The Pinnacle of College Football: The Best CFP National Champions

First-Ever Title: Difficult to Rank

As Ohio State or Notre Dame emerges as the first CFP champion in the 12-team era, they will automatically join the ranks of the most resilient and impressive teams in the history of the format.

However, until their clash in Atlanta on January 20, it will remain a mystery which team will take its place among the 10 champions of the four-team CFP era.

Ranking the Four-Team Era Champions

Each of the 10 CFP champions from the four-team era has a claim to being one of the best teams of that time. Our ranking considers objective ratings, roster composition, and path to victory.

The Elite Contenders

2020 Alabama: Undisputed Dominance

Despite a pandemic-disrupted season, Alabama emerged as an untouchable force. Five unanimous All-Americans, two Heisman Trophy finalists, and DeVonta Smith's historic win set them apart.

They crushed their opponents by an average of 29.1 points, showcasing their superiority on both sides of the ball.

2019 LSU: Electric and Unstoppable

Led by the unforgettable Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Justin Jefferson, LSU's offense was a record-breaking machine.

They faced several top-10 opponents and came out victorious with ease. Their high-octane attack was complemented by a defense that delivered when it mattered.

2018 Clemson: Trevor Lawrence's First Masterpiece

The first team to finish 15-0 since 1897, 2018 Clemson boasted Trevor Lawrence at quarterback and Travis Etienne as the ACC's Player of the Year.

With nine future NFL Draft picks on their defense, they shattered their opponents on the gridiron, averaging a victory margin of 32 points per game.

2022 Georgia: Back-to-Back Domination

Despite losing 15 NFL Draft picks, Kirby Smart's Georgia squad went 15-0 and claimed back-to-back national titles.

Their defense proved impenetrable, holding opponents to single digits in all but one game. In the championship game, they overwhelmed TCU with an astounding 58-point victory.

2021 Georgia: Redemption and Revenge

After heartbreak in previous CFP title games, 2021 Georgia finally broke through against Alabama.

Their 12-0 regular season was exceptional, scoring over 40 points while allowing opponents to score a maximum of 17 in each game.

2023 Michigan: Unwavering Spirit

Amidst scandals and a suspended head coach, Michigan persevered through a tumultuous season, finishing 15-0.

Their clutch play and ability to come out victorious against top opponents proved that they were the team to beat in 2023.

2017 Alabama: Tua's Legendary Debut

This title game was etched into history. Tua Tagovailoa replaced an injured Jalen Hurts, orchestrating a comeback with young stars like Najee Harris and DeVonta Smith.

In overtime, Tagovailoa's 41-yard pass to Smith secured one of the most iconic wins of Nick Saban's illustrious career.

2015 Alabama: Kirby Smart's Defensive Masterclass

While the 45-40 title game against Clemson was a thriller, this team's greatness lay in their defense.

Led by a staff that included Kirby Smart and Todd Monken, they held opponents to an average of 20 points per game.

2014 Ohio State: Underdogs Turned Champions

Despite a slow start, Ohio State emerged as a formidable force, upsetting Alabama as a 7.5-point underdog.

They continued their momentum with a victory against an undefeated Oregon, making them the first Buckeyes team to claim a national title since 2002.

2016 Clemson: Heroics in the Making

In the playoffs, Clemson was unstoppable, shutting out Ohio State and overcoming two 10-point deficits against Alabama.

They were a team on the rise, showcasing the talent that would soon make them college football's most dominant program.