The Geography of Rivalry
A survey conducted by RotoWire across every state in the nation has produced a striking snapshot of college football animosity, naming the Alabama Crimson Tide as the second most hated program in the United States. The findings show Notre Dame topping the hate list in eight states, primarily concentrated in the Northeast, while Alabama claims the top spot in six states that stretch far beyond the traditional South.
The data underscore how sustained success can breed resentment, as both the Fighting Irish and the Crimson Tide have enjoyed prolonged periods of national prominence. Alabama's notoriety is not confined to its regional borders; states such as Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee, Alaska and Hawaii all recorded the Crimson Tide as their most disliked team, illustrating a geographic spread that mirrors the program's extensive fan base.
California presents an interesting contrast, where the hostility toward Notre Dame appears rooted in a long‑standing rivalry with the University of Southern California. Meanwhile, the Crimson Tide's presence on the hate map in distant states like Alaska and Hawaii reflects the reach of televised matchups and the program's ability to capture national attention regardless of location.
RotoWire's comprehensive poll included every state, providing a unique lens on how college football rivalries permeate regional identities. The results suggest that fan sentiment is shaped not only by on‑field competition but also by cultural exposure, media coverage and the collective memory of historic matchups.