CINCINNATI — A nearly 130-year-old rivalry will come to an end in 2026.
Zach Stipe, UC's associate athletic director for public affairs, confirmed that the battle for the victory bell between the Cincinnati and Miami football teams will end with a game to be played at Pacol Stadium in 2026.
When asked why the legendary rivalry was coming to an end, University of Cincinnati Adjutant John Cunningham said the school would “explore” opportunities to play against Miami in the future.
“We understand how important this historic rivalry is to our fans and to college football, and we are disappointed that Miami will not be coming to Nippert Stadium next season,” Cunningham said. “However, we look forward to facing the RedHawks for a Victory Bell at Yeager Stadium this fall and then at Paycol Stadium in 2026. We will continue to explore opportunities to face Miami in the future. We thank Miami for the many memorable moments they have provided us with over the years.”
The series began on December 8, 1888, and UC and Miami have each won 60 games. There have also been seven ties in the series. It is the second-oldest rivalry in the FBS and the oldest non-conference rivalry in college football.
Most recently, the RedHawks defeated the Bearcats in overtime at Nippert Stadium, a win that was part of an 11-win season in which Miami won the Mid-American Conference and played in the Avocado From Mexico Cure Bowl.
Related | Miami defeated Cincinnati 31-24 in overtime to end a 16-game losing streak in the series.
Until Miami wins in 2023, Cincinnati will have taken home the championship bell 16 straight years, the longest winning streak in the rivalry. Miami's longest winning streak was in the 1970s, when they won five straight games from 1971-1975.
This year's rivalry will be held in Miami on September 14th.
Because the Victory Bell is a travelling trophy and is kept by each year's winner between tournaments, it is unclear whether the 2026 winner will be able to keep it permanently.
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