College football is an American tradition that has been enjoyed by millions of fans for over a century. The sport has a rich history of legendary programs that have established themselves as powerhouses on the field. These teams have won countless conference championships, produced some of the game’s greatest players, and have built loyal fan bases that span generations.
Of all the successful programs in college football history, these ten stand alone as the best of the best:
1. Alabama Crimson Tide
Alabama is the most dominant college football program in the modern era by a wide margin. Head coach Nick Saban has led the Crimson Tide to six national championships since 2009, cementing their place among the all-time greats. Alabama’s storied football history includes 18 national titles, 32 conference championships, and a long list of NFL stars.
The Crimson Tide’s success under Saban is unparalleled in college football history. He has led the team to seven SEC titles, including six in a row from 2014 to 2019. Saban has also coached some of the greatest players in the game, such as Derrick Henry, Tua Tagovailoa, and Amari Cooper.
Alabama’s success on the field is matched by the passion of its fans. Bryant-Denny Stadium is one of the most iconic venues in college football, with a capacity of over 100,000 fans. The Crimson Tide’s loyal supporters travel from all corners of the country to cheer on their team and witness the dynasty in action.
2. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Notre Dame is one of the most storied programs in college football history. The Fighting Irish have won 13 national championships and 24 conference championships, cementing their place among the game’s elite programs. Notre Dame has produced some of the greatest players in NFL history, such as Joe Montana, Tim Brown, and Jerome Bettis.
The Fighting Irish have a unique place in college football history due to their independent status. Unlike most major programs, Notre Dame is not affiliated with a conference and schedules its own games. This has allowed the team to play a variety of opponents over the years and has cemented their national reputation as a top program.
Notre Dame’s iconic gold helmets and rich tradition have made the team one of the most recognizable in college football. The team’s home stadium, Notre Dame Stadium, is one of the most historic venues in the sport, with a capacity of over 77,000 fans. Notre Dame fans travel from across the country to witness their team’s storied history in action.
3. Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State has been a top football program for decades, winning seven national championships and 39 conference titles. The Buckeyes have produced a long list of NFL stars, such as Eddie George, Cris Carter, and Terrelle Pryor.
Head coach Ryan Day has continued Ohio State’s winning tradition in recent years. The team has won four consecutive Big Ten championships under Day’s leadership, and the Buckeyes are perennial contenders for the national title. Ohio State’s passionate fan base and iconic stadium, Ohio Stadium (also known as “The Horseshoe”), make it one of the most exciting programs in college football.
4. USC Trojans
USC has been a dominant force in college football for decades, winning 11 national championships and 39 conference titles. The Trojans have produced a long list of NFL stars, including Reggie Bush, Carson Palmer, and O.J. Simpson.
USC’s dominance on the field is matched by the passion of its fan base. The team’s home stadium, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, is one of the most historic venues in college football, with a capacity of over 77,000 fans. USC fans are known for their passion and dedication, traveling from across the country to support their team.
5. Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma is one of the most successful college football programs of all time, with seven national championships and 50 conference titles. The Sooners have produced a long list of NFL stars, including Adrian Peterson, Baker Mayfield, and Sam Bradford.
Head coach Lincoln Riley has continued Oklahoma’s winning tradition in recent years. The team has won four consecutive Big 12 championships under Riley’s leadership, and the Sooners are perennial contenders for the national title. Oklahoma’s passionate fan base and iconic stadium, Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, make it one of the most exciting programs in college football.
6. Michigan Wolverines
Michigan is one of the most historic programs in college football, with 11 national championships and 42 conference titles. The Wolverines have produced a long list of NFL stars, including Tom Brady, Charles Woodson, and Desmond Howard.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh has led Michigan back to national prominence in recent years. Although the team has yet to win a conference championship under Harbaugh, the Wolverines remain one of the most iconic programs in college football. Michigan’s passionate fan base and historic stadium, Michigan Stadium (also known as “The Big House”), make it one of the most exciting programs in the country.
7. Nebraska Cornhuskers
Nebraska is one of the most storied programs in college football history, with five national championships and 46 conference titles. The Cornhuskers have produced a long list of NFL stars, including Eric Crouch, Ndamukong Suh, and Mike Rozier.
Although Nebraska has struggled in recent years, the team’s rich history and passionate fan base make it one of the most iconic programs in college football. The Cornhuskers’ home stadium, Memorial Stadium, is one of the most historic venues in the sport, with a capacity of over 90,000 fans.
8. Texas Longhorns
Texas is one of the most successful programs in college football history, with four national championships and 32 conference titles. The Longhorns have produced a long list of NFL stars, including Earl Campbell, Vince Young, and Ricky Williams.
Although Texas has struggled in recent years, the team’s passionate fan base and iconic stadium, Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, make it one of the most exciting programs in college football.
9. Florida State Seminoles
Florida State has been a dominant force in college football for decades, winning three national championships and 18 conference titles. The Seminoles have produced a long list of NFL stars, including Deion Sanders, Jameis Winston, and Derrick Brooks.
Although Florida State has struggled in recent years, the team’s passionate fan base and iconic stadium, Doak Campbell Stadium, make it one of the most exciting programs in college football.
10. Miami Hurricanes
Miami has been a dominant force in college football for decades, winning five national championships and nine conference titles. The Hurricanes have produced a long list of NFL stars, including Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, and Warren Sapp.
Although Miami has struggled in recent years, the team’s passionate fan base and iconic stadium, Hard Rock Stadium, make it one of the most exciting programs in college football. The Hurricanes remain one of the most iconic programs in college football history, with a rich tradition of excellence on the field.
In conclusion, these ten programs have left an indelible mark on the history of college football. From their passionate fan bases to their iconic stadiums, these programs have become synonymous with the sport. They have produced countless NFL stars and have been the source of countless memorable moments on the field.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, these programs offer something for everyone. Their legacies serve as a reminder of the enduring power of college football and the impact it has on the lives of players, coaches, and fans alike.
As the sport continues to evolve and new programs emerge, these ten will remain forever enshrined in the annals of college football history as the best of the best.