UC-Miami Victory Bell football rivalry ends with 2026 game at Paycor Stadium

A college football rivalry dating back to 1888 could come to a close in 2026. That’s when the Cincinnati Bearcats are slated to play a neutral site game at Paycor Stadium against nearby rival Miami University.

The Bearcats and RedHawks do play this season in what appears to be be the final meeting at Miami's Yager Stadium on Sept. 14 at noon. Last year, Miami ended UC’s 16-game winning streak in the series with a 31-24 overtime upset at Nippert Stadium. Not long after, with the series at 60-60-7, Miami University canceled its return trips to Nippert in 2025 and 2028. UC then canceled scheduled games in 2027 and 2029 in Oxford.

AD statements

UC Director of Athletics John Cunningham released this statement Friday afternoon:

"We understand the importance of this historic rivalry to our fans and college football, and we are disappointed Miami University will not be coming to Nippert Stadium next season. However, we look forward to facing the RedHawks at Yager Stadium in the Battle for the Victory Bell this fall and at Paycor Stadium in 2026. We will continue to explore opportunities to play Miami in the future. We thank Miami for the many memorable moments over the years."

On the Miami athletic site Friday, RedHawks AD David Sayler seemed to leave the door at least cracked.

“Fans will undoubtedly notice no game with Cincinnati on the 2025 schedule, however we look forward to squaring off against them in 2026 on a neutral field. I am optimistic, based on some preliminary conversations, that we will continue to play into the future and look forward to working with the UC Administration to make that happen."

As things stand now, the 2026 contracted game at the Bengals’ Paycor Stadium is the last chance for one of the schools to take possession of the Victory Bell which currently sits in Oxford. The Bearcats next opportunity to take it back is in less than two months.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: UC-Miami Victory Bell football rivalry ends with 2026 game at Paycor Stadium