If you’ve ever stood in the middle of a November tailgate in Tempe or Tucson, you know it’s not just about the heat. It’s the vibe. It’s that visceral, "I-hope-your-bus-breaks-down" kind of energy that only exists when two schools are separated by a couple of hours of Interstate 10. UA vs ASU football isn't just a game. It's the Territorial Cup. It’s older than the state of Arizona itself. Honestly, most people think this rivalry started with some modern marketing campaign, but the history is way weirder—and much more bitter—than you probably realize.
The Trophy That Lived in a Basement
Let’s talk about the hardware. The Territorial Cup is officially recognized by the NCAA as the oldest rivalry trophy in college football.
It dates back to 1899.
Back then, the University of Arizona wasn't even the "Wildcats." They were just the "Varsity." Arizona State was the "Normals" (Arizona Territorial Normal School). The Normals won that first game 11-2 on Thanksgiving Day. But here’s the kicker: the trophy actually disappeared for decades. People just... forgot about it? It wasn’t until 1980 that it was rediscovered in a church basement next to the ASU campus. Imagine finding the most historic trophy in the sport tucked away behind some old choir robes.
Before that discovery, the rivalry was just a series of games. After it, the cup became the physical manifestation of who owns the desert for the next 365 days.
Breaking the "No on 200" Curse
If you want to understand why your grandpa hates the other school so much, you have to look at 1958. This is the year the rivalry turned truly toxic.
Arizona State College wanted to become Arizona State University.
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The folks down in Tucson at UA weren't having it. They were the only "University" in the state, and they liked it that way. They campaigned hard against Proposition 200, which would grant ASU its university status. On the day of the game in 1958, UA fans supposedly burned "No on 200" into the grass at Sun Devil Stadium.
ASU didn't just win that night. They decimated UA 47-0.
Voters passed Proposition 200 by a landslide shortly after. Since that day, the "gentleman’s rivalry" was dead. It became a war. ASU legend Frank Kush later took this personally, leading the Sun Devils to a 16-5 record against UA during his tenure. He once oversaw a nine-game win streak from 1965 to 1973 that still haunts the older generation of Wildcat fans.
Modern Chaos: From the Pac-12 to the Big 12
Fast forward to right now. The landscape has shifted under our feet.
The 2024 season was a massive reset. Both teams moved to the Big 12, leaving the carcass of the Pac-12 behind. Many worried the rivalry would lose its "juice" in a bigger conference.
Nope.
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In fact, the stakes have probably never been higher. Take the most recent clash on November 28, 2025. It was a classic "spoiler" scenario. Arizona State, coming off a 2024 Big 12 title and a College Football Playoff appearance, was ranked No. 20 and looking for a repeat. Arizona, ranked No. 25 under Brent Brennan, was the underdog.
The result? Pure chaos.
Arizona’s defense forced five turnovers. Five! Jeff Sims, stepping in for an injured Sam Leavitt, had a nightmare evening with three interceptions and two lost fumbles. Noah Fifita, the heartbeat of the Wildcats, threw for 286 yards and a touchdown to seal a 23-7 victory for UA. It was a total reversal of the 49-7 beating ASU gave them the year prior. That’s the thing about UA vs ASU football—the previous year’s score means absolutely nothing the moment the ball is kicked.
All-Time Numbers (The Gritty Details)
If you're looking for the "who is better" argument at the bar, here is the raw data as of early 2026:
- Overall Series Lead: Arizona leads 51-46-1.
- The 2025 Result: Arizona 23, Arizona State 7.
- Longest Win Streak: Arizona (11 games, 1932–1948).
- Largest Margin of Victory: Arizona 67-0 (1946).
- The "Kush Era" Dominance: ASU went 16-5 between 1958 and 1979.
Why This Rivalry is Different
Most rivalries have a "big brother, little brother" dynamic. This one doesn't. It’s more like two siblings fighting over the last slice of pizza in a house that's on fire.
The geography matters. Phoenix vs. Tucson. The big city vs. the college town. The "Mustard and Rust" vs. the "Red and Blue."
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You have legendary moments like Max Zendejas kicking game-winners for UA in the 80s, or Chuck Cecil’s 100-yard interception return in 1986. Then you have the ASU heartbreakers, like the 2010 "Double OT" game where ASU blocked two extra points to win 30-29.
It’s often ugly football. It’s windy, it’s loud, and the players genuinely seem to dislike each other. Kenny Dillingham, the ASU coach, is a local guy who grew up in this. Brent Brennan at UA has embraced the "Desert Swarm" identity. These aren't just coaches; they’re curators of a century-old grudge.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're planning on attending or betting on the next Duel in the Desert, keep these things in mind.
First, ignore the record. In the last decade, the road team has won more than their fair share of these games. Home-field advantage exists, but the "spoiler" energy is real.
Second, watch the turnover margin. Historically, the team that wins the turnover battle in the Territorial Cup wins the game about 80% of the time. The 2025 game was a perfect example—ASU had the better season on paper, but five turnovers are an impossible mountain to climb.
Third, track the injuries. Because this game is played during the final week of the regular season (usually Black Friday), both rosters are usually held together by athletic tape and prayer. In 2025, the loss of Sam Leavitt for ASU was the deciding factor.
To stay ahead of the curve:
- Follow local beat writers who actually attend practices in Tempe and Tucson.
- Look at the "Territorial Cup Series" standings across other sports (basketball, baseball) to gauge the overall temperature of the rivalry for that year.
- Don't book your travel until the TV networks finalize the time, as this game fluctuates between a morning kickoff and a late-night "Pac-12 After Dark" (now Big 12 style) slot.
The rivalry is healthy, it's mean, and with both teams now ranked in the Top 25, the national spotlight is finally back on the desert.