Why the BYU vs. Utah Football Rivalry Is Called the Holy War

Why the BYU vs. Utah Football Rivalry Is Called the Holy War

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The rivalry between Brigham Young University and the University of Utah is known as the “Holy War” because of the stark religious differences between the two institutions. While BYU is a private school with a student body that is more than 98% members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the University of Utah is a secular, public institution.

This Saturday’s matchup between the BYU Cougars and the Utah Utes carries much more than just local bragging rights. As Yahoo Sports reported, these are two top-10 teams facing off in a game with massive implications for the Big 12 and the College Football Playoff. The proximity of the two schools—located just a short distance apart in Provo and Salt Lake City—adds a layer of geographic tension to an already storied athletic feud.

The religious divide defines the moniker

The “Holy War” name stems directly from the cultural and religious identities of the competing universities. BYU was founded by Brigham Young, the second president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This foundational connection is reflected in the modern campus, where the vast majority of students share the same faith. In contrast, the University of Utah operates as a public, non-religious entity with a diverse student population that includes many different belief systems.

While the name implies a clash between two distinct faiths, the reality is slightly more nuanced. The University of Utah is a secular institution, meaning it has no official connection to any religion. However, individuals involved with the Utes may still hold various religious ties. The “Holy War” label essentially highlights the contrast between a heavily faith-based community and a diverse, secular one.

A rivalry with no clear beginning

Despite the weight of the name, historians and journalists haven’t found a single moment when the term was officially coined. According to reporting from The Sporting News, it remains unclear exactly when the feud became “sacrosanct.” One possible thread of the origin story comes from veteran journalist Dick Harmon, who recalled hearing the term used during radio shows in the 1990s, as noted in an op-ed for the Deseret News.

Why the BYU vs. Utah Football Rivalry Is Called the Holy War
Photo: staging-aws.sports.yahoo.com

The connection between the two schools actually goes back to the very beginning of Utah’s educational history. In an interesting historical overlap, Brigham Young is credited with founding the University of Utah as well. This shared lineage means the two institutions have been intertwined since the state’s earliest academic developments.

High stakes on the gridiron

The intensity of the rivalry is reaching a fever pitch this season due to the shifting landscape of college football. The implications of this game extend far beyond the state of Utah, affecting national rankings and postseason opportunities. When two top-10 teams meet, the winner doesn’t just claim local dominance; they secure a vital foothold in the race for a national championship.

This year, the “Holy War” even finds itself sharing the spotlight with other intense matchups. On the same Saturday, Miami and Notre Dame are set to play in their own storied showdown, often referred to as “Catholics vs. Convicts.” While other rivalries may have similarly provocative names, the BYU-Utah clash remains a unique fixture in the American sports landscape.

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