The football rivalry between the California Golden Bears and Southern Methodist University (SMU) is relatively new and limited in history. The two teams have faced each other only once, with SMU leading the series 1-0 after their matchup on September 21, 1957, where SMU won 13-6. As of the 2024 season, both teams are competing in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), marking their inaugural seasons in the conference. SMU is ranked No. 9 in the College Football Playoff standings and boasts a record of 10-1, including a perfect 7-0 in conference play, as of 2024. They have already secured a spot in the ACC Championship game. In contrast, California holds a record of 6-5 with a 2-5 conference record and achieved bowl eligibility after a comeback victory against Stanford.
California Golden Bears vs Southern Methodist University Football Rivalry History
While the rivalry is not deeply rooted historically, both teams look to establish themselves within the ACC. The outcome of their upcoming game could set the tone for future matchups and contribute to building a more competitive rivalry as both programs continue to develop under new conference dynamics. Overall, while the California vs. SMU football rivalry has minimal historical context, it is positioned to grow as both teams navigate their first seasons in the ACC and aim for success on the field.
California vs SMU Football Rivalry head-to-head stats
| Statistic | California | SMU |
| Total Meetings | 1 | 1 |
| Wins | 0 | 1 |
| Last Meeting | 1957 | 1957 |
| Meeting Result | Loss (6-13) | Win |
California vs SMU Football Rivalry Winner year-by-year
The California vs. SMU football rivalry has only one meeting to date, which occurred in 1957. Here are the year-by-year results of their matchups:
| Year | Winner | Score |
| 1957 | SMU | 13-6 |
FAQ on California vs SMU football rivalry
The California vs Stanford rivalry is one of the oldest football rivalries in college football, this rivalry is also known as the 'The Big Game.' They played their first game in the year 1892, and since then competed with each other annually.
Similarly, Berkeley has been known informally as “California,” or “Cal” for short, throughout its history. For the first 84 years of its existence, Berkeley was simply the University of California. This changed in 1952 when the Regents reorganized the university into a system of semi-autonomous campuses.
For more than a century, SMU's enterprising spirit has helped shape Dallas into a global gateway for people of all backgrounds who want to change the world. SMU was founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church, South to promote higher education and freedom of inquiry and remains secular in its teaching.
