surprises.
Adding to the intrigue is the evolving coaching landscape and player changes that could influence team dynamics. Notably, Bill Belichick’s presence coaching North Carolina against Duke introduces a unique storyline emblematic of the broader significance Rivalry Week holds beyond the field.
Rivalry Week 2025 on November 29 is poised to redefine momentum as the season reaches a critical juncture. Fans, teams, and analysts alike will be captivated by the outcomes that could upend expectations and shape the path to conference titles and College Football Playoff participation.