In January 2025, Ohio State and Notre Dame faced off in the CFP national championship. The Buckeyes ultimately defeated the Fighting Irish 34-23.
Let's take a look at NCAA football champions throughout history.
It's worth noting that before the CFP and BCS, a champion was determined by a selecting organization. Sometimes, multiple teams were deemed the national champions if there wasn't a clear-cut No. 1. This list features only the championships recognized by the NCAA.
2024: Ohio State (CFP)
2023: Michigan (CFP)
2022: Georgia (CFP)
2021: Georgia (CFP)
2020: Alabama (CFP)
2019: LSU (CFP)
2018: Clemson (CFP)
2017: Alabama (CFP)
2016: Clemson (CFP)
2015: Alabama (CFP)
2014: Ohio State (CFP)
2013: Florida State (BCS)
2012: Alabama (BCS)
2011: Alabama (BCS)
2010: Auburn (BCS)
2009: Alabama (BCS)
2008: Florida (BCS)
2007: LSU (BCS)
2006: Florida (BCS)
2005: Texas (BCS)
2004: Southern California* (BCS)
2003: LSU, Southern California (BCS, AP, FWAA)
2002: Ohio State (BCS)
2001: Miami (Fla.