Nothing hits quite like a good old-fashioned college football rivalry game.
You’ve heard about the Red River Showdown, the Cotton Bowl, and some of the legendary Division I matchups. Still, most college football fans don’t know that some of the longest and most historic rivalry games are held across Division III.
Here’s a list of some of the biggest and most storied rivalry games in NCAA Division III football, known for their history, tradition, and passionate fan bases:
The Greatest D3 Football Rivalry Games
Cortaca Jug
Teams: Ithaca College vs. SUNY Cortland
Arguably the most famous DIII rivalry. Played annually since 1959. Often draws massive crowds, even being played in NFL stadiums like MetLife. 2024 marked the 65th edition of the Cortaca Jug Game, and SUNY Cortland secured the title for a second straight year with a 28-17 win at home on Grady Field.
Monon Bell Classic
Teams: DePauw University vs. Wabash College
Monon Bell Classic is one of the oldest rivalries in college football, dating back to 1890. The winner between DePauw and Wabash receives the 300-pound Monon Bell. Wabash leads the series, 63-58-9, and the winner typically earns the conference’s automatic qualification into the NCAA Division III tournament. In 2024, DePauw defeated Wabash 42-21 to hold possession of the Monon Bell for the third consecutive season.
Stagg Hat Game
Teams: Lycoming vs. Susquehanna
Long before the Landmark Conference’s inaugural season, the Stagg Hat rivalry has been a must-see matchup for Pennsylvania college football fans. The first edition of the Stagg Hat Game took place in 1949. Lycoming holds the record with 30 wins; however, the River Hawks earned their largest margin of victory in 2024, taking the title and punching their ticket to the NCAA tournament with a 55-7 win over the Warriors.
The Biggest Little Game In America
Teams: Williams College vs. Amherst College
Known as the oldest rivalry in DIII, dating back to 1884. A New England staple and centerpiece of the “Little Three” (Amherst, Williams, Wesleyan).
In 2024, Williams College ended the season on a high note with a 21-0 shutout victory over Amherst. With the win in “The Biggest Little Game in America, the most played game in NCAA DIII and the fourth most played game in all of NCAA Football, the team embarked on “The Walk.”
“The Walk” features the Eh team walking out of Farley-Lamb Field to walk through the center of town on Spring Street, celebrating the win with the townsfolk before returning to Farley-Lamb Field. Sports Illustrated magazine has dubbed “The Walk, “The Best Post-Game Tradition in America.”
Seafaring Scuffle
Teams: SUNY Maritime vs Merchant Marine
A NEWMAC conference rivalry that has stood the test of time. Last season, USMMA erased a 10-point, third-quarter deficit to secure the win with a 23-20 win over SUNY Maritime on the road in Bronx, N.Y.
Battle For The Little Brass Bell
Teams: North Central (IL) vs. Wheaton (IL)
A key CCIW rivalry that has recently had national playoff implications due to North Central’s emergence as a powerhouse. 2024 marked the 105th meeting of the two institutions and the 75th with the game’s traveling trophy. Wheaton owns a 55-47-3 edge, though the Cardinals have won the last four encounters, most recently hoisting the trophy after a 55-27 victory in 2024.
Cuyahoga Gold Bowl
Teams: John Carroll vs. Baldwin Wallace
Since 1989, the Cuyahoga Gold Bowl has been a classic OAC rivalry with deep roots in Ohio football. The winner of the Cuyahoga Gold Bowl hoists an iconic trophy of a painted rock that looks like a football, and also, a potato.
In 2024, John Carroll used a big third-quarter comeback, a late touchdown drive, and a defensive stand on the final play to defeat Baldwin Wallace, 20-16.
The Game
Teams: Randolph-Macon vs. Hampden-Sydney
The Game is an ODAC classic and a must-watch for D3 football fans. In 2024, Randolph-Macon outscored Hampden-Sydney 27-0 in the second half in recording a 27-6 victory in the 129th edition of The Game for the 11th consecutive win in the series for the Yellow Jackets.
How To Watch D3 Football Games In 2025
Every Landmark, NEWMAC, SCIAC, SCAC, OAC, ODAC, and Northwest football game will stream live on FloCollege and the FloSports app.
Game replays, highlights, and breaking news will also be available on both platforms.
When Do The 2025 NCAA Division III College Football Playoffs Start?
The first round of the 2025 NCAA Division III Playoffs will be Nov. 22.
The 2025 Division III Football Championship title game will be played Jan. 10, 2026, at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio.
College Football Rankings 2024 – Final AFCA Division III Coaches Poll
End Of 2024 Season
- North Central (Ill.) (43) 15-0
- Mount Union (Ohio) 14-1
- Johns Hopkins (Md.) 12-2
- Susquehanna (Pa.) 12-2
- Salisbury (Md.) 12-1
- Springfield (Mass.) 12-1
- St. John’s (Minn.) 11-1
- Cortland (N.Y.) 11-1
- DePauw (Ind.) 11-1
- Bethel (Minn.) 11-3
- Mary Hardin-Baylor (Tex.) 8-4
- Wartburg (Iowa) 10-2
- Hope (Mich.) 11-1
- Carnegie Mellon (Pa.) 10-2
- Hardin-Simmons (Tex.) 10-1
- Linfield (Ore.) 10-2
- Wisconsin-Platteville 9-2
- Randolph-Macon (Va.) 10-2
- Endicott (Mass.) 10-2
- Grove City (Pa.) 9-2
- Wisconsin-La Crosse 8-4
- Aurora (Ill.) 9-2
- Whitworth (Wash.) 10-2
- Washington & Jefferson (Pa.) 9-2
- Coe (Iowa) 9-2
Others Receiving Votes: Hobart (N.Y.), 80; Lake Forest (Ill.), 49; John Carroll (Ohio), 42; Trinity (Tex.), 37; Wheaton (Ill.), 26; Wisconsin-River Falls, 24; King’s (Pa.), 15; Centre (Ky.), 11; Maryville (Tenn.), 10; Massachusetts-Dartmouth, 5; Texas Lutheran, 5; Ursinus (Pa.), 3; Wisconsin-Oshkosh, 2; Alma (Mich.), 1.
Archived Footage On FloCollege
Video footage from all games will be archived and stored in a video library for FloCollege subscribers to watch for the duration of their subscriptions.
Watch The 2025 College Football Season On FloCollege
FloCollege is the home of the best FCS, Division II and Division III football action all season long.
Don’t miss the latest college football action by bookmarking the FloCollege schedule page for the latest games.
Join The College Football Conversation
