College football national championships in NCAA Division I FBS

A national championship in the highest level of college football in the United States, currently the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), is a designation awarded annually by various organizations to their selection of the best college football team. Division I FBS football is the only National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) sport for which the NCAA does not sanction a yearly championship event. As such, it is sometimes unofficially referred to as a "mythical national championship".[1][2][3][4]

National championships in NCAA Division I FBS
National championship trophies
Longest continuous selectorAssociated Press (1936–present)
First season awarded1869
Last completed season2019

Due to the lack of an official NCAA title, determining the nation's top college football team has often engendered controversy.[5] A championship team is independently declared by multiple individuals and organizations, often referred to as "selectors".[6]:107–109 These choices are not always unanimous.[5] In 1969 even the President of the United States Richard Nixon declared a national champion by announcing, ahead of the season-ending game between No. 1 Texas and No. 2 Arkansas, that the winner of that game would receive a plaque from the President himself, commemorating that team as the year's national champion. Texas went on to win that game, 15–14.[7]

While the NCAA has never officially endorsed a championship team, it has documented the choices of some selectors in its official NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision Records publication.[6]:107–119 In addition, various analysts have independently published their own choices for each season. These opinions can often diverge with others as well as individual schools' claims to national titles, which may or may not correlate to the selections published elsewhere. Currently, two of the most widely recognized national champion selectors are the Associated Press, which conducts a poll of sportswriters, and the Coaches Poll, a survey of active members of the American Football Coaches Association.

Since 1992, various consortia of major bowl games have aimed to invite the top two teams at the end of the regular season (as determined by internal rankings, or aggregates of the major polls and other statistics) to compete in what is intended to be the de facto national championship game. The current iteration of this practice, the College Football Playoff, selects four teams to participate in national semi-finals hosted by two of six partner bowl games, with their winners advancing to the College Football Playoff National Championship.

History
The Sun was among the first to publish a year-end college football ranking, in 1901.

The concept of a national championship in college football dates to the early years of the sport in the late 19th century,[8] and the earliest contemporaneous polls can be traced to Caspar Whitney, Charles Patterson, and The Sun in 1901.[9] Therefore, the concept of polls and national champions predated mathematical ranking systems, but it was Frank Dickinson's math system that was one of the first to be widely popularized. His system named 10–0 Stanford the national champion of 1926, prior to their tie with Alabama in the Rose Bowl. A curious Knute Rockne, then coach of Notre Dame, had Dickinson backdate two seasons, which produced Notre Dame as the 1924 national champion and Dartmouth in 1925.[10]

A number of other mathematical systems were born in the 1920s and 1930s and were the only organized methods selecting national champions until the Associated Press began polling sportswriters in 1936 to obtain rankings. Alan J. Gould, the creator of the AP Poll, named Minnesota, Princeton, and SMU co-champions in 1935, and polled writers the following year, which resulted in a national championship for Minnesota.[10] The AP's main competition, United Press, created the first Coaches Poll in 1950. For that year and the next three, the AP and UP agreed on the national champion. The first "split" championship occurred in 1954, when the writers selected Ohio State and the coaches chose UCLA.[10] The two polls also disagreed in 1957, 1965, 1970, 1973, 1974, 1978, 1990, 1991, 1997, and 2003. The Coaches Poll would stay with United Press (UP) when they merged with International News Service (INS) to form United Press International (UPI) but was acquired by USA Today and CNN in 1991. The poll was in the hands of USA Today and ESPN from 1997 to 2005 before moving to sole ownership by USA Today. Beginning in 2014, Amway became a joint sponsor with USA Today.[11]

Though some of the math systems selected champions after the bowl games, both of the major polls released their rankings after the end of the regular season until the AP polled writers after the bowls in 1965, resulting in what was perceived at the time as a better championship selection (Alabama) than UPI's (Michigan State).[10] After 1965, the AP again voted before the bowls for two years, before permanently returning to a post-bowl vote in 1968. The coaches did not conduct a vote after the bowls until 1974, in the wake of awarding their 1973 championship to Alabama, who lost to the AP champion, undefeated Notre Dame, in the Sugar Bowl.[10] The AP and Coaches polls remain the major rankings to this day.

From the 1930s to the advent of the College Football Playoff, each top team played a single postseason bowl game per season. The process of selecting a national champion during this period was complicated by the fact that the champions of major conferences were tied to specific bowls (for example, the Big 8 champion was tied to the Orange Bowl), and the top two teams in the nation often played in different bowls. A few bowls over the years featured a #1 vs. #2 matchup; one example was the 1987 Fiesta Bowl, played January 2 following the 1986 season.

Two attempts to annually crown a champion on the field were the Bowl Coalition (1992–1994) and Bowl Alliance (1995–1997). However, their effort to host a national championship was hampered by the lack of participation of the Pac-10 and Big Ten champions, who instead opted to play in the Rose Bowl.

The Bowl Championship Series, famous for its use of math, was the successor of the Coalition and Alliance.[12] Besides the many adjustments it underwent during its tenure, including a large overhaul following the 2004 season that included the replacement of the AP Poll with the Harris poll, the BCS remained a mixture of math and human polls since its inception in 1998, with the goal of matching the best two teams in the nation in a national championship bowl game which rotated yearly between the Sugar, Fiesta, Rose, and Orange Bowls from 1998 to 2005, and later a standalone game titled the BCS National Championship Game (2006 to 2013).[10] The winner of the BCS Championship Game was awarded the national championship of the Coaches Poll thus winning the AFCA National Championship Trophy. The BCS winner also received the MacArthur Bowl from the National Football Foundation.[13] Neither the AP Poll, nor other current selectors, had contractual obligations to select the BCS champion as their national champion.[14] The BCS resulted in a number of controversies, most notably after the 2003 season, when the BCS championship game did not include eventual AP champion USC, the only time the two championships have diverged since the advent of the BCS. After many seasons of controversy, the BCS was replaced with the College Football Playoff, a Plus-One system aimed at reducing the controversy involved in which teams get to play in a championship game through use of a tournament.

National championships in the official NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision records

The NCAA maintains an official records book of historical statistics and records for football. In the records book, with consultation from various college football historians, it has created and maintains a list of "major selectors" of national championships throughout the history of college football along with their championship picks for each season.[6]:107–116

Major selectors

A variety of selectors have named national champions throughout the years. They generally can be divided into four categories: those determined by mathematical formula, human polls, historical research, and recently, playoffs. The selectors below are listed in the official NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision Records as having been deemed to be "major selectors" for which the criteria is that the poll or selector be "national in scope either through distribution in newspaper, television, radio and/or computer online".[6]:107–109 The former selectors, deemed instrumental in the sport of college football, and selectors that were included for the calculation of the BCS standing, are listed together.[6]:107–116,119

Math

The mathematical system is the oldest systematic selector of college football national champions. Many of the math selectors were created during the "championship rush" of the 1920s and 1930s, beginning with Frank Dickinson's system, or during the dawn of the computer age in the 1990s. Selectors are listed below with years selected retroactively in italics.

SelectorNameSeasons
A&HAnderson & Hester1997–present
ASAlderson System1994–1998
B(QPRS)Berryman (QPRS)1920–1989, 1990–2011
BRBillingsley Reporta1869–1870, 1872–1969, 1970–present
BSBoand System1919–1929, 1930–1960
CCRCongrove Computer Rankings1993–present
CMColley Matrix1992–present
CWCaspar Whitney1905–1907
DeSDeVold System1939–1944, 1945–2006
DiSDickinson System1924–1925, 1926–1940
DuSDunkel System1929–present
ERSEck Ratings System1987–2005
HSHoulgate System1885, 1887–1905, 1907–1926, 1927–1949
LLitkenhous1934–1972, 1974, 1978, 1981–1984
MCFRMassey College Football Ratings1995–present
MGRMatthews Grid Ratings1966–1972, 1974–2006
NYTThe New York Times1979–2004
PSPoling System1924–1934, 1935–1955, 1957–1984
R(FACT)Rothman (FACT)1968–2006
SRSagarin Ratings1919–1977, 1978–present
WWolfe2001–present
WSWilliamson System1931, 1932–1963

aThe Billingsley Report also provides an alternate selection that uses margin-of-victory in its calculation. The NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision Records book notes both selections in years where they disagree.[6]:107–116

Poll

The poll has been the dominant national champion selector since the inception of the AP Poll in 1936. It is notable that the NFF merged its poll with UPI from 1991 to 1992, with USA Today from 1993 to 1996, and with the FWAA from 2014 forward. Selectors are listed below with years selected retroactively in italics.

For many years, the national champion of various polls were selected prior to the bowl games. The national champion was selected before bowl games as follows: AP (1936–1964 and 1966–1967), Coaches Poll (1950–1973), FWAA (1954), and NFF (1959–1970). In all other latter-day polls, champions were selected after bowl games.[6]:107–119

During the BCS era, the winner of the BCS Championship Game was automatically awarded the national championship of the Coaches Poll and the National Football Foundation.

SelectorNameSeasons
APAssociated Press1936–present
Coaches
  BRC
  UP
  UPI
  USAT/CNN
  USAT/ESPN
  USAT
  USAT/AMWAY		American Football Coaches Association
  AFCA Blue Ribbon Commission
  United Press
  United Press International
  USA Today/CNN
  USA Today/ESPN
  USA Today
  USA Today/Amway		1922–present
  1922–1949a
  1950–1957
  1958–1990b
  1991–1996b c
  1997–2004
  2005–2013b
  2014–present
CFRACollege Football Researchers Association1919–1935, 1936–1981, 1982–1992, 2010–present
FNFootball News1958–2002
FWAAFootball Writers Association of America1954–2013c
FWAA/NFFFWAA-NFF Grantland Rice Super 162014–presentc
HAFHelms Athletic Foundation1883–1935, 1936–1940, 1941–1982
INSInternational News Service1952–1957
NCFNational Championship Foundation1869–1870, 1872–1935, 1936–1979, 1980–2000
NFFNational Football Foundation1959–1990, 1997–2013c d e
SNSporting News1975–2006
UPIUnited Press International1993–1995f
UPI/NFFUnited Press International/National Football Foundation1991–1992e
USATUSA Today1982g
USAT/CNNUSA Today/CNN1983–1990g
USAT/NFFUSA Today/National Football Foundation1993–1996d

aAt the request of several schools, the AFCA established a "Blue Ribbon Commission" in 2016 to begin retroactively selecting Coaches' Trophy winners from 1922 through 1949.[15]

bServed as the Coaches Poll during the designated years, but also conducted their own poll at different times.

cThe Football Writers Association of America merged its poll with that of the National Football Foundation members beginning in 2014; as a result, the Grantland Trophy was retired and the FWAA/NFF national champion now receives the MacArthur Bowl.[6]:116

dUSA Today took over, from the UPI, the poll of the National Football Foundation's members in 1993, and its winner was designated by the NFF as its national champion and received the MacArthur Bowl. The poll was conducted by USA Today through the 1996 season, although national championship selections in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision Records do not distinguish the NFF from the USAT/NFF poll in 1995 and 1996. Not to be confused with the USA Today/CNN Coaches Poll, which USA Today conducted separately.

eUPI conducted the Coaches Poll through the 1990 season, which was subsequently taken over by CNN/USA Today. UPI then conducted a poll of National Football Foundation members in 1991 and 1992, the winner of which was designated by the NFF as its national champion and received the MacArthur Bowl.

fUPI conducted its own poll from 1993 to 1995, after the National Football Foundation Poll was taken over by USA Today.

gUSA Today conducted its own poll of college football sportswriters in 1982, then joined with CNN to do their own joint poll until they took over the Coaches Poll starting with the 1991 season.

Research

College football historian Parke H. Davis is the only selector considered by the NCAA to have primarily used research in his selections.[6]:107–109 Davis did all of his work in 1933, naming retroactive national champions for most of the years from 1869 to 1932 while naming Michigan and Princeton (his alma mater) co-champions at the end of the 1933 season.

SelectorNameSeasons
PDParke H. Davis1869–1870, 1872–1909, 1911–1916, 1919–1932, 1933

Hybrid
Main article: Bowl Championship Series

The Bowl Championship Series used a mathematical system that combined polls (Coaches and AP/Harris) and multiple computer rankings (including some individual selectors listed above) to determine a season ending matchup between its top two ranked teams in the BCS Championship Game. The champion of that game was contractually awarded the Coaches Poll and National Football Foundation championships.

SelectorNameSeasons
BCSBowl Championship Series1998–2013

Playoff
Main article: College Football Playoff

Unlike all selectors prior to 2014, the College Football Playoff does not use math, polls or research to select the participants. Rather, a 13-member committee selects and seeds the teams.[16] The playoff system marked the first time any championship selector arranged a bracket competition to determine whom it would declare to be its champion.

SelectorNameSeasons
CFPCollege Football Playoff2014–present

Yearly national championship selections from major selectors

Below is a list of the national champions of college football from 1869 to present (with the exception of 1871, in which no games were played) deemed to be chosen by "major selectors" as listed in the official NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision Records.[6]:107–109 Many teams did not have coaches as late as 1899. "Consensus" selectors in the official NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision Records correspond to the period from 1950 to present which began with the introduction of the two poll system upon the appearance of the Coaches Poll in 1950. Selectors used to determine teams listed as "Consensus National Champions" in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision Records include the AP Poll, Coaches Poll, Football Writers Association of America, and the National Football Foundation/College Football Hall of Fame.[6]:119

The first contemporaneous poll to include teams across the country and selection of a national champions can be traced to Caspar Whitney in 1901.[9] The last retroactive selection was made by Clyde Berryman in 1989 (Notre Dame). The tie was removed from college football in 1995 and the last consensus champion with a tie in its record was Georgia Tech in 1990. The 1947 Michigan Wolverines are often credited with a national championship on the basis of a "free poll" conducted by an AP sportswriter after the 1948 Rose Bowl, though that poll was unofficial and it is not recognized in the official NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision Records.[6]:107–109

Note that the Harris Interactive Poll (2005–2013) was contracted by the BCS to help formulate its standings, and although its final ranking which occurs prior to the bowl games is listed in the official NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision Records, it does not conduct a final poll or award or name a national champion on its own.[17]

As designated by the official NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision Records, the table below shows:

A letter next to any season, team, record, coach or selector indicates a footnote that appears at the bottom of the table.

SeasonChampion(s)RecordCoachSelector(s)Source
1869Princeton1–1BR, NCF, PD[6]:110
Rutgers1–1PD[6]:110
1870Princeton1–0BR, NCF, PD[6]:110
1871NoneNo games played
1872Princeton1–0BR, NCF, PD[6]:110
Yale1–0PD[6]:110
1873Princeton2–0BR, NCF, PD[6]:110
1874Harvard1–1PD[6]:110
Princeton2–0BR, PD[6]:110
Yale3–0NCF, PD[6]:110
1875Columbia3–1–1PD[6]:110
Harvard4–0NCF, PD[6]:110
Princeton2–0BR, PD[6]:110
1876Yale3–0BR, NCF, PD[6]:110
1877Princeton2–0–1BR, PD[6]:110
Yale3–0–1NCF, PD[6]:110
1878Princeton6–0BR, NCF, PD[6]:110
1879Princeton4–0–1BR, NCF, PD[6]:110
Yale3–0–2PD[6]:110
1880Princeton4–0–1NCF, PD[6]:110
Yale4–0–1BR, NCF, PD[6]:110
1881Princeton7–0–2BR, PD[6]:110
Yale5–0–1NCF, PD[6]:110
1882Yale8–0BR, NCF, PD[6]:110
1883Yale9–0BR, HAF, NCF, PD[6]:110
1884Princeton9–0–1BR, PD[6]:110
Yale8–0–1HAF, NCF, PD[6]:110
1885Princeton9–0BR, HAF, HS, NCF, PD[6]:110
1886Princeton7–0–1BR, PD[6]:110
Yale9–0–1HAF, NCF, PD[6]:110
1887Yale9–0BR, HAF, HS, NCF, PD[6]:110
1888Yale13–0Walter CampBR, HAF, HS, NCF, PD[6]:110
1889Princeton10–0BR, HAF, HS, NCF, PD[6]:110
1890Harvard11–0George C. Adams, George A. StewartBR, HAF, HS, NCF, PD[6]:110
1891Yale13–0Walter CampBR, HAF, HS, NCF, PD[6]:110
1892Yale13–0Walter CampBR, HAF, HS, NCF, PD[6]:110
1893Princeton11–0BR, HAF, HS, NCF[6]:110
Yale10–1William RhodesPD[6]:110
1894Penn12–0George Washington WoodruffPD[6]:110
Princeton8–2HS[6]:110
Yale16–0William RhodesBR, HAF, NCF, PD[6]:110
1895Penn14–0George Washington WoodruffBR, HAF, HS, NCF, PD[6]:110
Yale13–0–2John A. HartwellPD[6]:110
1896Lafayette11–0–1Parke H. DavisNCF, PD[6]:110
Princeton10–0–1Franklin MorseBR, HAF, HS, NCF, PD[6]:110
1897Penn15–0George Washington WoodruffBR, HAF, HS, NCF, PD[6]:110
Yale9–0–2Frank ButterworthPD[6]:110
1898Harvard11–0William Cameron ForbesBR, HAF, HS, NCF[6]:110
Princeton11–0–1PD[6]:110
1899Harvard10–0–1Benjamin DibbleeHAF, HS, NCF[6]:111
Princeton12–1BR, PD[6]:111
1900Yale12–0Malcolm McBrideBR, HAF, HS, NCF, PD[6]:111
1901Harvard12–0Bill ReidBR, PDa[6]:111[18]:206[19]:233
Michigan11–0Fielding H. YostHAF, HS, NCF[6]:111
1902Michigan11–0Fielding H. YostBR, HAF, HS, NCF, PD[6]:111
Yale11–0–1Joseph R. SwanPD[6]:111
1903Michigan11–0–1Fielding H. YostNCF[6]:111
Princeton11–0Art HillebrandBR, HAF, HS, NCF, PD[6]:111
1904Michigan10–0Fielding H. YostNCF[6]:111
Minnesota13–0Henry WilliamsBR[6]:111
Penn12–0Carl S. WilliamsHAF, HS, NCF, PD[6]:111
1905Chicago10–0Amos Alonzo StaggBR, HAF, HS, NCF[6]:111
Yale10–0Jack OwsleyCW, PD[6]:111
1906Princeton9–0–1William RoperHAF, NCF[6]:111
Yale9–0–1Foster RockwellBR, CW, PD[6]:111
1907Yale9–0–1William F. KnoxBR, CW, HAF, HS, NCF, PD[6]:111
1908Harvard9–0–1Percy HaughtonBR[6]:111
LSU10–0Edgar WingardNCF[6]:111
Penn11–0–1Sol MetzgerHAF, HS, NCF, PD[6]:111
1909Yale10–0Howard JonesBR, HAF, HS, NCF, PD[6]:111
1910Harvard8–0–1Percy HaughtonBR, HAF, HS, NCF[6]:111
Pittsburgh9–0Joseph H. ThompsonNCF[6]:111
1911Minnesota6–0–1Henry L. WilliamsBR[6]:111
Penn State8–0–1Bill HollenbackNCF[6]:111
Princeton8–0–2William RoperBR, HAF, HS, NCF, PD[6]:111
1912Harvard9–0Percy HaughtonBR, HAF, HS, NCF, PD[6]:111
Penn State8–0Bill HollenbackNCF[6]:111
1913Auburn8–0Mike DonahueBR[6]:111
Chicago7–0Amos Alonzo StaggBR, PD[6]:111
Harvard9–0Percy HaughtonHAF, HS, NCF, PD[6]:111
1914Army9–0Charles DalyHAF, HS, NCF, PD[6]:111
Illinois7–0Robert ZuppkeBR, PD[6]:111
Texas8–0Dave AllerdiceBR[6]:111
1915Cornell9–0Albert SharpeHAF, HS, NCF, PD[6]:111
Minnesota6–0–1Henry L. WilliamsBR[6]:111
Oklahoma10–0Bennie OwenBR[6]:111
Pittsburgh8–0Glenn "Pop" WarnerPD[6]:111
1916Army9–0Charles DalyPD[6]:111
Georgia Tech8–0-1John HeismanBR[6]:111
Pittsburgh8–0Glenn "Pop" WarnerBR, HAF, HS, NCF, PD[6]:111
1917Georgia Tech9–0John HeismanBR, HAF, HS, NCF[6]:111
1918Michigan5–0Fielding H. YostBR, NCF[6]:111
Pittsburgh4–1Glenn "Pop" WarnerHAF, HS, NCF[6]:111
1919Centre9–0Charley MoranSR[6]:111
Harvard9–0–1Bob FisherCFRA, HAF, HS, NCF, PD[6]:111
Illinois6–1Robert ZuppkeBR, BS, CFRA, PD, SR[6]:111
Notre Dame9–0Knute RockneNCF, PD[6]:111
Texas A&M10–0Dana X. BibleBR, NCF[6]:111
1920California9–0Andy SmithCFRA, HAF, HS, NCF, SR[6]:111
Georgia8–0–1Herman StegemanB(QPRS)[6]:111
Harvard8–0–1Bob FisherBS[6]:111
Notre Dame9–0Knute RockneBR, PD[6]:111
Princeton6–0–1William RoperBS, PD[6]:111
1921California9–0–1Andy SmithBR, BS, CFRA, SR[6]:111
Cornell8–0Gil DobieHAF, HS, NCF, PD[6]:111
Iowa7–0Howard JonesBR, PD[6]:111
Lafayette9–0Jock SutherlandBS, PD[6]:111
Vanderbilt7–0–1Dan McGuginB(QPRS)[6]:111
Washington & Jefferson10–0–1Greasy NealeBS[6]:111
1922California9–0Andy SmithBR, HS, NCF, SR[6]:111
Cornell8–0Gil DobieHAF, PD[6]:111
Iowa7–0Howard JonesBR[6]:111
Princeton8–0William RoperBS, CFRA, NCF, PD, SR[6]:111
Vanderbilt8–0–1Dan McGuginB(QPRS)[6]:111
1923California9–0–1Andy SmithHS[6]:111
Cornell8–0Gil DobieSR[6]:111
Illinois8–0Robert ZuppkeBS, CFRA, HAF, NCF, PD, SR, B(QPRS)[6]:111
Michigan8–0Fielding H. YostBR, NCF[6]:111
Yale8–0Tad JonesB(QPRS)[6]:111
1924Notre Dame10–0Knute RockneBR, BS, CFRA, DiS, HAF, HS, NCF, PS, SR, B(QPRS)[6]:111
Penn9–1–1Lou YoungPD[6]:111
1925Alabama10–0Wallace WadeBR, BS, CFRA, HAF, HS, NCF, PS, SR, B(QPRS)[6]:111
Dartmouth8–0Jesse HawleyDiS, PD[6]:111
Michigan7–1Fielding H. YostSR[6]:111
1926Alabama9–0–1Wallace WadeBR, CFRA, HAF, NCF, PS, B(QPRS)[6]:111
Lafayette9–0Herb McCrackenPD[6]:111
Michigan7–1Fielding H. YostSR[6]:111
Navy9–0–1Bill IngramBS, HS[6]:111
Stanford10–0–1Glenn "Pop" WarnerDiS, HAF, NCF, SR[6]:111
1927Georgia9–1George Cecil WoodruffBS, PS, B(QPRS)[6]:111–112
Illinois7–0–1Robert ZuppkeBR, DiS, HAF, NCF, PD[6]:112
Notre Dame7–1–1Knute RockneHS[6]:112
Texas A&M8–0–1Dana X. BibleSR[6]:112
Yale7–1Thomas JonesCFRA[6]:112
1928Detroit9–0Gus DoraisPD[6]:112
Georgia Tech10–0William AlexanderBR, BS, CFRA, HAF, HS, NCF, PD, PS, SR, B(QPRS)[6]:112
USC9–0–1Howard JonesDiS, SR[6]:112
1929Notre Dame9–0Knute RockneBR, BS, CFRA, DiS, DuS, HAF, NCF, PS, SR[6]:112
Pittsburgh9–1Jock SutherlandPD[6]:112
USC10–2Howard JonesHS, SR, B(QPRS)[6]:112
1930Alabama10–0Wallace WadeCFRA, PD, SR, B(QPRS)[6]:112
Notre Dame10–0Knute RockneBR, BS, DiS, DuS, HAF, HS, NCF, PD, PS[6]:112
1931Pittsburgh8–1Jock SutherlandPD[6]:112
Purdue9–1Noble KizerPD[6]:112
USC10–1Howard JonesBR, BS, CFRA, DiS, DuS, HAF, HS, NCF, PS, SR, WS, B(QPRS)[6]:112
1932Colgate9–0Andrew KerrPD[6]:112
Michigan8–0Harry KipkeDiS, PD, SR[6]:112
USC10–0Howard JonesBR, BS, CFRA, DuS, HAF, HS, NCF, PD, PS, SR, WS, B(QPRS)[6]:112
1933Michigan7–0–1Harry KipkeBR, BS, CFRA, DiS, HAF, HS, NCF, PD, PS, SR, B(QPRS)[6]:112
Ohio State7–1Sam WillamanDuS[6]:112
Princeton9–0Fritz CrislerPD[6]:112
USC10–1–1Howard JonesWS[6]:112
1934Alabama10–0Frank ThomasDuS, HS, PS, WS, B(QPRS)[6]:112
Minnesota8–0Bernie BiermanBR, BS, CFRA, DiS, HAF, L, NCF, SR[6]:112
1935LSU9–2Bernie MooreWS[6]:112
Minnesota8–0Bernie BiermanBR, BS, CFRA, HAF, L, NCF, PS[6]:112
Princeton9–0Fritz CrislerDuS[6]:112
SMU12–1Matty BellDiS, HS, SR, B(QPRS)[6]:112
TCU12–1Dutch MeyerWS[6]:112
1936Duke9–1Wallace WadeB(QPRS)[6]:112
LSU9–1–1Bernie MooreSR, WS[6]:112
Minnesota7–1Bernie BiermanAP, BR, DiS, DuS, HAF, L, NCF, PS[6]:112
Pittsburgh8–1–1Jock SutherlandBS, CFRA, HS[6]:112
1937California10–0–1Stub AllisonDuS, HAF[6]:112
Pittsburgh9–0–1Jock SutherlandAP, BR, BS, CFRA, DiS, HS, L, NCF, PS, SR, WS, B(QPRS)[6]:112
1938Notre Dame8–1Elmer LaydenDiS[6]:112
TCU11–0Dutch MeyerAP, HAF, NCF, WS[6]:112
Tennessee11–0Robert NeylandBR, BS, CFRA, DuS, HS, L, PS, SR, B(QPRS)[6]:112
1939Cornell8–0Carl SnavelyL, SR[6]:112
Texas A&M11–0Homer NortonAP, BR, BS, CFRA, DeS, DuS, HAF, HS, NCF, PS, SR, WS, B(QPRS)[6]:112
USC8–0–2Howard JonesDiS[6]:112
1940Minnesota8–0Bernie BiermanAP, B(QPRS), BS, CFRA, DeS, DiS, HS, L, NCF, SR[6]:112
Stanford10–0Clark ShaughnessyBR, HAF, PS[6]:112
Tennessee10–1Robert NeylandDuS, WS[6]:112
1941Alabama9–2Frank ThomasHS[6]:112
Minnesota8–0Bernie BiermanAP, BR, BS, CFRA, DeS, DuS, HAF, L, NCF, PS, SR[6]:112
Texas8–1–1Dana X. BibleB(QPRS), WS[6]:112
1942Georgia11–1Wally ButtsB(QPRS), BR, DeS, HS, L, PS, SR, WS[6]:112
Ohio State9–1Paul BrownAP, BS, DuS, CFRA, NCF[6]:112
Wisconsin8–1–1Harry StuhldreherHAF[6]:112
1943Notre Dame9–1Frank LeahyAP, B(QPRS), BR, BS, CFRA, DeS, DuS, HAF, HS, L, NCF, PS, SR, WS[6]:112
1944Army9–0Earl BlaikAP, B(QPRS), BR, BS, CFRA, DeS, DuS, HAF, HS, L, NCF, PS, SR, WS[6]:112
Ohio State9–0Carroll WiddoesNCF, SR[6]:112
1945Alabama10–0Frank ThomasNCF[6]:112
Army9–0Earl BlaikAP, B(QPRS), BR, BS, CFRA, DeS, DuS, HAF, HS, L, NCF, PS, SR, WS[6]:112
Ohio State7–2Carroll WiddoesBR[6]:112
Oklahoma A&M9–0Jim LookabaughBRC[6]:112
1946Army9–0–1Earl BlaikBR, BS, CFRA, HAF, HS, PS[6]:112
Georgia11–0Wally ButtsWS[6]:112
Notre Dame8–0–1Frank LeahyAP, B(QPRS), BS, DeS, DuS, HAF, L, NCF, PS, SR[6]:112
1947Michigan10–0Fritz CrislerB(QPRS), BR, BS, CFRA, DeS, DuS, HAF, HS, L, NCF, PS, SR[6]:112
Notre Dame9–0Frank LeahyAP, HAF, WS[6]:112
1948Michigan9–0Bennie OosterbaanAP, B(QPRS), BR, BS, CFRA, DeS, DuS, HAF, HS, L, NCF, PS, SR, WS[6]:112
1949Notre Dame10–0Frank LeahyAP, B(QPRS), BR, BS, DeS, DuS, HAF, HS, L, NCF, PS, SR, WS[6]:112
Oklahoma11–0Bud WilkinsonCFRA[6]:112
1950Kentucky11–1Paul "Bear" BryantSR[6]:112
Oklahoma10–1Bud WilkinsonAP, B(QPRS), HAF, L, UP, WS[6]:112
Princeton9–0Charley CaldwellBS, PS[6]:112
Tennessee11–1Robert NeylandBR, CFRA, DeS, DuS, NCF, SR[6]:113
1951Georgia Tech11–0–1Bobby DoddB(QPRS), BS[6]:113
Illinois9–0–1Ray EliotBS[6]:113
Maryland10–0Jim TatumCFRA, DeS, DuS, NCF, SR[6]:113
Michigan State9–0Biggie MunnBR, HAF, PS[6]:113
Tennessee10–1Robert NeylandAP, L, UP, WS[6]:113
1952Georgia Tech12–0Bobby DoddB(QPRS), BR, INS, PS, SR[6]:113
Michigan State9–0Biggie MunnAP, BS, CFRA, DeS, DuS, HAF, L, NCF, SR, UP, WS[6]:113
1953Maryland10–1Jim TatumAP, INS, UP[6]:113
Notre Dame9–0–1Frank LeahyBR, BS, DeS, DuS, HAF, L, NCF, PS, SR, WS[6]:113
Oklahoma9–1–1Bud WilkinsonB(QPRS), CFRA[6]:113
1954Ohio State10–0Woody HayesAP, B(QPRS), BR, BS, CFRA, DeS, HAF, INS, NCF, PS, SR, WS[6]:113
UCLA9–0Henry SandersCFRA, DuS, FWAA, HAF, L, NCF, UP[6]:113
1955Michigan State9–1Duffy DaughertyBS[6]:113
Oklahoma11–0Bud WilkinsonAP, B(QPRS), BR, CFRA, DeS, DuS, FWAA, HAF, INS, L, NCF, PS, SR, UP, WS[6]:113
1956Georgia Tech10–1Bobby DoddB(QPRS), SR[6]:113
Iowa9–1Forest EvashevskiCFRA[6]:113
Oklahoma10–0Bud WilkinsonAP, BR, BS, DeS, DuS, FWAA, HAF, INS, L, NCF, SR, UP, WS[6]:113
Tennessee10–1Bowden WyattSR[6]:113
1957Auburn10–0Ralph JordanAP, BR, CFRA, HAF, NCF, PS, SR, WS[6]:113
Michigan State8–1Duffy DaughertyDuS[6]:113
Ohio State9–1Woody HayesBS, DeS, FWAA, INS, L, UP[6]:113
Oklahoma10–1Bud WilkinsonB(QPRS)[6]:113
1958Iowa8–1–1Forest EvashevskiFWAA[6]:113
LSU11–0Paul DietzelAP, B(QPRS), BR, BS, CFRA, DeS, DuS, FN, HAF, L, NCF, PS, SR, UPI, WS[6]:113
1959Ole Miss10–1Johnny VaughtB(QPRS), DuS, SR[6]:113
Syracuse11–0Ben SchwartzwalderAP, BR, BS, CFRA, DeS, FN, FWAA, HAF, L, NCF, NFF, PS, SR, UPI, WS[6]:113
1960Iowa8–1Forest EvashevskiB(QPRS), BS, L, SR[6]:113
Minnesota8–2Murray WarmathAP, FN, NFF, UPI[6]:113
Ole Miss10–0–1Johnny VaughtBR, CFRA, DeS, DuS, FWAA, NCF, WS[6]:113
Missouri11–0*Dan DevinePS[6]:113
Washington10–1Jim OwensHAF[6]:113
1961Alabama11–0Paul "Bear" BryantAP, B(QPRS), BR, CFRA, DeS, DuS, FN, HAF, L, NCF, NFF, SR, UPI, WS[6]:113
Ohio State8–0–1Woody HayesFWAA, PS[6]:113
1962LSU9–1–1Charles McClendonB(QPRS)[6]:113
Ole Miss10–0Johnny VaughtBR, L, SR[6]:113
USC11–0John McKayAP, B(QPRS), CFRA, DeS, DuS, FN, FWAA, HAF, NCF, NFF, PS, UPI, WS[6]:113
1963Texas11–0Darrell RoyalAP, B(QPRS), BR, CFRA, DeS, DuS, FN, FWAA, HAF, L, NCF, NFF, PS, SR, UPI, WS[6]:113
1964Alabama10–1Paul "Bear" BryantAP, B(QPRS), L, UPI[6]:113
Arkansas11–0Frank BroylesBR, CFRA, FWAA, HAF, NCF, PS, SR[6]:113
Michigan9–1Bump ElliottDuS[6]:113
Notre Dame9–1Ara ParseghianDeS, FN, NFF[6]:113
1965Alabama9–1–1Paul "Bear" BryantAP, CFRA, FWAA, NCF[6]:113
Michigan State10–1Duffy DaughertyB(QPRS), BR, DeS, DuS, FN, FWAA, HAF, L, NFF, PS, SR, UPI[6]:113
1966Alabama11–0Paul "Bear" BryantB(QPRS), SR[6]:113
Michigan State9–0–1Duffy DaughertyCFRA, HAF, NFF, PS[6]:113
Notre Dame9–0–1Ara ParseghianAP, BR, DeS, DuS, FN, FWAA, HAF, L, MGR, NCF, NFF, PS, SR, UPI[6]:113
1967Notre Dame8–2Ara ParseghianDuS[6]:113
Oklahoma10–1Chuck FairbanksPS[6]:113
USC10–1John McKayAP, B(QPRS), BR, CFRA, DeS, FN, FWAA, HAF, MGR, NCF, NFF, SR, UPI[6]:113
Tennessee9–2Doug DickeyL[6]:113
1968Georgia8–1–2Vince DooleyL[6]:113
Ohio State10–0Woody HayesAP, B(QPRS), BR, CFRA, DuS, FN, FWAA, HAF, NCF, NFF, PS, R(FACT), SR, UPI[6]:113
Texas9–1–1Darrell RoyalDeS, MGR, SR[6]:113
1969Ohio State8–1Woody HayesMGR[6]:113
Penn State11–0Joe PaternoR(FACT), SR[6]:113
Texas11–0Darrell RoyalAP, B(QPRS), BR, CFRA, DeS, DuS, FN, FWAA, HAF, L, NCF, NFF, PS, R(FACT), SR, UPI[6]:113
1970Arizona State11–0Frank KushPS[6]:113
Nebraska11–0–1Bob DevaneyAP, BR, CFRA, DeS, DuS, FN, FWAA, HAF, NCF, R(FACT), SR[6]:113
Notre Dame10–1Ara ParseghianMGR, R(FACT), SR[6]:113
Ohio State9–1Woody HayesNFF[6]:113
Texas10–1Darrell RoyalB(QPRS), L, NFF, R(FACT), UPI[6]:113
1971Nebraska13–0Bob DevaneyAP, B(QPRS), BR, CFRA, DeS, DuS, FN, FWAA, HAF, L, MGR, NCF, NFF, PS, R(FACT), SR, UPI[6]:113
1972USC12–0John McKayAP, B(QPRS), BR, CFRA, DeS, DuS, FN, FWAA, HAF, L, MGR, NCF, NFF, PS, R(FACT), SR, UPI[6]:113
1973Alabama11–1Paul "Bear" BryantB(QPRS), UPI[6]:113
Michigan10–0–1Bo SchembechlerNCF, PS[6]:113
Notre Dame11–0Ara ParseghianAP, BR, FN, FWAA, HAF, NCF, NFF[6]:113
Ohio State10–0–1Woody HayesNCF, PS, R(FACT), SR[6]:114
Oklahoma10–0–1Barry SwitzerCFRA, DeS, DuS, SR[6]:114
1974Ohio State10–2Woody HayesMGR[6]:114
Oklahoma11–0Barry SwitzerAP, B(QPRS), BR, CFRA, DeS, DuS, FN, HAF, L, NCF, PS, R(FACT), SR[6]:114
USC10–1–1John McKayFWAA, HAF, NCF, NFF, UPI[6]:114
1975Alabama11–1Paul "Bear" BryantMGR[6]:114
Arizona State12–0Frank KushNCF, SN[6]:114
Ohio State11–1Woody HayesB(QPRS), HAF, MGR, PS, R(FACT)[6]:114
Oklahoma11–1Barry SwitzerAP, BR, CFRA, DeS, DuS, FN, FWAA, HAF, NCF, NFF, R(FACT), SR, UPI[6]:114
1976Pittsburgh12–0Johnny MajorsAP, BR, FN, FWAA, HAF, NCF, NFF, PS, R(FACT), SN, SR, UPI[6]:114
USC11–1John RobinsonB(QPRS), BR, CFRA, DeS, DuS, MGR[6]:114
1977Alabama11–1Paul "Bear" BryantCFRA[6]:114
Arkansas11–1Lou HoltzR(FACT)[6]:114
Notre Dame11–1Dan DevineAP, BR, CFRA, DeS, DuS, FN, FWAA, HAF, MGR, NCF, NFF, PS, R(FACT), SN, SR, UPI[6]:114
Texas11–1Fred AkersB(QPRS), R(FACT), SR[6]:114
1978Alabama11–1Paul "Bear" BryantAP, CFRA, FWAA, HAF, NCF, NFF, R(FACT)[6]:114
Oklahoma11–1Barry SwitzerDeS, DuS, HAF, L, MGR, PS, R(FACT), SR[6]:114
USC12–1John RobinsonB(QPRS), BR, FN, HAF, NCF, R(FACT), SN, SR, UPI[6]:114
1979Alabama12–0Paul "Bear" BryantAP, B(QPRS), BR, DeS, DuS, FN, FWAA, HAF, MGR, NCF, NFF, NYT, PS, R(FACT), SN, SR, UPI[6]:114
USC11–0–1John RobinsonCFRA[6]:114
1980Florida State10–2Bobby BowdenR(FACT)[6]:114
Georgia12–0Vince DooleyAP, B(QPRS), BR, FN, FWAA, HAF, NCF, NFF, PS, R(FACT), SN, SR, UPI[6]:114
Nebraska10–2Tom OsborneR(FACT)[6]:114
Oklahoma10–2Barry SwitzerDuS, MGR[6]:114
Pittsburgh11–1Jackie SherrillCFRA, DeS, NYT, R(FACT), SR[6]:114
1981Clemson12–0Danny FordAP, B(QPRS), BR, CFRA, DeS, FN, FWAA, HAF, L, MGR, NCF, NFF, NYT, PS, R(FACT), SN, SR, UPI[6]:114
Nebraska9–3Tom OsborneNCF[6]:114
Penn State10–2Joe PaternoDuS[6]:114
Pittsburgh11–1Jackie SherrillNCF[6]:114
SMU10–1Ron MeyerNCF[6]:114
Texas10–1–1Fred AkersNCF[6]:114
1982Nebraska12–1Tom OsborneB(QPRS)[6]:114
Penn State11–1Joe PaternoAP, BR, CFRA, DeS, DuS, FN, FWAA, HAF, L, MGR, NCF, NFF, NYT, PS, R(FACT), SN, SR, UPI, USAT[6]:114
SMU11–0–1Bobby CollinsHAF[6]:114
1983Auburn11–1Pat DyeBR, CFRA, NYT, R(FACT), SR[6]:114
Miami (FL)11–1Howard SchnellenbergerAP, DuS, FN, FWAA, NCF, NFF, SN, UPI, USAT/CNN[6]:114
Nebraska12–1Tom OsborneB(QPRS), DeS, L, MGR, PS, R(FACT), SR[6]:114
1984BYU13–0LaVell EdwardsAP, BR, CFRA, FWAA, NCF, NFF, PS, SR, UPI, USAT/CNN[6]:114
Florida9–1–1Galen HallDeS, DuS, MGR, NYT, R(FACT), SN, SR[6]:114
Nebraska10–2Tom OsborneL[6]:114
Washington11–1Don JamesB(QPRS), FN, NCF[6]:114
1985Florida9–1–1Galen HallSR[6]:114
Michigan10–1–1Bo SchembechlerMGR[6]:114
Oklahoma11–1Barry SwitzerAP, B(QPRS), BR, CFRA, DeS, DuS, FN, FWAA, NCF, NFF, NYT, R(FACT), SN, UPI, USAT/CNN[6]:114
1986Miami (FL)11–1Jimmy JohnsonR(FACT)[6]:114
Oklahoma11–1Barry SwitzerB(QPRS), CFRA, DeS, DuS, NYT, SR[6]:114
Penn State12–0Joe PaternoAP, BR, FN, FWAA, MGR, NCF, NFF, R(FACT), SN, SR, UPI, USAT/CNN[6]:114
1987Florida State11–1Bobby BowdenB(QPRS)[6]:114
Miami (FL)12–0Jimmy JohnsonAP, BR, CFRA, DeS, DuS, ERS, FN, FWAA, MGR, NCF, NFF, NYT, R(FACT), SN, SR, UPI, USAT/CNN[6]:114
1988Miami (FL)11–1Jimmy JohnsonB(QPRS)[6]:114
Notre Dame12–0Lou HoltzAP, BR, CFRA, DeS, DuS, ERS, FN, FWAA, MGR, NCF, NFF, NYT, R(FACT), SN, SR, UPI, USAT/CNN[6]:114
1989Miami (FL)11–1Dennis EricksonAP, BR, CFRA, DeS, DuS, FN, FWAA, MGR, NCF, NFF, NYT, R(FACT), SN, UPI, USAT/CNN[6]:114
Notre Dame12–1Lou HoltzB(QPRS), ERS, R(FACT), SR[6]:114
1990Colorado11–1–1Bill McCartneyAP, B(QPRS), BR, CFRA, DeS, FN, FWAA, MGR, NCF, NFF, R(FACT), SN, USAT/CNN[6]:114
Georgia Tech11–0–1Bobby RossDuS, NCF, R(FACT), SR, UPI[6]:114
Miami (FL)10–2Dennis EricksonERS, NYT, R(FACT), SR[6]:114
Washington10–2Don JamesR(FACT)[6]:114
1991Miami (FL)12–0Dennis EricksonAP, BR, CFRA, ERS, NCF, NYT, SN, SR[6]:114
Washington12–0Don JamesB(QPRS), DeS, DuS, FN, FWAA, MGR, NCF, R(FACT), SR, UPI/NFF, USAT/CNN[6]:114
1992Alabama13–0Gene StallingsAP, B(QPRS), BR, CFRA, DeS, DuS, ERS, FN, FWAA, MGR, NCF, NYT, R(FACT), SN, SR, UPI/NFF, USAT/CNN[6]:114
Florida State11–1Bobby BowdenSR[6]:114
1993Auburn11–0Terry BowdenNCF[6]:114
Florida State12–1Bobby BowdenAP, B(QPRS), BR, CCR, DeS, DuS, ERS, FN, FWAA, NCF, NYT, R(FACT), SN, SR, UPI, USAT/CNN, USAT/NFF[6]:114
Nebraska11–1Tom OsborneNCF[6]:114
Notre Dame11–1Lou HoltzMGR, NCF[6]:114
1994Florida State10–1–1Bobby BowdenDuS[6]:114
Nebraska13–0Tom OsborneAP, AS, B(QPRS), BR, FN, FWAA, NCF, R(FACT), SN, SR, UPI, USAT/CNN, USAT/NFF[6]:114–115
Penn State12–0Joe PaternoCCR, DeS, ERS, MGR, NCF, NYT, R(FACT), SR[6]:115
1995Nebraska12–0Tom OsborneAP, AS, B(QPRS), BR, CCR, DeS, DuS, ERS, FN, FWAA, MGR, NCF, NFF, NYT, R(FACT), SN, SR, UPI, USAT/CNN[6]:115
1996Florida12–1Steve SpurrierAP, B(QPRS), BR, CCR, DeS, DuS, ERS, FN, FWAA, MGR, NCF, NFF, NYT, R(FACT), SN, SR, USAT/CNN[6]:115
Florida State11–1Bobby BowdenAS[6]:115
1997Michigan12–0Lloyd CarrAP, BR, FN, FWAA, NCF, NFF, SN[6]:115
Nebraska13–0Tom OsborneA&H, AS, B(QPRS), BR, CCR, DeS, DuS, ERS, MGR, NCF, NYT, R(FACT), SR, USAT/ESPN[6]:115
1998Ohio State 11–1John CooperSRb[6]:115
Tennessee13–0Phillip FulmerA&H, AP, AS, B(QPRS), BCS, BR, CCR, DeS, DuS, ERS, FN, FWAA, MGR, NCF, NFF, NYT, R(FACT), SN, USAT/ESPN[6]:115
1999Florida State12–0Bobby BowdenA&H, AP, B(QPRS), BCS, BR, CCR, DeS, DuS, ERS, FN, FWAA, MCFR, MGR, NCF, NFF, NYT, R(FACT), SN, SR, USAT/ESPN[6]:115
2000Miami (FL)11–1Butch DavisNYT[6]:115
Oklahoma13–0Bob StoopsA&H, AP, B(QPRS), BCS, BR, CCR, DeS, DuS, ERS, FN, FWAA, MCFR, MGR, NCF, NFF, R(FACT), SN, SR, USAT/ESPN[6]:115
2001Miami (FL)12–0Larry CokerA&H, AP, B(QPRS), BCS, BR, CCR, CM, DeS, DuS, ERS, FN, FWAA, MCFR, MGR, NFF, NYT, R(FACT), SN, SR, USAT/ESPN, W[6]:115
2002Ohio State14–0Jim TresselA&H, AP, B(QPRS), BCS, BR, CCR, CM, DeS, ERS, FN, FWAA, MCFR, NFF, NYT, R(FACT), SN, SR, USAT/ESPN, W[6]:115
USC11–2Pete CarrollDuS, MGR, SR[6]:115
2003LSU13–1Nick SabanA&H, BCS, BR, CM, DeS, DuS, MCFR, NFF, R(FACT), SR, USAT/ESPN, W[6]:115
Oklahoma12–2Bob StoopsB(QPRS)[6]:115
USC12–1Pete CarrollAP, CCR, ERS, FWAA, MGR, NYT, SN[6]:115
2004USCc11–0dPete CarrollA&H, AP, B(QPRS), BR, CCR, CM, DeS, DuS, ERS, MCFR, MGR, NFF, NYT, R(FACT), SN, SR, W[6]:115
Vacatedc––BCS, FWAA, USAT/ESPN[6]:115
2005Texas13–0Mack BrownA&H, AP, B(QPRS), BCS, BR, CCR, CM, DeS, DuS, ERS, FWAA, MCFR, MGR, NFF, R(FACT), SN, SR, USAT, W[6]:115
2006Florida13–1Urban MeyerA&H, AP, B(QPRS), BCS, BR, CCR, CM, DuS, FWAA, MCFR, MGR, NFF, R(FACT), SN, SR, USAT, W[6]:115
Ohio State12–1Jim TresselDeS, R(FACT)[6]:115
2007LSU12–2Les MilesAP, B(QPRS), BCS, BR, CCR, CM, FWAA, MCFR, NFF, SR, USAT, W[6]:115
Missouri12–2Gary PinkelA&H[20][21][22][23]:108
USC11–2Pete CarrollDuSe[6]:115
2008Florida13–1Urban MeyerAP, B(QPRS), BCS, BR, CCR, CM, DuS, FWAA, NFF, SR, USAT[6]:115
Utah13–0Kyle WhittinghamA&H, MCFR, W[6]:115
2009Alabama14–0Nick SabanA&H, AP, B(QPRS), BCS, BR, CCR, CFRA, CM, DuS, FWAA, MCFR, NFF, SR, USAT, W[6]:115
2010Auburn14–0Gene ChizikA&H, AP, B(QPRS), BCS, BR, CFRA, CM, DuS, FWAA, MCFR, NFF, SR, USAT, W[6]:115
TCU13–0Gary PattersonCCR[6]:115
2011Alabama12–1Nick SabanAP, B(QPRS), BCS, BR, CFRA, DuS, FWAA, MCFR, NFF, SR, USAT, W[6]:115
LSU13–1Les MilesA&H, CCR[24][25]
Oklahoma State12–1Mike GundyCM[6]:115
2012Alabama13–1Nick SabanA&H, AP, BCS, BR, CCR, CFRA, DuS, FWAA, MCFR, NFF, SR, USAT, W[6]:115
Notre Dame12–1Brian KellyCM[6]:115
2013Florida State14–0Jimbo FisherA&H, AP, BCS, BR, CCR, CFRA, CM, DuS, FWAA, MCFR, NFF, SR, USAT, W[6]:115
2014Ohio State14–1Urban MeyerA&H, AP, BR, CCR, CFP, CFRA, CM, DuS, FWAA/NFF, MCFR, SR, USAT/AMWAY, W[6]:115
2015Alabama14–1Nick SabanA&H, AP, BR, CCR, CFP, CFRA, CM, DuS, FWAA/NFF, MCFR, SR, USAT/AMWAY, W[6]:115
2016Alabama14–1Nick SabanCM[6]:115
Clemson14–1Dabo SwinneyA&H, AP, BR, CCR, CFP, CFRA, DuS, FWAA/NFF, MCFR, SR, USAT/AMWAY, W[6]:115
2017Alabama13–1Nick SabanA&H, AP, BR, CCR, CFP, CFRA, DuS, FWAA/NFF, MCFR, SR, USAT/AMWAY, W[23]:115
UCF13–0Scott FrostCM[26][27][23]:115
2018Clemson15–0Dabo SwinneyA&H, AP, BR, CCR, CFP, CFRA, CM, DuS, FWAA/NFF, MCFR, SR, USAT/AMWAY, W[28]
2019LSU15–0Ed OrgeronA&H,[29] AP,[30] BR,[31] CCR,[32] CFP, CFRA,[33] CM,[34] FWAA/NFF,[35] MCFR,[36] SR,[37] USAT/AMWAY,[38] W[39]

aParke Davis' selection for 1901, as published in the Spalding's Foot Ball Guide for 1934 and 1935 (to which he contributed until his death), was Harvard.[18]:206[19]:233 The NCAA Records Book states "Yale" for 1901, which is an error that has been perpetuated since the first appearance of Parke Davis' selections in the NCAA book about 1995.
bThe NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision Records book lists Sagarin as having selected Tennessee,[6]:114 while Sagarin's official website gives Ohio State as its 1998 selection.[40]
cThe FWAA stripped USC of its 2004 Grantland Rice Trophy and vacated the selection of its national champion for 2004. The BCS also vacated USC's participation in the 2005 Orange Bowl and USC's 2004 BCS National Championship, and the AFCA Coaches Poll Trophy was returned.[41][42]
dRecord does not count wins against UCLA, or against Oklahoma in the BCS Championship game on January 4, 2005, as they were vacated by the NCAA.[43]
eThe NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision Records book lists Dunkel as having selected LSU,[6]:114 while Dunkel's official website gives USC as its 2007 selection.[44]

Total championship selections from major selectors by school

The national title count listed below is a culmination of all championship awarded since 1869, regardless of consensus or non-consensus status, as listed in the table above according to the selectors deemed to be major as listed in the official NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision Records (minus the Harris Interactive poll, 2005–2013, that is listed but does not conduct a final poll or award a championship).[6]:107–119

The totals can be said to be disputed. Individual schools may claim national championships not accounted for by the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision Records or may not claim national championship selections that do appear in the official NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision Records (see National championship claims by school below). For an alternative independent view of national championship totals for each team, please see the College Football Data Warehouse recognized national champions or Poll era (1936–present) selections in the tables below.

SchoolChampionships
Princeton28
Yale27
Alabama22
Notre Dame22
Ohio State17
Oklahoma17
USC17
Michigan16
Harvard12
Nebraska11
Pittsburgh11
LSU9
Miami (FL)9
Minnesota9
Texas9
Florida State8
Georgia Tech7
Penn State7
Tennessee7
Georgia6
Michigan State6
Penn6
Iowa5
Army5
Auburn5
California5
Cornell5
Florida5
Illinois5
Washington4
Clemson3
Lafayette3
Ole Miss3
SMU3
TCU3
Texas A&M3
Arizona State2
Arkansas2
Chicago2
Maryland2
Missouri2
Oklahoma State2
Stanford2
BYU1
Centre1
Colgate1
Colorado1
Columbia1
Dartmouth1
Detroit1
Kentucky1
Navy1
Purdue1
Rutgers1
Syracuse1
UCF1
UCLA1
Utah1
Washington & Jefferson1
Wisconsin1

Poll era (1936–present)

The polling system first gained widespread consistency with the introduction of the AP poll in 1936, followed by the Coaches Poll in 1950. National championships are often popularly considered to be "consensus" when both of these polls are in agreement with their national championship selections, although other selectors exist and do make alternative selections. A more modern incarnation, the Bowl Championship Series (BCS), was a consortium of college football conferences that uses a combination of various computer rankings and human polls to mathematically determine a post-season matchup between the two top teams as determined by its formula. The USA Today Coaches Poll was contractually obligated to name the BCS champion as its national champion.

AP Poll
Main article: AP Poll

The AP college football poll has a long history. The news media began running their own polls of sports writers to determine who was, by popular opinion, the best football team in the country at the end of the season. One of the earliest such polls was the AP College Football Poll, first run in 1934 (compiled and organized by Charles Woodroof, former SEC Assistant Director of Media Relations, but not recognized in the official NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision Records) and then continuously from 1936. Due to the long-standing historical ties between individual college football conferences and high-paying bowl games like the Rose Bowl and Orange Bowl, the NCAA has never held a tournament or championship game to determine the champion of what is now the highest division, NCAA Division I, Football Bowl Subdivision (the Division I, Football Championship Subdivision and lower divisions do hold championship tournaments). As a result, the public and the media began to take the leading vote-getter in the final AP Poll as the national champion for that season.

While the AP Poll currently lists the Top 25 teams in the nation, from 1936 to 1961 the wire service only ranked 20 teams. And from 1962 to 1967 only 10 teams were recognized. From 1968 to 1988, the AP again resumed its Top 20 before expanding to 25 teams in 1989.

Until the 1968 college football season, the final AP Poll of the season was released following the end of the regular season, with the exception of the 1965 season. In 1964, Alabama was named the national champion in the final AP Poll following the completion of the regular season, but lost in the Orange Bowl to Texas, leaving Arkansas as the only undefeated, untied team after the Razorbacks defeated Nebraska in the Cotton Bowl Classic. In 1965, the AP's decision to wait to crown its champion paid off, as top-ranked Michigan State lost to UCLA in the Rose Bowl, number two Arkansas lost to LSU in the Cotton Bowl Classic, and fourth-ranked Alabama defeated third-ranked Nebraska in the Orange Bowl, vaulting the Crimson Tide to the top of the AP's final poll. Michigan State was named national champion in the final United Press International poll of coaches, which did not conduct a post-bowl poll. At the end of the 1947 season, the AP released an unofficial post-bowl poll which differed from the regular season final poll. The AP national championship had been awarded before bowl games were played.

Beginning in the 1968 season, a post bowl game poll was released and the AP championship reflected the bowl game results. The UPI did not follow suit with the Coaches Poll until the 1974 season.[45]

Coaches Poll
Main article: Coaches Poll
The AFCA National Championship Trophy

The Coaches Poll began selecting the top 20 teams on a weekly basis during the 1950–1951 college football season. It is conducted among selected members of the American Football Coaches Association. In 1990 the poll expanded to a top 25, and it has retained this format since. The Coaches Poll took their final poll prior to the bowl games from 1950–1973, and since 1974, has taken their final poll after bowl games. The Coaches Poll does not include teams on either NCAA or conference-sanction probation, which also differentiates it from the AP poll.[46] The poll has been released through various media outlets and with differing sponsors over its history, and thus has taken a succession of different names, including United Press (UP) from 1950 thru 1957, the United Press International (UPI) from 1958 thru 1990, USA Today/CNN from 1991 thru 1996, USA Today/ESPN from 1997 to 2004, and USA Today from 2005 to present.

During the era of the BCS, the Coaches Poll was under contractual obligation to award its national championship selection to the winner of the BCS Championship Game or its predecessors—who was presented with the AFCA National Championship Trophy during a post-game presentation. The College Football Playoff is not tied to the Coaches Poll in this manner.[47]

Poll era national championships by school (1936–present)

The following table contains the national championships that have been recognized by the final AP or Coaches Poll. Originally both the AP and Coaches poll champions were crowned after the regular season, but since 1968 and 1974, respectively, both polls crown their champions after the bowl games are completed. The BCS champion was automatically awarded the Coaches Poll championship. Of the current 120+ Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS, formerly Division I-A) schools, only 30 have won at least a share of a national title by the AP or Coaches poll. Of these 30 teams, only 19 teams have won multiple titles. Of the 19 teams, only 7 have won five or more national titles: Alabama, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, USC, Miami (FL), Nebraska, and Ohio State. The years listed in the table below indicate a national championship selection by the AP or Coaches Poll. The selections are noted with (AP) or (Coaches) when a national champion selection differed between the two polls for that particular season, which has occurred in twelve different seasons (including 2004, for which the coaches selection was rescinded) since the polls first came to coexist in 1950.

School Championships Seasons
Alabama121961, 1964, 1965 (AP), 1973 (Coaches), 1978 (AP), 1979, 1992, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017
Notre Dame81943, 1946, 1947, 1949, 1966, 1973 (AP), 1977, 1988
Oklahoma71950, 1955, 1956, 1974 (AP), 1975, 1985, 2000
USC71962, 1967, 1972, 1974 (Coaches), 1978 (Coaches), 2003 (AP), 2004 (AP)†
Ohio State61942, 1954 (AP), 1957 (Coaches), 1968, 2002, 2014
Miami (FL)51983, 1987, 1989, 1991 (AP), 2001
Nebraska51970 (AP), 1971, 1994, 1995, 1997 (Coaches)
LSU41958, 2003 (Coaches), 2007, 2019
Texas41963, 1969, 1970 (Coaches), 2005
Minnesota41936, 1940, 1941, 1960
Florida31996, 2006, 2008
Florida State31993, 1999, 2013
Clemson31981, 2016, 2018
Army21944, 1945 (AP)
Auburn21957 (AP), 2010
Michigan21948, 1997 (AP)
Michigan State21952, 1965 (Coaches)
Penn State21982, 1986
Pittsburgh21937, 1976
Tennessee21951, 1998
BYU11984
Colorado11990 (AP)
Georgia11980
Georgia Tech11990 (Coaches)
Maryland11953
Oklahoma State11945 (Coaches)‡
Syracuse11959
TCU11938
Texas A&M11939
UCLA11954 (Coaches)
Washington11991 (Coaches)

† USC's 2004–2005 BCS National Championship was vacated by the BCS and the AFCA Coaches' Trophy returned.[48]
‡ Retroactively awarded in 2016 by AFCA Blue Ribbon Panel[15]

BCS championships (1998–2013)

The Bowl Championship Series (BCS) was a selection system designed to give the top two teams in NCAA Division I-A (now known as the FBS) an opportunity to compete in a "national championship game". This championship was intended as a surrogate for a playoff system since the NCAA does not formally determine a champion in this category. It began during the 1998 season, but a number of controversial selections spurred changes to the format over the years. Prior to the 2006 season, eight teams competed in four BCS Bowls (the Orange, Sugar, Rose, and Fiesta). The BCS replaced the Bowl Alliance (in place from 1995–1997), which itself followed the Bowl Coalition (in place from 1992–1994). One of the main differences was that the Rose Bowl participated in the BCS; previously, the Big Ten and Pac-12 champions automatically played in the Rose Bowl regardless of their poll rankings. However, after the change, those teams played in the BCS National Championship Game if they finished #1 or #2 in the BCS standings.

The BCS formula varied over the years, with the final version relying on a combination of the Coaches' and Harris polls and an average of various computer rankings to determine relative team rankings, and to narrow the field to two teams to play in the BCS National Championship Game held after the other college bowl games. The winner of this game was crowned Coaches' Poll national champion winning the AFCA National Championship Trophy and was also awarded the MacArthur Bowl by the National Football Foundation.[13]

BCS National Championships by school
School Championships Seasons
Alabama32009, 2011, 2012
Florida22006, 2008
Florida State21999, 2013
LSU22003, 2007
Auburn12010
Miami (FL)12001
Ohio State12002
Oklahoma12000
Tennessee11998
Texas12005
USC0†2004

† USC's victory in the 2005 Orange Bowl and subsequent 2004–05 BCS National Championship was vacated by the BCS.[49][50]

College Football Playoff championships (2014–present)

The College Football Playoff (CFP) was designed as a replacement for the BCS. While the NCAA still does not officially sanction the event, organizers sought to bring a playoff system similar to all other levels of NCAA football to the Football Bowl Subdivision.

The College Football Playoff relies on a 13-member selection committee to choose the top four teams to play in a two-round single-elimination playoff bracket. The winner of the final game is awarded the College Football Playoff National Championship Trophy.

CFP National Championships by school
School Championships Seasons
Alabama22015, 2017
Clemson22016, 2018
LSU12019
Ohio State12014

National championship claims by school
Tennessee's national championship claims, as posted in their Neyland Stadium

The following is a table of known schools' claims on national championships at the highest level of play in college football. Several of these schools no longer compete at the highest level, which is currently NCAA Division I FBS, but nonetheless maintain claims to titles from when they did compete at the highest level.

Because there is no one governing or official body that regulates, recognizes, or awards national championships in college football, and because many independent selectors of championships exist, many of the claims by the schools listed below are shared, contradict each other, or are controversial.[5][6]:107–119 In addition, because there is no one body overseeing national championships, no standardized requirements exist in order for a school to make a claim on a national championship, as any particular institution is free to make any declaration it deems to be fit. However, all known national championship claims are for seasons in which a national championship, or share of a championship, was believed to be awarded to that particular school by at least one independent third-party selector.[51][52][53][54] The majority of these claims, but not all, are based on championships awarded from selectors listed as "major" in the official NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision Records.[6]:107–109 Not all championships awarded by third party selectors, nor those listed in the official NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision Records, are necessarily claimed by each school.[note 1] Therefore, these claims represent how each individual school sees their own history on the subject of national championships.

This table below includes only national championship claims originating from each particular school and therefore represents the point-of-view of each individual institution. Each total number of championships, and the years for which they are claimed, are documented by the particular school on its official website, in its football media guide, or in other official publications or literature (see Source). If a championship is not mentioned by a school for any particular season, regardless of whether it was awarded by a selector or listed in a third-party publication such as the official NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision Records, it is not considered to be claimed by that institution.[note 2]

School Claimed
national
championships		 Seasons Source
Princeton281869, 1870, 1872, 1873, 1874, 1875, 1877, 1878, 1879, 1880, 1881, 1884, 1885, 1886, 1889, 1893, 1894, 1896, 1898, 1899, 1903, 1906, 1911, 1920, 1922, 1933, 1935, 1950[55]
Yale271872, 1874, 1876, 1877, 1879, 1880, 1881, 1882, 1883, 1884, 1886, 1887, 1888, 1891, 1892, 1893, 1894, 1895, 1897, 1900, 1901, 1902, 1905, 1906, 1907, 1909, 1927[56][57]
Alabama171925, 1926, 1930, 1934, 1941, 1961, 1964, 1965, 1973, 1978, 1979, 1992, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017[58]
Michigan111901, 1902, 1903, 1904, 1918, 1923, 1932, 1933, 1947, 1948, 1997[59]
Notre Dame111924, 1929, 1930, 1943, 1946, 1947, 1949, 1966, 1973, 1977, 1988[60]
USC11a1928, 1931, 1932, 1939, 1962, 1967, 1972, 1974, 1978, 2003, 2004[61]
Pittsburgh91915, 1916, 1918, 1929, 1931, 1934, 1936, 1937, 1976[62]
Ohio State81942, 1954, 1957, 1961, 1968, 1970, 2002, 2014[63][64]
Harvard71890, 1898, 1899, 1910, 1912, 1913, 1919[65]
Minnesota71904, 1934, 1935, 1936, 1940, 1941, 1960[66]
Oklahoma71950, 1955, 1956, 1974, 1975, 1985, 2000[67]
Penn71894, 1895, 1897, 1904, 1907d, 1908, 1924[68]
Michigan State61951, 1952, 1955, 1957, 1965, 1966[69]
Tennessee61938, 1940, 1950, 1951, 1967, 1998[70][71]
California51920, 1921, 1922, 1923, 1937[72]
Cornell51915, 1921, 1922, 1923, 1939[73]
Illinois51914, 1919, 1923, 1927, 1951[74]
Iowa51921, 1922, 1956, 1958, 1960[75]
Miami (FL)51983, 1987, 1989, 1991, 2001[76]
Nebraska51970, 1971, 1994, 1995, 1997[77]
Georgia Tech41917, 1928, 1952, 1990[78]
LSU41958, 2003, 2007, 2019[79]
Texas41963, 1969, 1970, 2005[80]
Washington41960, 1984, 1990, 1991[81]
Army31944, 1945, 1946[82]
Clemson31981, 2016, 2018[83][84][85]
Florida31996, 2006, 2008[86]
Florida State31993, 1999, 2013[87]
Lafayette31896, 1921, 1926[88]
Ole Miss31959, 1960, 1962[89]
SMU31935, 1981, 1982[90]
Texas A&M31919, 1927, 1939[91]
Auburn2b1957, 2010[92]
Chicago21905, 1913[93]
Columbia21875, 1933e[94]
Georgia2c1942, 1980[95][96]
Penn State21982, 1986[97]
TCU21935, 1938[98]
Stanford21926, 1940[99][100]
Arkansas11964[101]
Boston College11940[102]
BYU11984[103]
Centre11919[104]
Colorado11990[105]
Dartmouth11925[106]
Detroit11928[107][108]
Kentucky11950[109]
Maryland11953[110]
Navy11926[111]
Oklahoma State11945[112][113]
Rutgers11869[114]
Syracuse11959[115]
UCF12017[116][117]
UCLA11954[118]
Wisconsin11942[119]

aUSC's January 4, 2005 win over Oklahoma in the BCS Championship Game was vacated as mandated by the NCAA, its 2004 BCS National Championship vacated by the BCS, and its AFCA Coaches' Trophy returned. NCAA sanctions mandate that "any reference to the vacated results, including championships, shall be removed." USC still retains the 2004 Associated Press National Championship and has not abandoned its claim to a 2004 national championship.[49][120]
bAuburn's 1913, 1983, and 1993 (Auburn was disqualified from post-season play in 1993 and did not play in a bowl game) championships are not recognized by the school.
cGeorgia's website has multiple pages which list national championships by sport and only callout two seasons for football (1942 and 1980).[121][95][122] The Georgia football media guide contains a year-by-year results section in which five seasons (1927, 1942, 1946, 1968, 1980) have "National Champions#" headers paired with selector callouts,[96]:159–161 but also a "Championship History" page which pairs 1942 and 1980 into a "The Consensus National Champions" section and groups 1927, 1946, and 1968 together without description as national champions beyond identification of those specific selectors.[96]:192
dNo major selectors chose Penn in 1907.
eNo major selectors chose Columbia in 1933. Columbia's media guide claims that the team was "referred to as national champions".[94]

College Football Data Warehouse recognized national champions (1869–2015)

College Football Data Warehouse (CFBDW) is an online resource and database that has collected and researched information on college football and national championship selections. It provides a comprehensive list of national championship selectors[52][53] and has itself recognized selectors that it has deemed to be the most acceptable throughout history. These include the National Championship Foundation (1869–1882), the Helms Athletic Foundation (1883–1935), the College Football Researchers Association (1919–1935), the Associated Press Poll (1936–2015), and the Coaches Poll (1950–2015).[123] From its research, it has compiled a list of Recognized National Championships for each season.[51] Some years include recognition of multiple teams for a particular season. Please note that the CFBDW list of Recognized Champions does not confer any additional legitimacy to the titles. In this regard, some universities claim championships not recognized by CFBDW or do not claim championships that are recognized by CFBDW. Please consult the above table of National championship claims by school or individual team articles and websites for possible additional or alternative national championship claims.

Below is a list of all of the CFBDW recognized national championships from 1869 to 2015.[124]

School Championships Seasons
Princeton261869, 1870, 1872, 1873, 1874, 1875, 1877, 1878, 1879, 1880, 1881, 1884, 1885, 1886, 1889, 1893, 1896, 1898, 1899, 1903, 1906, 1911, 1920, 1922, 1933, 1935
Yale181874, 1876, 1877, 1880, 1881, 1882, 1883, 1884, 1886, 1887, 1888, 1891, 1892, 1894, 1900, 1907, 1909, 1927
Alabama151925, 1926, 1930, 1934, 1961, 1964, 1965, 1973, 1978, 1979, 1992, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015
Notre Dame131919, 1924, 1929, 1930, 1943, 1946, 1947, 1949, 1964, 1966, 1973, 1977, 1988
Michigan111901, 1902, 1903, 1904, 1918, 1923, 1932, 1933, 1947, 1948, 1997
USC101928, 1931, 1932, 1962, 1967, 1972, 1974, 1978, 2003, 2004
Pittsburgh91910, 1915, 1916, 1918, 1929, 1931, 1936, 1937, 1976
Harvard81875, 1890, 1898, 1899, 1910, 1912, 1913, 1919
Ohio State81942, 1954, 1957, 1961, 1968, 1970, 2002, 2014
Oklahoma71950, 1955, 1956, 1974, 1975, 1985, 2000
Minnesota61934, 1935, 1936, 1940, 1941, 1960
Penn61894, 1895, 1897, 1904, 1907, 1908
Army51914, 1916, 1944, 1945, 1946
Miami (FL)51983, 1987, 1989, 1991, 2001
Nebraska51970, 1971, 1994, 1995, 1997
California41920, 1921, 1922, 1937
Georgia Tech41917, 1928, 1952, 1990
Illinois41914, 1919, 1923, 1927
LSU41908, 1958, 2003, 2007
Michigan State41951, 1952, 1965, 1966
Penn State41911, 1912, 1982, 1986
Tennessee41938, 1950, 1951, 1998
Texas41963, 1969, 1970, 2005
Auburn31913, 1957, 2010
Cornell31915, 1921, 1922
Florida31996, 2006, 2008
Florida State31993, 1999, 2013
Lafayette31896, 1921, 1926
Georgia21942, 1980
Ole Miss21960, 1962
Texas A&M21919, 1939
TCU21935, 1938
Arkansas11964
Boston College11940
BYU11984
Chicago11905
Clemson11981
Colorado11990
Dartmouth11925
Iowa11958
Maryland11953
SMU11935
Stanford11926
Syracuse11959
UCLA11954
Washington11991

See also

Notes
  1. The following schools either make no apparent statement or claim regarding national championships, or clearly state no claims on a national championship, despite the listing of a national championship for that school in the official NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision Records: Arizona State, Colgate, Detroit, Duke, Missouri, Purdue, Rutgers, Vanderbilt, Washington & Jefferson, and Wisconsin.
  2. All National Championships listed in the official NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision Records, as well as all additional selections compiled at College Football Data Warehouse, were checked for claims by the applicable schools. Although every care was taken to be thorough and accurate, it can not be assumed that there are no missing or misrepresented claims due to potential limitations of the available source material for any one institution.

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