Harvard vs Yale: The Game for Ivy Glory & Playoff History

A Rivalry Rooted in History

For 150 years, Harvard and Yale have battled on the gridiron in a rivalry so storied it's simply known as "The Game." This year, the 141st meeting between these Ivy League titans carries unprecedented significance as the winner will secure not just bragging rights but a historic berth in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) playoffs.

The Harvard-Yale rivalry is the second oldest in college football, dating back to 1875 when the teams first met under rules that would later shape the modern game. Yale, with more national titles than any other program including Alabama, and Harvard, eighth on the all-time wins list, have a rich football tradition despite being relegated from the top division in the 1980s.

For decades, the Ivy League had banned postseason play, a self-imposed ban dating back to World War II that reflected the schools' resistance to the commercialization of college football. That all changed this year, thanks to student-athletes who pushed for the opportunity to compete in the postseason.

As CNN's Harry Enten noted, "The nerds will finally go to the college football playoffs." While not the same as the Power Five postseason, this FCS playoff berth represents a monumental moment for Ivy League football.

What's at Stake in the 2025 Showdown

When Harvard (9-0, ranked 10th in FCS) travels to Yale (7-2, ranked 25th) on Saturday, the implications are historic. The winner will clinch the Ivy League title and earn the league's first automatic FCS playoff bid.

"For just the sixth time since the Ivy League began crowning football champions in the mid-1950s, the winner of the Yale-Harvard game will win the title regardless of what happens in Saturday's other three Ivy League games," wrote Jim Fuller for CT Insider.

Harvard enters the contest as the undefeated favorite, with the nation's seventh-best scoring offense and third-best scoring defense. They've won their games by an average of more than 25 points. Yale counters with a defense that ranks sixth in the FCS in points allowed, making them a formidable opponent despite their slightly lower ranking.

"The Harvard game is The Game and that's the only thing you think about in Harvard week," said Yale assistant coach Larry Ciotti. "The Harvard game is just a phenomenal game. It is a week of being alive, you are alive when you play Harvard."

A Family Divided

The Tattersall family of Wilmington, Delaware, finds themselves in the unique position of having a player on each team. Ryan Tattersall, a true freshman, has emerged as a key contributor for Harvard with 14 catches for 201 yards and a touchdown. His older brother Robby, a junior, plays special teams and receiver for Yale.

"Both my wife and I have fall birthdays, so my mom gave us each a scarf," said their father Rob. "It's white with blue stripes on one end and white with crimson stripes on the other." The family has been creative in showing support for both sons, sometimes splitting up to ensure each has family in the stands.

With both teams in contention for the Ivy title and the playoff berth, the entire family will be at the Yale Bowl to witness this historic moment. "We're soaking up every bit of what has been one of the most memorable seasons of our lives," Rob said.

Cultural Phenomenon

Beyond the gridiron, The Game has become a cultural phenomenon. The Yale Bowl, with its potential to draw 60,000 fans—more than any Major League Baseball team's average attendance—creates an electric atmosphere. The rivalry even made its mark on pop culture, most notably in a memorable episode of The Simpsons.

As Harvard quarterback and NFL prospect Jared Craig looks to lead his team to victory, and Yale's Josh Pitsenberger aims to continue his Ivy League-leading rushing performance, both teams understand the weight of history. For Pitsenberger, a senior captain, this represents the final guaranteed football game of his career.

"This is the last guaranteed football game that I have, so I am going to treat it as the only game of football that I will ever play," Pitsenberger said.

As the 141st edition of The Game approaches, one thing is certain: whether you're a Harvard Crimson, Yale Bulldog, or simply a fan of college football history, this matchup promises to deliver drama, passion, and a new chapter in the storied rivalry.