List of College Football National Champions and Runner-ups 2023: Welcome to the world of college football! Whether you're a seasoned fan or just starting out, this blog post will give you a comprehensive overview of the college football national champions and runner-ups in the USA.
Get ready to dive into the rich history of the sport and learn about the teams that have emerged victorious over the years.
Read More: List of College Majors and Descriptions 2023
The Early Years: Pre-1900s
The origins of college football can be traced back to the mid-19th century, but it wasn't until the late 1800s that the game started gaining popularity across the United States. In these early years, there was no national championship system in place. Instead, teams laid claim to the title based on their performance throughout the season. Popular contenders during this time included colleges such as Harvard, Princeton, and Yale.
The Birth of the Bowl System: 1902-1935
As college football grew in prominence, so did the need for a structured championship system. In 1902, the first-ever college football postseason game, the Rose Bowl, was held. This marked the beginning of the bowl system, where top teams from different conferences were invited to compete. The Rose Bowl became known as the "Granddaddy of Them All" and played a crucial role in determining the national champion for many years.
The AP Poll Era: 1936-1950
In 1936, the Associated Press (AP) Poll was introduced, bringing a new method of determining the national champion. The poll consisted of a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters who voted on the top teams each week. The team with the highest number of votes at the end of the season was crowned the national champion. During this era, the University of Minnesota dominated with five national championships.
The Modern Era: 1951-Present
Starting in 1951, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) began recognizing the winner of the AP Poll as the official national champion. However, controversies and debates surrounding the selection process led to the creation of the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) in 1998. The BCS utilized a combination of polls and computer rankings to determine the top two teams, who then competed in the BCS National Championship Game. This system continued until 2014 when it was replaced by the College Football Playoff (CFP).
College Football Playoff: 2014-Present
The College Football Playoff revolutionized the national championship selection process. Under this system, a committee of experts is responsible for ranking the top teams based on their performance throughout the season. The top four teams are then selected to participate in the playoffs, culminating in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Since its inception, the CFP has generated tremendous excitement and has become the most prestigious event in college football.
Memorable National Champions and Runner-Ups
| Season | Champion | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Ohio State Buckeyes | Oregon Ducks |
| 2015 | Alabama Crimson Tide | Clemson Tigers |
| 2016 | Clemson Tigers | Alabama Crimson Tide |
| 2017 | Alabama Crimson Tide | Georgia Bulldogs |
| 2018 | Clemson Tigers | Alabama Crimson Tide |
| 2019 | LSU Tigers | Clemson Tigers |
| 2020 | Alabama Crimson Tide | Ohio State Buckeyes |
| 2021 | Georgia Bulldogs | Alabama Crimson Tide |
| 2022 | Georgia Bulldogs | TCU Horned Frogs |
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