Pittsburgh football fans, get ready! The legendary “City Game” is back after an 86-year hiatus as Pitt faces crosstown rival Duquesne. This isn’t just any matchup; it’s a battle for local pride, with an underdog spirit igniting the field. What will this historic return mean for the future of college football rivalries?

After an astonishing 86-year absence, the iconic “City Game” rivalry in **College Football** is making its triumphant return as the **Pitt Panthers** prepare to host the **Duquesne Dukes**. This long-awaited clash, set to kick off the 2025 season, transcends a typical season opener, embodying a deep-rooted historical narrative and igniting fervent local passion within the **Western Pennsylvania Sports** landscape. More than just a game, it represents a significant moment for the region’s sports community and for the players who will step onto the hallowed turf.

For many athletes, particularly those from the Pittsburgh area, this matchup carries a profound personal weight. Antonio Epps, a redshirt senior defensive back, epitomizes this sentiment, having spent his formative years in Pittsburgh’s southern suburbs envisioning himself playing at Acrisure Stadium, the very venue where this historic **NCAA Football** encounter will unfold. The opportunity to participate in such a monumental event against a crosstown foe resonates deeply, connecting present-day aspirations with childhood dreams.

While the odds appear formidable for the **Duquesne Dukes** against their Power Four opponent, the stakes in this particular contest are uniquely different from previous matchups against larger programs. Beyond the contractual paycheck, a palpable sense of community pride and individual determination fuels the Dukes. Their roster, significantly comprised of **Western Pennsylvania Sports** natives, sees this as more than just a game; it’s a chance to represent their city and prove their mettle on a grand stage, fostering an intense **City Game Rivalry** spirit.

Duquesne coach Jerry Schmitt, a proud Pittsburgh native celebrating his 21st season with the Dukes, articulated the profound significance of this opportunity. He acknowledged that while Pitt and Duquesne maintain a competitive spirit in other athletic disciplines, the football narrative has remained largely dormant since Duquesne’s stunning 21-13 upset of the top-ranked Panthers in 1939. This historical context underscores the rarity and importance of the upcoming renewal, adding layers to the burgeoning **City Game Rivalry**.

The Dukes’ football program boasts a storied, albeit interrupted, past. Following their impressive finishes in the AP polls during the late 1930s and early 1940s, the program faced a significant hiatus, ceasing to be a varsity sport by the 1950s. Its eventual resurgence, transitioning from Division III to the FCS in 1993, brought it back into the competitive **NCAA Football** landscape, yet a direct confrontation with the **Pitt Panthers** remained an elusive dream for generations of local players.

For FCS teams like the **Duquesne Dukes**, these early-season matchups against larger FBS programs are often viewed as their de facto championship games. It’s an unparalleled platform for players to showcase their abilities, demonstrate their passion, and challenge preconceived notions about the competitive gap. The intensity and desire to perform are amplified, as players from **Western Pennsylvania Sports** backgrounds seize the moment to prove themselves against a formidable opponent.

However, the future availability of such compelling regional matchups between FBS and FCS teams, even those with strong local ties like the Pitt Panthers and Duquesne Dukes, hangs in the balance. With other major conferences exploring expansions to nine conference games, the scheduling flexibility for these intriguing inter-divisional contests may dwindle, making the return of this specific College Football clash even more precious and potentially fleeting.

Ultimately, the atmosphere surrounding this renewed **City Game Rivalry** promises to be electrifying. As Coach Schmitt aptly noted, the Dukes will be “cranked up,” eager to play in a stadium that many have only admired from a distance or played in during high school championships. This fixture is their grand opportunity to make a definitive statement, to show their talent, and, for some, to demonstrate to the **Pitt Panthers** what they might have overlooked. The stage is set for a memorable chapter in **NCAA Football** history.