Throughout the year, every matchup between Faulkner and Point will carry additional significance as the Eagles and Skyhawks battle for bragging rights and the Battle of I-85 championship. The Battle of I-85 will bring an added level of excitement to the budding rivalry between Faulkner and Point, as the two institutions will now compete for an annual all-sports title throughout the academic year. 

The two conference foes, who primarily compete in the Southern States Athletic Conference, are separated by less than 80 miles. The football teams, that will compete as affiliate members of the Appalachian Athletic Conference for football next season, have put a championship belt on the line during football games for the past few seasons while other sports have used the moniker colloquially without much extra on the line until the start of the 2026 season.  

"The Battle of I-85 is about more than just competition—it's about two institutions with a shared mission and passion for developing student-athletes," Point University Interim Athletic Director Taylor Hassell said. "With I-85 separating the two campuses, it makes for a natural rivalry built on mutual respect. This is great for both schools, great for our student-athletes, and great for college athletics. I'm excited to see where this leads and can't wait to watch the Battle of I-85!" 

"There is nothing in college sports like a great rivalry!" Faulkner VP of Athletics Reed Sutton said. "We have so many great games every year with Point University in all sports. We are connected by a highway, but separated by a state line.   Our football team has been playing for a belt and we will work hard to keep it on Saturday! We are excited about extending that energy to all sports so we can create more excitement when the two schools battle." 

"I love this rivalry," Faulkner President Mitch Henry said. "While I respect Point University's and Faulkner University's shared heritage and values, I encourage all Faulkner student-athletes to make it a point to beat them soundly in every contest." 

"As iron sharpens iron, competition makes us better," Point University President Dr. Stacy Bartlett said. "We want our student-athletes to compete hard, challenge one another and bring out the best in each other. We can celebrate the history between our two institutions while embracing the fun and intensity of a great rivalry. Now, let's take it to the field and make our 'point!'" 

Each varsity sport will contribute to the overall rivalry standings, with points awarded based on head-to-head results between the Eagles and Skyhawks. Every sport will be worth 12 points in the season, with the total distributed based on the number of regular-season meetings between the two teams. Football, which features a single annual matchup and involves a larger number of student-athletes, will be worth 24 points. 

For sports without traditional head-to-head competitions, including men's and women's golf, points will be determined by the teams' results in shared regular-season events and conference championship competitions. 

Only varsity competition will count toward the Battle of I-85 standings, with regular-season head-to-head contests serving as the foundation of the rivalry series. If the two schools finish the year tied in total points, a series of tiebreakers based on scoring performance, road success and postseason results will determine the annual champion. If the teams remain tied after all tiebreakers, the defending champion will retain the Battle of I-85 title