Top 5 Rivalry Trophies in College Football
When Michigan traveled to Minneapolis to face the Golden Gophers in 1903, the Wolverine football squad was riding a 28-game winning streak. And Michigan head coach Fielding H. Yost wasn’t about to let some inner-conference hijinks alter his team’s success.
So, he took some precautions. This included protecting his team’s drinking water, which Yost somehow suspected Gopher fans might try to contaminate.
His game plan: send a student manager out to buy a water receptacle he could keep hidden from fanatical coeds. The student, Thomas B. Roberts, returned with a five-gallon earthenware jug he picked up for 30 cents at a variety store in Dinkytown, a neighborhood adjacent to U of M’s Minneapolis campus.
But the effort was all for naught. The score was 6-6 when the final horn sounded, and the Wolverine’s winning streak has been broken. A dejected Michigan walked off the field without their new possession, which found its way into the offices of the Minnesota Athletics Department.
It was here that, at some point, a question was asked that few would likely consider outside a college campus: “What if we made that jug a trophy?”
This query marked the birth of the Little Brown Jug, one of college football’s oldest and most storied rivalry trophies.
The historic representation of a relatively one-sided rivalry between Minnesota and Michigan (the Wolverines are 77-23-3 when playing for the prize), the Little Brown Jug is just one of dozens of trophies that embody the rich traditions, fierce competitions, and deep-rooted histories of college football rivalries across the country.
What are some of the other top prizes being passed around in college football? Below, is our list of the five most notable (and historic) rivalry trophies — a list that proves that in college football, anything can be a trophy.
1. Floyd of Rosedale
Rivalry: Iowa vs. Minnesota
First Awarded: 1935, a 13-6 Golden Gopher victory
All-Time Trophy Series: Hawkeyes lead, 44-43-2
Current Trophy Holder: Minnesota*
Source: KCCI Des Moines
Floyd of Rosedale is a 98-pound bronze statue of a pig awarded annually to the winner of the Iowa-Minnesota football game. If that sounds like a heavy trophy, consider it’s much lighter than the original award, which was a live, corn-fed, Iowa-grown swine. Here’s the background:
In 1935, during a time of heightened racial tension, Iowa and its fans were still reeling from what they perceived to be a series of cheap shots taken by Minnesota the year prior against halfback Ozzie Simmons, one of the few Black players in college football at the time.
Iowa governor Clyde Herring even publicly suggested that if the Golden Gophers took cheap shots at Simmons again, Iowa fans might take matters into their own hands.
To help ease tensions, Minnesota Governor Floyd B. Olson opted for a diplomatic response. He proposed a friendly wager: the losing governor would send the winning executive a prize pig. Thus, the idea of a pig trophy was born.
When the Golden Gophers won that first game in 1935, Herring paid up. The live pig he sent north, a Hampshire boar pig named Floyd (after Governor Olson), came from Rosedale Farms — hence the name Floyd of Rosedale.
The next year, the live pig was replaced with a bronze statue that would go on to become the permanent traveling trophy. Today, Floyd of Rosedale stands out not only because of its unique origins but also because of its enduring symbol as a quirky yet beloved part of this Big 10 rivalry.
Notable Players Who Competed for the Floyd of Rosedale
From Iowa:
Chuck Long, QB, 1981-85: Chuck Long is one of Iowa’s most celebrated quarterbacks. During his time, he led the Hawkeyes to significant success, including victories over Minnesota. Long guided Iowa to back-to-back wins over Minnesota in 1984 and 1985, helping solidify his legacy. In 1985, he led Iowa to a Big Ten title and was the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy.
Desmond King, CB, 2013-16: King was a standout defensive back and one of Iowa’s greatest defenders. He won the prestigious Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s best defensive back in 2015. During his time, King played a key role in Iowa’s 2015 victory over Minnesota, where Iowa went undefeated in the regular season and reclaimed Floyd of Rosedale.
Shonn Greene, RB, 2005-08: Greene was a dominant force in Iowa's backfield and won the Doak Walker Award as the nation’s best running back in 2008. He had a stellar performance in the 2008 game against Minnesota, rushing for over 100 yards and leading Iowa to a 55-0 blowout win, reclaiming Floyd of Rosedale for the Hawkeyes.
From Minnesota:
Laurence Maroney, RB, 2003-05: Maroney was one of the most electrifying running backs in Minnesota history, forming a dynamic duo with Marion Barber III. Maroney helped Minnesota claim Floyd of Rosedale in 2005 when the Gophers defeated Iowa 52-28. Maroney rushed for over 1,400 yards that season and went on to a successful NFL career.
Erik Decker, WR, 2006-09: Eric Decker was one of the top wide receivers in Minnesota history and played a key role in the Gophers' offense. During his time, Decker helped Minnesota secure a victory over Iowa in the 2006 Floyd of Rosedale game, where the Gophers upset the Hawkeyes 34-24. Decker finished his Minnesota career with over 3,100 receiving yards and went on to have a successful NFL career.
Tyler Johnson, WR, 2016-19: Johnson was a standout wide receiver for Minnesota, known for his big-play ability. In the 2019 game against Iowa, although Minnesota lost, Johnson had a memorable performance with 9 catches for 170 yards. Johnson helped Minnesota reach its first 10-win season since 1904 and remains one of the best wide receivers in program history.
2. The Jeweled Shillelagh
Rivalry: Notre Dame vs. USC
First Awarded: 1952, a 9-0 Notre Dame victory
All-Time Trophy Series: Fighting Irish lead, 34-30-3
Current Trophy Holder: Notre Dame
Source: One Foot Down
Since 1952, the Jeweled Shillelagh (shuh•LAY•luh) has been awarded to the winner of one of college football’s most storied rivalries: the long-distance matchup between Notre Dame and the University of Southern California (USC).
For those not well-versed in ancient Irish weaponry, a shillelagh is a stout, bumpy wooden stick with a large knob at the top. Back in old Ireland, it was used as a walking or hiking aid as well as for self-defense. Through the years, it’s become a cultural symbol of Irish strength.
With such a heritage, it should come as little surprise that it was a group of Fighting Irish alumni living in Southern California who decided this rivalry deserved such a symbol to commemorate the annual matchup. Hence, the crafting of a special shillelagh was commissioned.
The original trophy was crafted from wood brought over from Ireland. Over the years, it’s become adorned with jeweled ornaments.
For each USC victory, a ruby-adorned Trojan head is added featuring the year and the final game score. A similarly marked emerald-studded shamrock is added when Notre Dame wins, while a combined Trojan head/shamrock medallion is added when there’s a tie.
The Jeweled Shillelagh remains a major prize in the Notre Dame-USC rivalry. However, today’s teams play for a newer, replacement shillelagh. Because the original had become full of jewels due to the number of games played throughout the rivalry’s history, a second shillelagh was introduced in 1995.
The original trophy is now displayed in Notre Dame’s Athletic Department.
Notable Players Who Competed for the Jeweled Shillelagh
From Notre Dame:
Joe Montana, QB, 1975-78: Joe Montana is one of the most famous players in college and NFL history. During his time at Notre Dame, he led the Fighting Irish to several key victories, including an iconic 49-19 win over USC in 1978. Montana’s leadership and clutch performances helped Notre Dame win the national championship in 1977, further cementing his legacy in this heated rivalry.
Tim Brown, WR, 1984-87: Brown, a dynamic playmaker and 1987 Heisman Trophy winner, played a crucial role for Notre Dame in the Jeweled Shillelagh rivalry. Though USC had the upper hand for much of Brown’s career, his performances in the rivalry, particularly his explosive kick returns and receiving ability, were always a focal point. Brown is one of the greatest wide receivers in Notre Dame history.
Brady Quinn, QB, 2003-06: Quinn was a standout quarterback for Notre Dame and is remembered for his strong performances against USC, even in heartbreaking losses. His most notable game came in 2005, where Notre Dame narrowly lost to USC.
From USC:
Matt Leinart, QB, 2001-05: Leinart, a Heisman Trophy winner in 2004, was a key player in USC’s dominance over Notre Dame during the early 2000s. His most memorable moment came in the 2005 "Bush Push" game, where he led USC on a last-second game-winning drive. Leinart never lost to Notre Dame during his time at USC, going 4-0 in the rivalry.
Reggie Bush, RB, 2003-05: Bush is one of the most electric players in college football history and played a crucial role in USC's success against Notre Dame. His signature moment came in the 2005 "Bush Push" game, where he controversially helped Matt Leinart score a game-winning touchdown by pushing him into the end zone. Bush, who won the Heisman Trophy in 2005 (later vacated, then returned), was a key figure in USC’s dominant run over Notre Dame.
Anthony Munoz, OT, 1976-79: Munoz is widely regarded as one of the best offensive linemen in football history. He played a significant role in USC’s victories over Notre Dame during the late 1970s, helping pave the way for the Trojans' powerful rushing attack. Munoz’s dominance on the offensive line helped USC win the national championship in 1978.
3. The Territorial Cup
Rivalry: Arizona vs. Arizona State
First Awarded: 1899, an 11-2 Arizona victory
All-Time Trophy Series: Wildcats lead, 51-44-1
Current Trophy Holder: Arizona
The Territorial Cup is officially recognized by the NCAA as the oldest rivalry trophy in college football. How old is it?
It’s so old that when these in-state rivals first played for the trophy back in 1899, Arizona wasn’t yet a state.
The schools also went by different names, with the Arizona Territorial Normal School (now Arizona) beating the Territorial Normal School at Tempe (now ASU), 11-2, during an era when the forward pass still wasn’t allowed.
Then following this first game, the trophy was promptly lost. And it stayed lost for eight decades until, in 1980, the 21-pound silver-clad cup turned up in a Tempe church basement.
It wasn’t until 2001 that the cup was reintroduced as the official trophy of the Arizona-ASU rivalry known as the “Duel in the Desert.” That game ended rather ugly—a melee broke out after Arizona running back Clarence Farmer celebrated his team’s victory by dancing on a likeness of the ASU mascot—causing organizers to cancel the trophy presentation.
This set a precedent that continues today, with no official trophy presentation taking place after the game. Rather, the winning team takes quick possession of the cup for an impromptu on-field celebration.
Notable Players Who Competed for the Territorial Cup
From Arizona State:
Jake Plummer, QB, 1993-96: Jake Plummer is one of the most iconic quarterbacks in Arizona State history. Known as "The Snake," Plummer led ASU to an undefeated regular season and a Pac-10 championship in 1996. During his time at ASU, Plummer helped secure victories over Arizona, including a crucial 56-14 win in the 1996 Territorial Cup, a victory that capped off an incredible season and sent ASU to the Rose Bowl.
Terrell Suggs, DE, 2000-02: Suggs is one of the most dominant defensive players in college football history, setting the NCAA single-season record for sacks with 24 in 2002. He played a key role in the 2002 Territorial Cup, where ASU defeated Arizona 34-20. Suggs’ relentless pass-rushing ability made him a force in the rivalry and a first-round NFL Draft pick in 2003.
Pat Tillman, LB/S, 1994-97: Pat Tillman is a legendary figure in ASU football and American sports for both his on-field play and his post-football service. Tillman was a standout linebacker for ASU and helped the Sun Devils defeat Arizona in the 1996 Territorial Cup, the same year ASU had an undefeated regular season.
From Arizona:
Tedy Bruschi, DE/LB, 1991-95: Tedy Bruschi was one of the most feared defenders in college football during the early 1990s. He tied the NCAA record for career sacks and helped Arizona dominate ASU in several Territorial Cup matchups. Bruschi played a key role in Arizona’s 1995 win over ASU, a 31-28 victory that prevented ASU from making a bowl game that season. Bruschi went on to have a Hall of Fame NFL career with the New England Patriots.
Rob Gronkowski, TE, 2007-09:Gronkowski is one of the best tight ends in NFL history, but before that, he made his mark in the Territorial Cup rivalry. In 2008, Gronkowski had a standout performance in Arizona’s 31-10 victory over ASU. His size, athleticism, and ability to dominate the field helped Arizona secure several key wins during his time in Tucson.
Chuck Cecil, S, 1984-87: Cecil is remembered for his hard-hitting style and being one of the most feared safeties in college football. He made a huge impact in the 1986 Territorial Cup when Arizona shut out ASU 34-0, delivering one of the most lopsided results in the rivalry’s history. Cecil’s toughness and intensity were key factors in the Wildcats’ success during his tenure.
4. The Old Oaken Bucket
Rivalry: Indiana vs. Purdue
First Awarded: 1925, which ended in a 0-0 tie
All-Time Trophy Series: Boilermakers lead, 63-32-3
Current Trophy Holder: Purdue
Source: Courier Journal
The tradition of the Old Oaken Bucket began in 1925 when alumni from both schools wanted to create a tangible symbol to represent the rivalry between Indiana University and Purdue University.
A committee of alumni suggested that the trophy be an "old oaken bucket" as it represented something deeply tied to the state's agrarian roots. (I assume these people were sober as this idea came about during the middle of Prohibition.)
The bucket ultimately chosen as the trophy was thought to have been found on a farm in Southern Indiana. Today, this bucket is believed to be over 200 years old.
The first game for the Old Oaken Bucket which was played that year ended in a 0-0 tie. This prompted the first addition of both an “I” link (for Indiana) and a “P” link (for Purdue) to the bucket’s chain.
Ever since then, the winner of the contest adds a lettered link with their school’s initial to the ever-growing chain that hangs from the bucket’s handle.
Notable Players Who Competed for the Old Oaken Bucket
From Indiana:
Antwaan Randle El, QB/WR, 1998-2001: Randle El is one of the most electrifying players in Indiana football history. As a dual-threat quarterback, he became the first player in NCAA history to pass for over 6,000 yards and rush for over 3,000 yards in his career. Despite Indiana struggling during his tenure, Randle El helped IU secure an Old Oaken Bucket win in 2001, his final game at Indiana.
Anthony Thomas, RB, 1986-89: Thompson is Indiana's all-time leading rusher and one of the best running backs in Big Ten history. He finished as the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy in 1989 and was named the Big Ten MVP twice. He led Indiana to two victories over Purdue in 1986 and 1987.
Tegray Scales, LB, 2014-17: Scales was a standout linebacker and leader for the Hoosiers, known for his tackling ability and defensive instincts. He played a key role in Indiana's back-to-back Old Oaken Bucket victories over Purdue in 2015 and 2016, anchoring the Hoosiers' defense in those games and earning All-Big Ten honors.
From Purdue:
Drew Brees, QB, 1997-2000: One of the most famous quarterbacks in college and NFL history, Brees led Purdue to two Old Oaken Bucket victories, in 1997 and 2000. Brees, known for his prolific passing, helped revive Purdue football under coach Joe Tiller. His final win over Indiana in 2000 sealed a share of the Big Ten title and a trip to the Rose Bowl.
Rod Woodson, DB/KR, 1983-86: Woodson, a future Pro Football Hall of Famer, was a dominant force on defense and special teams for Purdue. His versatility and athleticism were on full display in the rivalry games against Indiana. Though Purdue struggled during his time, Woodson helped the Boilermakers claim the Old Oaken Bucket in 1984, playing a key role on both sides of the ball.
Mike Alstott, FB, 1992-95: Alstott was a bruising fullback for Purdue and one of the best power runners in the Big Ten during the 1990s. He led Purdue to an Old Oaken Bucket win in 1994, rushing for 149 yards and two touchdowns against Indiana. Alstott finished his career as Purdue’s all-time leading scorer and went on to a successful NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
5. The Fremont Cannon
Rivalry: Nevada vs. UNLV
First Awarded: 1969, a 30-28 Nevada victory
All-Time Trophy Series: Wolf Pack leads, 28-20
Current Trophy Holder: UNLV
Source: Las Vegas Weekly
The Fremont Cannon is one of the most distinctive and intimidating rivalry trophies in college football, awarded to the winner of the annual game between the Nevada Wolf Pack and the UNLV Rebels.
This fierce intrastate rivalry, known as the Battle for Nevada, features the heaviest and one of the most visually striking trophies in college sports: a replica of a 19th-century howitzer that, until 1999, was fully operational.
The brainchild of Bill Ireland, UNLV’s first football coach, the Freemont Canon Trophy was introduced in 1969 — the same year UNLV began its football program. Ireland wanted a trophy that embodied the history and rivalry of Nevada.
The cannon was chosen because it was a replica of the howitzer used by John C. Fremont, an explorer and military officer, during his expeditions through Nevada during the 1840s. Fremont’s cannon was abandoned in the Sierra Nevada mountains during one of his expeditions and was never recovered, making it a symbol of historical significance to the state.
The Freemont Cannon was gifted to the rivalry by Kennecott Copper, a mining company, and was built to be a fully functional artillery piece. Weighing in at around 545 pounds, it is the heaviest trophy in college football.
This didn’t stop UNLV fans and players from attempting to lift (and dropping) the cannon following a Rebel victory in 2000. This caused damage that, even after $1,500 in repairs, prevented the cannon — once fired each time the team in possession of it scored a touchdown — from ever being fired again.
Another long-time tradition that remains, however, is the victorious school has the honor of repainting the cannon in its school colors.
Notable Players Who Competed for the Fremont Cannon
From Nevada:
Colin Kaepernick, QB, 2007-10: Kaepernick is perhaps the most well-known player in Nevada football history. He led the Wolf Pack to four bowl appearances and is the only quarterback in NCAA history to pass for over 10,000 yards and rush for over 4,000 yards in a career. Kaepernick helped Nevada win the Fremont Cannon twice during his time there, in 2007 and 2008, before going on to a successful NFL career that was cut short by controversy.
Nate Burleson, WR, 2000-02: Burleson was a star wide receiver for Nevada, where he led the NCAA in receiving yards per game in 2002 and earned All-American honors. Although Nevada lost to UNLV in his senior season, Burleson’s performances helped elevate Nevada football and established him as one of the school's top players before heading to a successful NFL career.
Frank Hawkins, RB, 1977-80: Hawkins is one of the most prolific rushers in Nevada football history. He rushed for over 5,300 yards in his college career, helping Nevada win the Big Sky Conference title in 1978. Hawkins played key roles in Nevada's early victories over UNLV, including the 1979 Battle for the Fremont Cannon.
From UNLV:
Randall Cunningham, QB/P, 1982-84: Cunningham is one of the most talented players in UNLV history and went on to have an outstanding NFL career, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles. He was a dynamic dual-threat quarterback and punter for UNLV, leading them to a Fremont Cannon victory over Nevada in 1984.
Icky Woods, RB, 1984-87: Woods is best known for his "Ickey Shuffle" touchdown celebration during his time with the Cincinnati Bengals, but he was also a standout running back at UNLV. He rushed for over 1,600 yards in his senior year, earning All-American honors. Woods played in several rivalry games, including UNLV's victory over Nevada in 1984.
Kevi Epenesa, DL, 2000-03: Epenesa was a dominant force on UNLV's defensive line. His tenacity and ability to disrupt offenses helped UNLV claim multiple victories in the Battle for the Fremont Cannon during his time, including a memorable 2003 win.
* It wasn’t a fair catch!
