College basketball rivalries transcend mere competition, evolving into epic sagas woven into the fabric of the sport. This initial installment of a four-part series delves into the electrifying intensity of men’s Division-I basketball’s most storied feuds, exploring the deep-seated history and passionate disdain that define these unforgettable matchups, starting with entries 100 through 76.
Our definitive ranking of the 100 greatest college basketball rivalries is the culmination of meticulous analysis, validated by both rigorous statistical methods and subjective expert consensus. There is no room for conjecture or debate; this is the undisputed list of the sport’s most heated contests, where every clash is a testament to the enduring spirit of Sports Feuds and intense competition.
Once the cornerstone of the MEAC, the rivalry between North Carolina A&T and North Carolina Central faced a challenge when the Aggies joined the CAA in 2021. Despite the conference shift, the annual “Eagle Aggie Classic” endures as a powerful symbol of their historic animosity, maintaining its status as a significant NCAA Basketball event even with a reduced frequency.
The “Blue-Green Rivalry” between UC Santa Barbara and Cal Poly, although perhaps more celebrated in soccer circles, sparks significant passion on the basketball court as well, reflecting a deep-seated regional antipathy. Similarly, the geographically close but conference-separated Portland Pilots and Portland State Vikings share a fierce disdain, consistently delivering competitive games over two decades that solidify their place among notable Historic Matchups.
While relatively new, the burgeoning rivalry between St. John’s and UConn promises to become a dominant force in the Big East, fueled by the formidable coaching personalities of Rick Pitino and Dan Hurley. Their similarly spirited approaches guarantee memorable moments, much like Hurley’s infamous interaction with the “red blazer guy.” Meanwhile, the “Battle for the Bones” between Memphis and UAB has reignited with UAB’s return to The American, continuing a tradition of intense Basketball Showdowns where Memphis holds a significant all-time lead.
The Atlantic Sun’s “River City Rumble” between Jacksonville and North Florida showcases a captivating turnaround, with North Florida overcoming an early historical deficit to claim the all-time advantage in this crosstown clash. Further south, the “SoCon military schools” rivalry pitting VMI against The Citadel stands as one of mid-major basketball’s most competitive, with a history dating back to 1920 and a razor-thin all-time series margin, proving its worth among these Top 100 Rivalries.
Across the Lone Star State, the “Battle of the Piney Woods” between Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston boasts a rich basketball history, with both programs consistently delivering thrilling contests for decades. In the formidable Big 12, the games between Houston and Baylor have become automatic highlights on the sports calendar, thanks to coaches Kelvin Sampson and Scott Drew, adding another layer of intensity to these compelling College Basketball Rivalries.
Dating back to 1908, the “Battle of the Bricks” between Miami (Ohio) and Ohio University is one of college basketball’s oldest and most frequently played rivalries, despite Miami’s historical lead, Ohio’s recent dominance keeps the feud vibrant. In the MAAC, Canisius and Niagara’s “Battle of the Bridge” series, originating in 1904, is defined by geographical proximity and an annual multi-sport competition for the “Canal Cup,” underscoring the enduring nature of these Historic Matchups.
Perhaps the most enigmatic entry on this list is the intense, yet inconsistent, rivalry between Memphis and Tennessee. When this feud ignites, its heat rivals any in college basketball, exemplified by a monumental No. 1 vs. No. 2 showdown in 2008 and a subsequent, highly controversial game that led to a hiatus in the series. The profound Sports Feuds and mutual animosity persist, creating a compelling desire for these teams to resume their electrifying hardwood battles.
