The oldest college football rivalry west of the Allegheny Mountains
In short: Before the modern era of sports branding, a traveling trophy sparked a feud that has endured for over 135 years. The Victory Bell isn't just a prize; it is a symbol of a rivalry so deep it shaped the very foundations of two universities and the history of Ohio sports.
The rivalry between the University of Cincinnati and Miami University dates back to December 8, 1888, making it the first college football game ever played in the state of Ohio. While it is currently the oldest non-conference rivalry in the United States, its roots are tangled in 19th-century land disputes. In 1803, the federal government reserved a township for a university; a clerical error led to the land being sold, eventually resulting in the founding of Miami University in 1809 and the Cincinnati College (now the University of Cincinnati) in 1819.
The 'Victory Bell' itself has a storied, somewhat mysterious history. The original bell hung in Miami's Harrison Hall and was used to ring in victories until Cincinnati fans 'borrowed' it in the 1890s. It traveled between schools for forty years before mysteriously disappearing in the 1930s. It resurfaced in 1946, but the trophy used today is a replica. This replica features a dual-sided design: one side is black with white numbers for Cincinnati's wins, and the other is white with red numbers for Miami's wins, with ties marked on the red yoke.
The rivalry has served as a high-stakes stage for coaching legends and dramatic turnarounds. It has hosted four men who coached both programs, including Sid Gillman and George Blackburn. Notable moments include Cincinnati's 23–21 win in 1968—decided by a 47-yard field goal in the final three seconds—and Miami's 2023 upset victory that snapped a 16-game losing streak. Today, the series remains a cornerstone of Ohio sports, ranking as one of the most-played rivalries in the nation with 129 total meetings.
The game has also been a cultural fixture, notably played on Thanksgiving Weekend from 1912 to 1960. During that era, Cincinnati fans would participate in an annual 'Pajama Parade' through downtown the night before the contest. While the schools are now separated by conference lines, their proximity and shared history ensure the Victory Bell remains a primary fixture of the college football landscape.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Victory Bell (Cincinnati–Miami)
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