The rivalry between the Minnesota Golden Gophers and the Wisconsin Badgers is not just any college football matchup—it’s the longest-running rivalry in NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision history. At the heart of this fierce border battle is Paul Bunyan’s Axe, a six-foot-long trophy that symbolizes decades of competition, tradition, and state pride. For fans of both teams, the annual question “Who has the Axe?” carries profound significance that extends far beyond the football field.
The Current Holder of Paul Bunyan’s Axe
As of November 29, 2024, Minnesota is the current holder of Paul Bunyan’s Axe, having defeated Wisconsin 24-7 in Madison in their most recent matchup. The Gophers thoroughly dominated the game, with quarterback Max Brosmer passing for two touchdowns and rushing for another while Minnesota’s defense held Wisconsin to just 166 total yards of offense. This victory allowed Minnesota to reclaim the Axe after losing it to Wisconsin the previous year in a 28-14 defeat.
With this victory, Minnesota tied the all-time series at 63-63-8, reclaiming the historical equality in a rivalry that dates back to 1890. The Gophers’ win also marks their third victory at Camp Randall Stadium in their last four visits, demonstrating a significant shift in a rivalry that was dominated by Wisconsin for many years.
The History of Paul Bunyan’s Axe Trophy
The storied rivalry between these neighboring states began long before the creation of the iconic Axe trophy. The tradition of awarding a trophy to the game’s winner actually started with a different prize altogether.
From Bacon to Axe: The Trophy’s Evolution
Before Paul Bunyan’s Axe, the winner of the Minnesota-Wisconsin game took home a trophy called the “Slab of Bacon.” Created in 1930 by R.B. Fouch of Minneapolis, this piece of black walnut wood featured a football at its center with a letter that appeared as either an “M” or “W” depending on which way it was held, cleverly symbolizing that the winner had “brought home the bacon.”
The Slab of Bacon mysteriously disappeared after the 1943 game when Minnesota won and Wisconsin was supposed to turn it over. As Wisconsin student Peg Watrous later recalled, in the chaos of fans storming the field, she couldn’t find her Minnesota counterpart to hand over the trophy. The bacon vanished, creating one of college football’s most curious mysteries.
In 1948, with the original trophy still missing, Wisconsin’s National “W” Club created Paul Bunyan’s Axe as a replacement trophy. The six-foot-long axe features a handle that records the score of each game in the series. By the 1960s, space on the handle was becoming scarce, leading designers to print scores in increasingly smaller font. By 1980, the broad face of the handle was completely filled, and subsequent game results were recorded on the narrow edges of the handle.
Interestingly, the lost Slab of Bacon wasn’t found until 1994—more than 50 years after its disappearance—when it was discovered in a storage closet at Camp Randall Stadium during renovations. Remarkably, scores had been recorded on it through 1970, suggesting that Wisconsin officials had been keeping the trophy updated in secret for decades. The Slab of Bacon now resides in the Wisconsin football office.
In 2000, the original Axe was retired due to space limitations, and a new Axe was created to continue the tradition. The original was donated to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2003.
The All-Time Series: A Perfect Balance
The Minnesota-Wisconsin rivalry is remarkable not only for its longevity but also for its competitive balance. After Minnesota’s 2024 victory, the all-time series stands deadlocked at 63-63-8. This perfect equilibrium is especially noteworthy considering the series has spanned 134 games over more than 130 years.
| Era | Games | Minnesota Wins | Wisconsin Wins | Ties |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Series (1890-2024) | 134 | 63 | 63 | 8 |
| Slab of Bacon Era (1930-1943) | 14 | 11 | 3 | 0 |
| Paul Bunyan’s Axe Era (1948-2024) | 77 | 27 | 47 | 3 |
Wisconsin has dominated the Axe era with 47 victories compared to Minnesota’s 27, though the Gophers have won three of the last four meetings. The Badgers enjoyed a particularly dominant stretch from 2004 to 2017, winning the Axe 14 consecutive times—the longest winning streak by either team in the rivalry’s history. Minnesota finally broke this streak in 2018 with a convincing 37-15 victory in Madison.
Notable Games in the Rivalry
The long history of this border battle has produced numerous memorable contests. Here are some of the most significant games in the rivalry’s storied past:
1890: The First Meeting
The rivalry began with Minnesota dominating Wisconsin 63-0 in Minneapolis. This lopsided score set the tone for early Gopher dominance in the series, as Minnesota won the first four meetings before Wisconsin secured its first victory in 1894.
1906: The Only Gap
The 1906 game stands as the only year since 1890 that Minnesota and Wisconsin did not meet on the football field. President Theodore Roosevelt suspended many college football rivalries that year due to concerns about player injuries and deaths. The rivalry resumed in 1907 with a 17-17 tie.
1943: The Vanishing Bacon
Minnesota’s 25-13 victory in 1943 became famous not for the game itself, but for the subsequent disappearance of the Slab of Bacon trophy, which remained missing for over 50 years.
1962: A Big Ten Title for Wisconsin
The Badgers’ 14-9 victory capped an undefeated season and secured Wisconsin a share of the Big Ten championship. This was one of Wisconsin’s most significant victories in the series during the early Axe era.
1993-1994: Back-to-Back Gopher Surprises
Minnesota won consecutive games against heavily favored Wisconsin teams, including a 28-21 upset in 1993 that derailed Wisconsin’s Rose Bowl hopes. These victories came as the lost Slab of Bacon was being rediscovered in Wisconsin’s storage.
2005: Blocked Punt Game
Wisconsin’s 38-34 victory featured a dramatic blocked punt returned for a touchdown in the final minutes, extending their winning streak in the series.
2014: Melvin Gordon’s Record Day
Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon rushed for 151 yards and a touchdown as the Badgers won 34-24, just one week after Gordon had set the then-NCAA single-game rushing record with 408 yards against Nebraska.
2018: Minnesota Breaks the Streak
After 14 consecutive losses to Wisconsin—the longest streak by either team in the rivalry’s history—Minnesota finally reclaimed the Axe with a dominant 37-15 victory in Madison under head coach P.J. Fleck.
2019: Badgers Spoil Gophers’ Championship Hopes
In one of the most anticipated games in the rivalry’s recent history, 13th-ranked Wisconsin defeated 9th-ranked Minnesota 38-17 in Minneapolis, denying the Gophers a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game and reclaiming the Axe.
2024: Minnesota Ties the All-Time Series
The Gophers’ convincing 24-7 victory in Madison evened the all-time series at 63-63-8, bringing historical balance to a rivalry that dates back to 1890. This was Minnesota’s third win at Camp Randall in their last four visits.
The Tradition of “Chopping Down” the Goalposts
For decades, one of the most cherished traditions in this rivalry has been the ceremonial “chopping down” of the goalposts by the winning team. After securing victory, players would run to their own sideline (if they already had the Axe) or to their opponent’s sideline (if they were reclaiming the Axe) and carry it around the field. The celebration would culminate with players pretending to chop down the goalposts with the Axe.
This tradition was temporarily modified in 2014 following a near-skirmish in 2013, when Minnesota players surrounded their goal post and prevented Wisconsin players from the ceremonial chopping. For a brief period, the Axe was kept off the field until the game ended. However, by 2015, the full tradition was restored and continues today.
Rivalry Impact on Both Programs
The battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe has had significant impacts on both football programs and their respective universities. The rivalry game is typically scheduled as the final regular-season contest, often with conference standings, bowl eligibility, or bragging rights on the line.
The intensity of this border battle extends beyond the field, influencing recruiting, alumni engagement, and university pride throughout the year. Both schools feature the Axe prominently in their athletic facilities when in possession of it, and coaches on both sides frequently emphasize the importance of winning this game to their players.
Wisconsin’s 14-year winning streak from 2004 to 2017 coincided with one of the most successful periods in Badgers football history, while Minnesota’s more recent success in the rivalry under coach P.J. Fleck has symbolized the program’s resurgence as a competitive force in the Big Ten.
How the Rivalry Compares to Other College Football Traditions
The Minnesota-Wisconsin rivalry stands among the most venerable traditions in college football, but it’s worth comparing it to other storied matchups:
| Rivalry | Trophy | First Meeting | Games Played |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota-Wisconsin | Paul Bunyan’s Axe | 1890 | 134 (most in FBS) |
| Missouri-Kansas | Indian War Drum | 1891 | 120 |
| Michigan-Ohio State | None | 1897 | 118 |
| Army-Navy | Thompson Cup, among others | 1890 | 123 |
| Alabama-Auburn | Iron Bowl Trophy | 1893 | 87 |
While other rivalries may attract more national attention or feature teams with greater historical success, none can match the Minnesota-Wisconsin series for longevity and continuity. With 134 meetings through 2024 and only one year (1906) without a game since 1890, this border battle has truly stood the test of time.
What also makes this rivalry special is its remarkably even overall record (63-63-8), demonstrating a competitive balance rarely seen in college football’s oldest matchups.
Future of the Rivalry
The Minnesota-Wisconsin rivalry is positioned to remain one of college football’s premier traditions even as the sport undergoes significant changes. While conference realignment has threatened many historic rivalries, the Big Ten has protected this matchup, designating it as a protected rivalry that will continue to be played annually regardless of divisional alignments.
The games are expected to maintain their traditional late-season placement, typically played on Thanksgiving weekend, often on “Black Friday.” This prime position on the schedule ensures the rivalry will continue to hold significant importance for both programs.
With Minnesota’s recent resurgence under P.J. Fleck balancing Wisconsin’s historical success under Barry Alvarez and his successors, the battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe promises to remain competitive and compelling for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who currently holds Paul Bunyan’s Axe?
As of November 29, 2024, Minnesota holds Paul Bunyan’s Axe after defeating Wisconsin 24-7 in Madison. This victory tied the all-time series at 63-63-8.
How did the Paul Bunyan’s Axe trophy originate?
Paul Bunyan’s Axe was created in 1948 by Wisconsin’s National “W” Club to replace the original trophy, the “Slab of Bacon,” which had disappeared after the 1943 game. The six-foot-long axe features a handle that records the score of each game in the series.
What happened to the original “Slab of Bacon” trophy?
The Slab of Bacon mysteriously disappeared after Minnesota’s victory in 1943. It remained lost for over 50 years until it was discovered in a storage closet at Camp Randall Stadium during renovations in 1994. Remarkably, scores had been recorded on it through 1970, suggesting Wisconsin officials had been keeping it updated in secret.
What is the all-time record in the Minnesota-Wisconsin rivalry?
After Minnesota’s victory in 2024, the all-time series stands perfectly even at 63-63-8. Wisconsin leads the Paul Bunyan’s Axe era (1948-present) with a record of 47-27-3.
Why is this rivalry significant in college football?
The Minnesota-Wisconsin rivalry is the most-played and longest continuously running rivalry in NCAA Division I FBS football. With 134 meetings through 2024 and only one year (1906) without a game since 1890, it represents one of college football’s most enduring traditions. The perfect balance in the all-time series (63-63-8) further emphasizes the exceptional nature of this historic border battle.
Conclusion
The question “Who has the Axe: Wisconsin or Minnesota?” is answered annually on the football field in one of college sports’ greatest traditions. Currently, it’s the Minnesota Golden Gophers who proudly display Paul Bunyan’s Axe in their trophy case, having reclaimed it in a convincing 24-7 victory on November 29, 2024.
More than just a game, this rivalry represents the shared history, mutual respect, and fierce competition between neighboring states and their flagship universities. With the all-time series now tied at 63-63-8, the battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe stands as perhaps the most perfectly balanced rivalry in all of college sports—a testament to the enduring and competitive nature of this border battle.
As college football continues to evolve with playoff expansions, conference realignments, and changing landscapes, the Minnesota-Wisconsin rivalry remains a steadfast reminder of the sport’s rich traditions and the regional passions that make college football so special.
The Axe may change hands from year to year, but the importance of this rivalry to both schools and their supporters remains constant—a cultural touchstone that transcends generations and continues to write new chapters in one of sports’ greatest ongoing stories.
References:
- Minnesota Athletics – Paul Bunyan’s Axe
- College Football Network – Paul Bunyan’s Axe: Explaining Minnesota vs. Wisconsin Rivalry
- CBS Minnesota – Minnesota Gophers decimate Wisconsin Badgers, reclaim Paul Bunyan’s axe in 24-7 victory
- Star Tribune – Minnesota Gophers roll past Wisconsin Badgers 24-7 to reclaim Paul Bunyan’s Axe
- Wikipedia – Minnesota–Wisconsin football rivalry
