Column: In college football’s big-name era, Miami should play local

Last season, many Miami University RedHawk football fans were upset at the foreseeable conclusion of the Battle for the Victory Bell rivalry with the University of Cincinnati. This in-state rivalry was a fixture in the Ohio college football schedule.

As the best teams nationalize their football schedule, regional rivalries fall to the wayside, but this is a mistake.

Recently, I attended the Ohio University and Ohio State University matchup, a game where childhood friends attending both schools clashed in friendly rivalry. I saw a similar camaraderie and friendly banter when the University of Cincinnati traveled up to Oxford last year. I was surprised by the sheer number of fans from both universities who made the trip: nearly 25,000 packed the stands at Yager Stadium.

These local rivalries are the backbone of college football and make games much more compelling. Rivalries boost interest in both teams involved and put state pride on the line. If Miami is serious about increasing fan engagement and stirring excitement, scheduling regional matchups in the non-conference slate is crucial.

Critics argue that Miami plays enough regional games within the Mid-American Conference (MAC), which is replete with other Ohio teams. However, there are plenty of local teams to be played in non-conference matchups, which provide a much more captivating game than the University of Nevada, Las Vegas or Lindenwood University.

Here are a few teams that Miami should schedule matchups against in the future to create a more exciting and engaging schedule. I have chosen some Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) and regionally-applicable Division-II teams.

POWER FOUR

University of Cincinnati

The Battle for the Victory Bell must return. One of college football’s oldest rivalries, and the oldest one in the state of Ohio, has one more game on the horizon in 2026. However, this is a marquee matchup of Miami’s schedule. The fact that Cincinnati plans to play other MAC teams is insulting when such a rivalry already exists in the conference.

Ohio State University

One of the premier names in college football, the Buckeyes are a perennial power that draws national spotlight on the RedHawks. It’s not as if MAC teams can’t compete against the reigning national champions: this season, the Ohio Bobcats kept their game within four scores.

Although it is unlikely that Miami would get the win, there is a strong connection between students at these schools, not to mention the history with Woody Hayes at both programs, that would make for a fun matchup.

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University of Kentucky

The RedHawks faced the University of Kentucky Wildcats in 2022 when the latter was led by Will Levis and ranked at No. 20 going into the season. Despite this, Miami kept the game close at half, although it ultimately lost the matchup 37-17 after a dominant second half for the Wildcats.

Although a South Eastern Conference school, Kentucky is not a football power, making it a much more winnable game for the RedHawks, and I would love to see this potential rivalry explored further.

Indiana University

Head coach Kurt Cignetti claims that Indiana will not schedule difficult non-conference games so that the Hoosiers can increase their playoff likeness. Well, Kurt, why not schedule Miami? A local team who draws from the same student pool and not Power Four, Miami could create a unique regional rivalry that is “an easy win” for the Big Ten team. Although Indiana’s football program is trending upward, Miami would not be an easy out.

GROUP OF FIVE

Western Kentucky University

Local and competitive are the two words that come to mind with Western Kentucky University. A matchup between two competitive teams can easily be a catalyst for rivalry, especially if it is a frequent series. With both teams on a similar playing level, it is a perfect non-conference measuring stick.

Marshall University

Located just over the Ohio River in West Virginia, the Thundering Heard are another neighbor that we have not seen enough in recent years. Back in the day when Randy Moss went for 147 yards against the RedHawks, this was a conference matchup. In 2005, Marshall left for Conference USA, and the rivalry has only been contested four times since then. This matchup makes sense regionally and historically – it should be renewed sooner rather than later.

FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SUBDIVISION

University of Dayton

A short trip northeast, the Flyers are a great option for a local opponent. With a similar student base, and already a rivalry for the best St. Patrick's Day celebration, tension exists between the fanbases. This rivalry has been played 43 times; however, it has not returned to the schedule since 1978. The next most logical step for both universities is to schedule a series that will draw interest from both sets of fans.

Youngstown State University

The Penguins are one of the premier football teams in the Missouri Valley Conference in recent years, and as an Ohio school, the matchup makes sense. Although an FCS test, it will still provide the RedHawks with a capable challenge early in the regular season. There is a lot of potential, and this battle of the birds would be cool to see.

DIVISION II

Grand Valley State University

Head coach Chuck Martin’s first head coaching job is located a few hours north in Michigan. The Lakers currently rank third in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and are consistently one of the better Division II teams. Coupled with the two national championships that Martin won there, this provides a compelling backstory for this matchup.

Central State University

The Marauders provide a nuanced matchup on the schedule, as there are not many opportunities to play Historically Black College and University(HBCU) competition. Central State provides this, and they’re one hour east of Oxford. In addition, this matchup would continue to platform HBCU teams in a positive light.

meneghcj@miamioh.edu