By far the most passionate college football rivalry in Utah, the Big 12 conference match-up between BYU and the University of Utah is as passionate or as divisive as ever. Long dubbed the “Holy War,” this in-state matchup divides households, workplaces, and sometimes even living rooms across the state. Whether you bleed Cougar blue or Ute red, one thing is certain: the 2025 BYU vs Utah game on October 18 will be watched by passionate football fans.
So how do you make it through the game without alienating your rival cousin, neighbor, or best friend? Here’s your fan guide to surviving—and even enjoying—the rivalry.
Know the Rivalry Basics
The BYU vs. Utah showdown has been hotly contested for more than a century. The two schools first met on the football field in 1896, and since then, bragging rights have fueled one of the fiercest rivalries in college sports. While the Utes have historically held the edge, every game brings fresh history to the table, with fans on both sides ready to cheer, jeer, and agonize over every touchdown and field goal.
Stay Friends with Your Rivals
Chances are, you’ve got family or friends on the “other side” of the Holy War. The secret to keeping the peace? Keep the trash talk lighthearted. A few playful jabs during four quarters of football shouldn’t overshadow the other 364 days of the year of your relationship. If things start getting heated, defuse the tension by focusing on the food, commercials, or even halftime entertainment. Make a pact that the loser buys wings for the next get-together.
Fun Fact: In recent years, both schools have encouraged fans to “Rival Right” and remember it’s only a game.
What Colors Not to Wear
In Utah, what you wear on rivalry weekend speaks louder than words. Utah red screams Utah pride, while blue shows Cougar loyalty. If you want to stay neutral, steer clear of both and opt for gray, black, or even team-agnostic flannel. Wearing the “wrong” color to watch the game is a surefire way to get called out, so choose wisely.
Watch the Game on Neutral Territory
Not every fan wants to spend game day surrounded by rivals in Utah County—not even for a Cougar tail. The best solution? Head to neutral territory where everyone can gather with more TVs than tables—ideally with cold drinks and plenty of scratch-made bites. Your favorite location of Bout Time offers the perfect atmosphere for a mixed crowd, and nothing keeps fans united quite like a hand-tossed name-your-own-pizza or the original Chubby Melt.
Whether you’re watching in Utah County or Salt Lake City, we don’t pick sides—but we do serve the best wings no matter who wins!
Enjoy the Tradition
The 2025 BYU vs. Utah rivalry is more than just football; it’s part of the cultural fabric of the state. It’s about shared experiences, good-natured ribbing, and celebrating the passion of college football.
So, whether you’re wearing red or blue, remember to enjoy the game for what it is: one of the most exciting Saturdays of the season.
Who are you rooting for in the Holy War—or are you just here for the Grand Slam?
