Ranked! Which are the best college football teams of all time?

The debate about the best college football teams of all time has been around for the last couple of decades. Historically, great college football teams have changed the course of the sport as seen today. Some of these teams went on to win championships while dominating the arena for decades. In doing so, they produced the best players who have gone down in history as the greatest of all time.

Although some fans have preferences concerning which college has the best football squad, statistics is the best option for fair judgement.

A top 10 list of the best college football teams of all time

Over the years, college football teams have been competing for national titles and glory. In ranking the top 10 best college football squads of all time, we focus on performance and winning percentage in a given season.

Here is a top 10 ranking of who Sports Brief considers the best college football teams of all time.

10. Penn State Nittany Lions

Although the 1994 Penn State Nittany Lions did not win the championship, the squad is considered one of the best in history not to win a title. With a perfect record of 12-0, the Lions concluded the season with a win over the Oregon Ducks.

However, back in the day, the college football system had a different way of awarding championships. Controversially in that year, the Nebraska Cornhuskers won the tournament by vote, and many believe that the Lions should have been the co-champions.

Considered the best college football program of all time with a perfect record, the Lions drafted three players into the NFL; Ki-Jana, Kyle Brady, and Kerry Collins.

9. Nebraska Cornhuskers

The 1971 Cornhuskers top the list of the best college football teams of all time, according to ESPN. They went 13-0, beating the Colorado Buffaloes and the Oklahoma Sooners, and finished the year winning against Alabama in the Orange Bowl.

On offence, the Cornhuskers averaged more than 39 points in a game and made history by becoming one of the few to win the college championship two years in a row.

8. USC Trojans

Beating opponents such as Ohio State and UCLA, the 1972 Trojans were one of the best college football teams of all time by winning percentage. They dominated their opponents and had a perfect record of 12-0 in 1973 after defeating the Buckeyes in the Rose Bowl.

The Trojans became the first team to be named position one on the ballots of both media polls and coaches. Additionally, they produced an All-American, Charlie Young, as the tight end and is considered one of the best college football teams in history.

7. Oklahoma Sooners

During the 1956 season, the Sooners put together the best college football team of all time, led by quarterback Jim Harris and Hall of Famer head coach Bud Wilkinson.

The Sooners had a perfect 10-0, averaging about 47 points a game throughout the season. They won against the Colorado Buffaloes and the Oklahoma A&M and thus became the national champions for the second time.

6. Alabama Crimson Tide

In 1979, the Crimson Tide surrendered only 5.6 points per game, the best in the nation, with a perfect record of 12-0. They defeated 10 out of the 12 opponents by more than 10 points.

With 6 championships, Alabama relied on its wishbone attack, attempted 112 passes all season, and finished as SEC champions. Consequently, they became the national champions after beating the Arkansas Razorbacks 24-9.

5. Clemson Tigers

The 2018 Clemson Tigers were among the best college football playoff teams of all time. They delivered one of the best seasons in the program's history, led by quarterback Trevor Lawrence and coach Swinney.

They made easy wins with a record of 15-0 and beat Alabama 44-16 in the 2019 CFP National Championship.

4. Nebraska Cornhuskers

The 1995 Cornhuskers were out to defend their previous year's championship and did it in style by beating the second-ranked Florida Gators 62-24. They averaged 53.2 points per game with a record of 12-0, which was an outstanding achievement.

Although most teams they faced lost by more than 14 points, the Cornhuskers scored a combined 638 points and 50 points in six games and conceded only 174 points.

3. LSU Tigers

At the end of 2019, the Tigers were considered the best college football team in history due to their performance. They were ranked number in the nation and the national champions after defeating Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Oklahoma, and Clemson.

Joe Burrows, Super Bowl 56 finalist, led the teams to set many records as one of the most prolific offensive seasons ever in college history. The legend recorded 5,671 yards, a 202.0 passer rating, and 60 touchdown passes.

2. Texas Longhorns

The 2005 Longhorns had a strong offensive led by quarterback Vince Young with an undefeated record campaign of 13-0. The team was ranked as one of the best college football teams ever after winning against the Colorado Buffaloes and the USC Trojans 70-3 and 41-38, respectively.

The Longhorns allowed only 16.4 points per game while scoring an average of 50.2 points.

1. Miami Hurricanes

Finally, the 2001 Miami Hurricanes top the list of best college football teams ever. They had the best talents in the history of college football, and thus, during the season, they made a record of 12-0, defeated the Nebraska Cornhuskers 37-14, and won the championship title.

With 17 players being selected, the team is considered one of the best in producing first-round players in the NFL draft. Additionally, the Hurricanes allowed only 9.8 points on average per game and defeated their opponents with a combined score of 236-72.

Which college football team has had a perfect season?

During the 2022/23 season, the Georgia Bulldogs were the 63rd undefeated football national champions since 1936. They dominated their opponent, TCU, and won 65-7 with a record of 15-0 in the entire season.

Which is the least-known college football team?

San Jose State University from the Western Athletic Conference is the least-known college football team in history.

Which college football team has the biggest fanbase?

Ohio State has an alleged fanbase of over 11 million fans, which is the biggest by far compared to other college football fan bases.

Honourable mentions

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Football

To be ranked among the best college football teams of all time, a team has to have made history throughout its existence or in a given season. The results and performance must also be spectacular, although disagreements are to be expected during the 150-year discussion history, which is understandable.

Sports Brief compiled a list of the best football managers as of 2023. Managing a football team is quite a challenging task; thus, only great managers can develop title-contesting teams.

The manager must be great in strategies such as formations, instilling discipline, and motivating players during games. Click on the link above to find more details about who tops the list of the best football managers in 2023.