Top College Football Teams of the CFP Era: Who Really Stood Out?

The Unstoppable Teams

• 2019 LSU Tigers
• Scoring: Nearly 48 points per game
• Key Player: Joe Burrow

• Notable Achievement: Beat Clemson in the national championship

• 2020 Alabama Crimson Tide
• Scoring: Close to 50 points per game
• Key Players: DeVonta Smith, Jaylen Waddle

• Notable Achievement: Dominated every game

• 2025 Indiana Hoosiers
• Record: 16-0
• Notable Wins: Beat Alabama and Miami
• Achievement: Rose to the top with style

The Dominant Defenses

• 2018 Clemson Tigers
• Record: 15-0
• Scoring Margin: Outscored opponents by 31 points per game

• Key Strengths: Tough defense, relentless offense

• 2023 Michigan Wolverines
• Defensive Performance: Held every opponent to under 25 points
• Scoring Defense: Allowed just 9.5 points per game
• Notable Achievement: Won their first national championship since 1997

• 2021 and 2022 Georgia Bulldogs
• 2021 Defense: Held opponents to 10.2 points per game
• 2022 Offense: Scored over 41 points per game

The Resilient and Talented Teams

• 2014 Ohio State Buckeyes
• Key Player: Backup quarterback Cardale Jones

• Notable Achievement: Memorable win over Oregon in the national championship

• 2015 and 2017 Alabama Teams
• NFL Talent: 44 players each went on to play in the NFL

• 2017 Achievement: Famous comeback in the national championship

• 2016 Clemson Tigers
• Key Player: Deshaun Watson

• Notable Achievement: Close game against Pitt, strong defense, explosive offense

• 2018 Alabama Crimson Tide
• Scoring Margin: Outscored opponents by 32 points per game
• Notable Achievement: Star-studded roster but fell short in the national championship

The Debate

Each of these teams had their moments, strengths, and weaknesses. The College Football Playoff era has been filled with incredible football, and the debate over the best team continues.