As the College Football Playoff (CFP) era continues to evolve, it’s fascinating to look back on the journey of the 10 national champions crowned under its current structure. From its inception in 2014, the playoff format has ushered in a new era of college football, where the most elite teams face off for the ultimate prize in an exciting postseason format. The top spot in this ranking has been fiercely contested, and with Ohio State or Notre Dame poised to make history as the first CFP national champion from the expanded 12-team field later this month, it’s a perfect time to reflect on which teams have left the most significant marks on this era of college football.
The 2019 LSU Tigers, who are at the center of this debate, stand as one of the most complete and dominant teams in the CFP’s history. With an offense orchestrated by the eventual Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow, LSU’s offense set records in yards and touchdowns, while their defense played just enough to support their prolific attack. Burrow’s leadership, along with the offensive genius of coordinator Joe Brady, led to a national title that remains unrivaled in terms of offensive efficiency. LSU dominated every opponent they faced, including a stunning win over Clemson in the national championship game, capping off a perfect season and leaving little doubt about their supremacy in college football.
Yet, ranking the best CFP champions isn’t merely about how dominant a team was during the season. It’s also about the quality of opponents faced in the playoff and the adversity overcome along the way. The 2017 Alabama Crimson Tide certainly belong high on this list, given their resilience in the face of challenges throughout the season. With a defense that was nothing short of dominant and a running game led by Heisman winner Derrick Henry, Alabama faced their toughest challenge in the title game against Georgia. Nick Saban’s decision to insert true freshman quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who delivered a game-winning touchdown pass in overtime, is a moment etched into CFP lore. Alabama’s national title was a testament to their consistency and depth, despite the close nature of some of their playoff games.
The 2014 Ohio State Buckeyes are another team that earned a place among the best of the best. Ohio State’s path to the national championship was one of perseverance, as they overcame injuries to key players, including starting quarterback Braxton Miller and backup J.T. Barrett. But in stepped third-string quarterback Cardale Jones, who delivered a stellar performance in the playoff, including a dominant win over Oregon in the title game. Ohio State’s 2014 squad, under head coach Urban Meyer, showed that it was not just about star power, but about finding ways to win even when the odds were stacked against them.
One cannot overlook the 2015 Alabama team, which had an incredible defense led by future NFL stars like Jonathan Allen and Reuben Foster. Their playoff run was a masterclass in physical football, as they dominated Michigan State and defeated Clemson in a thrilling title game. While their offense wasn’t as explosive as some other teams, Alabama’s defense was perhaps the most fearsome in the CFP era, stifling opponents and allowing just 16.5 points per game that season. Alabama’s ability to control the line of scrimmage and dominate time of possession was the hallmark of their championship run.
The 2020 Alabama Crimson Tide might just be the most complete team in terms of sheer talent. Led by a high-powered offense featuring quarterback Mac Jones, wide receiver DeVonta Smith, and running back Najee Harris, Alabama stormed through the season, winning every game by double digits, including a dominant victory over Ohio State in the national championship game. Smith’s historic Heisman-winning season was one of the most remarkable individual performances in recent memory, and he was complemented by a defense that, while not as dominant as their 2015 predecessors, was still more than capable of holding their own. Alabama’s offensive juggernaut was simply too much for any opponent to handle.
In addition to the aforementioned teams, the 2016 Clemson Tigers and 2018 Clemson Tigers also deserve recognition for their incredible runs to national titles. The 2016 team, led by quarterback Deshaun Watson, defeated Alabama in one of the most thrilling national championship games in CFP history. Watson’s poise and leadership were on full display as he led the Tigers to a last-second victory, overcoming a late Alabama surge to claim the title. The 2018 Clemson team, on the other hand, was arguably the most dominant in the history of the CFP playoffs, defeating Notre Dame and Alabama by a combined score of 74-19. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence and the defense were absolutely stifling, with Clemson winning every game by large margins, including a 44-16 demolition of Alabama in the national championship game.
The 2016 Alabama Crimson Tide, despite coming up short in the title game against Clemson, were an exceptional team in their own right. Their defensive line was one of the most formidable in CFP history, and quarterback Jalen Hurts displayed the kind of poise and leadership that made Alabama a constant contender. Though they ultimately fell to the Tigers in a classic game, their journey through the playoff was a testament to their consistency and resilience.
The 2021 Georgia Bulldogs, crowned national champions in a thrilling title game against Alabama, represent a team that overcame the heartbreak of the previous season’s loss to claim the ultimate prize. With a defense that was arguably the best in the nation, Georgia’s combination of pass-rushing prowess and stifling coverage helped them navigate a tough playoff bracket, ultimately prevailing in the title game to secure their first national championship in over 40 years. Quarterback Stetson Bennett, who had been doubted for much of his career, delivered when it mattered most, leading the Bulldogs to a memorable 33-18 victory over Alabama.
Finally, the 2022 Georgia Bulldogs make their case for being one of the top CFP champions. With a balanced and deep roster, Georgia dominated the season from start to finish, including a masterful playoff run where they smothered Ohio State and TCU. Their defense was suffocating, and their offense, while not flashy, was effective and efficient. Georgia’s ability to maintain such a high level of performance across all phases of the game makes them one of the most formidable teams to have ever played in the CFP.
Looking ahead to the future, as either Ohio State or Notre Dame prepares to make history as the first CFP national champion from the 12-team field, we are reminded of the incredible talent and depth of the teams that have competed for college football’s ultimate prize. The expanded playoff will undoubtedly lead to new contenders, but it will also continue the legacy of great teams that have defined the CFP era. Whether it’s a dominant offense like LSU’s in 2019, a suffocating defense like Georgia’s in 2021 and 2022, or a team like Ohio State or Notre Dame that rises to the challenge in this new playoff format, the future of college football promises to be as thrilling as ever.
In the end, ranking the best CFP champions is a subjective exercise, as each team’s journey to the title involves unique challenges, individual brilliance, and unforgettable moments. But as the 12-team era begins, the 2019 LSU Tigers will continue to hold a special place in the conversation, even as the new wave of championship contenders emerges.