A recent analysis by RotoWire has sparked conversation across the college football landscape by ranking the most despised programs in each state. The study assigns each state a ‘villain’ based on out‑of‑state programs, using recent on‑field results and fan sentiment to gauge animosity.
National Rankings
According to the findings, Notre Dame sits at the top of the list, being the most hated team in eight different states, a distinction no other program has achieved. The Crimson Tide of Alabama follow in second place, drawing the most hostility in six states, including its immediate neighbors and far‑flung markets such as Hawaii and Alaska.
Ohio State occupies the third spot, drawing the top hate in five states spanning the Midwest and Great Lakes region. The methodology reflects a blend of competitive success, historic rivalries and the reach of each program’s fan base.
Geographic Spread
The data shows that Alabama’s six‑state hate map includes not only traditional SEC rivals but also distant states, indicating that the Crimson Tide’s national prominence has made it a target for fans seeking to elevate their own team’s narrative. Georgia, meanwhile, is the most hated team within Alabama, having defeated the Crimson Tide twice in the postseason, including the national championship in January 2022.
Georgia’s dominance is further underscored by a streak that has seen the Bulldogs avoid defeat against Auburn in the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry since the 2017 regular season, cementing a regional rivalry that fuels broader perceptions of hostility.
Coaching Context
The analysis also brings coaches into focus, with Nick Saban, who guided Alabama to multiple championships before stepping down, and Kirby Smart, the architect of Georgia’s recent resurgence, among the figures whose programs feature prominently in the hate rankings. Their contrasting styles and recruiting philosophies have produced a modern rivalry that transcends the field, influencing how fans outside the SEC perceive both programs.
Nick Saban’s long tenure at Alabama and Kirby Smart’s rapid rise at Georgia have created a narrative where each coach’s success is measured not only by trophies but also by the degree of animosity they provoke among rival fan bases.
The geographic spread of animosity also highlights the role of media exposure, with Notre Dame’s independent status and historic brand allowing it to capture the imagination of fans across the country, while Ohio State’s consistent performance in the Big Ten keeps it at the center of debate in states where the Buckeyes dominate local recruiting pipelines.
Ultimately, the study offers a snapshot of how competitive success can translate into widespread resentment, especially when a program’s reach extends beyond its traditional strongholds. While numbers can quantify dislike, the lived experience of game‑day emotions remains deeply personal and often resistant to statistical categorization.