The SEC officially expanded this off-season, with Texas and Oklahoma finally joining the conference after two years of waiting.
The addition of the two college football powerhouses means the SEC now has several new rivalries, the biggest of which is the Red River Rivalry. Where does that rank among the SEC's top five most intense rivalries?
5. Auburn-Georgia - Deep South's Oldest Rivalry
It took a lot of work to pick one to land at five, with the top four cemented in. There are so many great rivalries in the SEC, but the Auburn-Georgia rivalry has that big of everything. The title describes exactly what it is: the Deep South's Oldest Rivalry.
With one or both teams usually fighting for the top spot in their SEC divisions, the game has much more riding on it and bragging rights. Auburn has lost the last seven in this rivalry, meaning Georgia leads the series by eight.
4. Ole Miss-Mississippi State - Egg Bowl
It is number one in our eyes; however, wearing my neutral hat, this is a good spot. Not many people outside of Mississippi and the SEC understand the intensity surrounding this rivalry, from the famous 'dog pee' celebrations to the 2018 'Egg Brawl.' These intrastate rivals do not get along when it comes to sports.
The Rebels lead the series 65-46-6, another close rivalry game in the SEC. Since the 2011 game, both teams have had five wins, with current Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin winning three of the four Egg Bowls he has competed for.
3. Florida-Georgia - Okefenokee Oar Trophy
We used the new name, "Battle for the Oar," or we could keep with the old tradition, "The World's Largest Cocktail Party." Whatever you want to call it, it doesn't change the fact that these former SEC East teams don't get along.
With the game taking place in Jacksonville, Florida, a large number of Georgia fans make the trip over the border for a weekend-long celebration that, depending on the result, could result in happier memories. Memories from this rivalry include the 2007 "Gator Stomp" and the "Run, Lindsay, Run" game from the 1980s.
2.Oklahoma-Texas - The Red River Rivalry
Ranked No. 2, some will argue with this. However, it doesn't beat the hatred of the No.1 ranked SEC rivalry game. That being said, the Red River Rivalry game is an excellent addition to the SEC schedule. The winner of the game is awarded the Golden Hat, with Oklahoma owning the trophy with both teams entering the SEC.
These games have been high-scoring recently, with Texas whooping Oklahoma in 2022, winning 49-0. From ballcaps that said "Beat Texas" and the "Horns Down" sign, Texas gets a lot of stick from their rivals. However, they do lead the series 63-51-5.
1. Auburn-Alabama - Iron Bowl
The best rivalry game in the SEC, Auburn-Alabama, intrastate rivals, competing for the Iron Bowl. I am trying to remember a game between the two teams without drama. The skin of Alabama's teeth won the 2021 and 2023 games. A four-overtime game win in 2021 and a last-gasp win in 2023 from a touchdown throw from Jalen Milroe on fourth and 31.
The Crimson Tide have won 10 of the last 12 meetings, although Auburn usually pushes its rivals to the end. The most famous Auburn win was the "Kick Six" game. With the game tied at 28-28, Alabama kicker Adam Griffith dropped a long field goal attempt short with two seconds on the clock. Tigers cornerback Chris Davis caught the ball and returned it 109 yards for a walk-off victory.