There’s a football face-off that’s steeped in history, often called simply “The Game.” This rivalry between Harvard and Yale dates back 150 years, making it older than many college football teams we know today, like Alabama and Notre Dame.
Interestingly, the last time these two schools played in a postseason game was way back during Woodrow Wilson’s presidency. But that changes this year—the winner of the Harvard-Yale match-up will head to the playoffs.
Until recently, the Ivy League schools, including Harvard and Yale, had a self-imposed ban on postseason play. This restriction lasted since World War II. The main reason? They didn’t want to dive into the growing commercialization of college football, a trend that has only intensified over the years.
However, this past offseason, students from these schools made their voices heard. They successfully urged the league to lift the ban, allowing them to compete for playoff spots once again.
Now, it’s important to clarify: this isn’t the same playoff system that big teams like Alabama compete in. Instead, the Harvard-Yale winner will join the playoffs for the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), which sits just a tier below the Football Bowl Subdivision home to the nation’s top athletes.
Despite being in a different league, the matchup carries weight. Harvard and Yale boast rich histories and impressive resumes. In fact, the Harvard-Yale rivalry is the second-oldest in college football, only surpassed by Princeton and Yale. Their first game in 1875 featured some of the earliest versions of modern football rules.
Yale holds the record for the most college football titles, with Harvard right behind them in eighth place for all-time titles. However, in the 1980s, both schools left college football’s top division, impacting their competitive presence.
Even so, interest in the Harvard-Yale game remains strong. Average attendance at their matches reaches about 50,000, surpassing many Major League Baseball games. The game has even left a cultural mark, famously referenced in classic episodes of shows like “The Simpsons.”
This year’s matchup promises excitement. Harvard ranks 10th in the FCS, boasting an undefeated record and impressive stats in both offense and defense. Yale isn’t far behind, ranked 25th and showing strong defense with just one loss this season.
Historically, their recent encounters have been close, often determined by just a touchdown or less. But this game holds higher stakes than usual—the winner takes the Ivy League title and secures a playoff spot, while the loser is left hoping for an at-large bid.
