Big Ten Announces Rivalry Series Amid Fan Backlash Over Tradition Disrespect

The Big Ten football landscape in 2025 is seeing the rise of three main contenders—Ohio State, Oregon, and Indiana—with Oregon currently holding the top spot due to its impressive conference win. Michigan State has been a tough opponent this season, with teams struggling to win games following matchups against the Spartans, suggesting a possible "curse" effect. Meanwhile, the Big Ten's new "Rivalry Series," launched in partnership with Venmo, aims to highlight key matchups across football and basketball, but has been met with fan criticism for including questionable rivalries like Oregon-Penn State and excluding iconic ones such as Ohio State vs. Michigan. This omission has angered fans and commentators who regard the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry as one of the greatest in college sports and see the conference's decisions as baffling and disrespectful. The new rivalry series is also viewed by some as a cash grab, further fueling dissatisfaction among traditional college football fans who cherish historic rivalries and traditions. Overall, while the Big Ten tries to innovate and capitalize on sports partnerships, fan backlash highlights the tension between commercial interests and preserving the sport’s heritage.