Miami coach Chuck Martin makes case for renewing Victory Bell rivalry

The 129th edition of the Battle for the Victory Bell, America's oldest and longest-running non-conference rivalry, concluded with a dramatic finish between Cincinnati and Miami, but it may also mark the end of an era. Cincinnati emerged victorious, 35-31, at TQL Stadium on September 19, 2024, putting an end to the longstanding series.

Miami's head coach, Chuck Martin, passionately advocated for the rivalry to continue, requesting that the teams play each other annually on the road. However, the future of the rivalry appears uncertain due to scheduling complications and a shift in the balance of power. Since 2006, Cincinnati has dominated the series, winning 18 of the last 20 matchups, including a 16-game winning streak from 2006 to 2022.

Miami's most recent victory extended their all-time lead to 62-60-7. The teams last met in 2023, with Cincinnati canceling games in Oxford, Ohio, from 2027 to 2029. This year, the rivalry shifted to TQL Stadium instead of being played on-campus. Miami's success recently can be attributed to Cincinnati's move to the Big 12 Conference.

While Cincinnati coach Scott Satterfield acknowledged the historical significance of the rivalry, he expressed concerns over the challenges posed by scheduling commitments in the ever-changing landscape of college football. The Battle for the Victory Bell, which has been played since 1888, will not take place in the upcoming season.

The fate of this historic matchup remains unclear, but logistical issues are likely to complicate future scheduling.