List of College Football Rivalry Trophies

College football is more than just a game; it's a way of life for many fans across the country. And while the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat are certainly a big part of what makes college football so exciting, it's the tradition and pageantry that really sets it apart from other sports. One of the most iconic traditions in college football is the use of rivalry trophies, which are awarded to the winner of certain games each year. In this article, we'll take a look at the history of college football rivalry trophies and what they mean to the teams and fans who compete for them.

History Of College Football Rivalry Trophies

The tradition of rivalry trophies goes back more than a century, with the first one being awarded in 1899 when Arizona and Arizona State played for the Territorial Cup. Over the years, more and more rivalry trophies were established, each with its own unique history and significance. Some, like the Paul Bunyan's Axe between Wisconsin and Minnesota, are tied to the history and culture of the states in which the schools are located. Others, like the Iron Bowl Trophy between Auburn and Alabama, represent bitter and long-standing rivalries between schools that are often located in the same state or region.

Perhaps the most famous rivalry trophy is the Old Oaken Bucket, which is awarded to the winner of the annual game between Indiana and Purdue. The bucket itself is a relic from the 1800s and was originally used to carry water from a well near the field where the game was played. Today, it's one of the most cherished and sought-after trophies in college football, with both schools and their fans taking great pride in being able to display it in their trophy case each year.

While the rivalry trophies themselves are certainly important, it's the meaning behind them that really makes them special. For many schools, winning a rivalry game is just as important, if not more so, than winning a conference championship or even a national title. That's because these games often represent more than just a battle on the field; they're a way for schools to assert their dominance over their rivals and demonstrate their superiority in every aspect of college life.

Top 5 College Football Rivalry Trophies

Here are the top 5 college football rivalry trophies and a brief description of each:

#1. Paul Bunyan's Axe

This trophy is awarded to the winner of the annual game between the Wisconsin Badgers and the Minnesota Golden Gophers. The axe is a symbol of the rivalry's history as the two states have a history of logging and lumberjack competitions.

#2. The Iron Bowl Trophy

This trophy is awarded annually to the winner of the Iron Bowl game, which is played between the Auburn Tigers and the Alabama Crimson Tide. The trophy is made of iron and features a large football with an A on one side and an eagle on the other.

#3. The Little Brown Jug

This trophy is awarded to the winner of the game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Minnesota Golden Gophers. The jug is made of brown earthenware and has been in use since 1903, making it one of the oldest trophies in college football.

#4. The Old Oaken Bucket

This trophy is awarded to the winner of the annual game between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Purdue Boilermakers. The bucket is made of wood and was originally used to carry water from a well near the field where the game was played.

#5. The Territorial Cup

This trophy is awarded to the winner of the annual game between the Arizona Wildcats and the Arizona State Sun Devils. The trophy is made of brass and was first awarded in 1899, making it the oldest trophy in college football rivalry games.

List of College Football Rivalry Trophies

In summary, college football rivalry trophies are more than just trophies; they're symbols of tradition, pride, and the deep-seated rivalries that make college football so special. Whether it's the Old Oaken Bucket, the Iron Bowl Trophy, or the dozens of other rivalry trophies that exist throughout the college football landscape, these trophies represent the very essence of what makes college football so exciting and beloved by fans across the country. As long as there are college football rivalries, there will be rivalry trophies, and fans can continue to look forward to the annual battles for bragging rights and the chance to hoist one of these coveted trophies above their heads.