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

USAWed Jan 21 2026
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College football's playoff era has seen some incredible teams. Indiana just became the latest champion, but how do they compare to the rest? Let's break it down. The 2019 LSU Tigers were unstoppable. With Joe Burrow leading the way, they scored nearly 48 points per game. Their offense was something special, and they proved it by beating Clemson in the national championship. The 2020 Alabama Crimson Tide were another dominant force. They averaged close to 50 points per game, thanks to standout players like DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle. They didn't just win; they dominated. The 2025 Indiana Hoosiers shocked everyone. They went 16-0, beating powerhouse teams like Alabama and Miami. It's not often you see a team like Indiana rise to the top, but they did it with style. The 2018 Clemson Tigers were also impressive. They went 15-0 and outscored their opponents by an average of 31 points per game. Their defense was tough, and their offense was relentless. The 2023 Michigan Wolverines were a complete team. They held every opponent to under 25 points and won their first national championship since 1997. Their defense was top-notch, allowing just 9. 5 points per game.
The 2021 and 2022 Georgia Bulldogs were both powerhouses. The 2021 team had a defense that held opponents to just 10. 2 points per game. The 2022 team was even more dominant, scoring over 41 points per game on offense. The 2014 Ohio State Buckeyes were the first champions of the CFP era. They faced adversity but pulled through, thanks to backup quarterback Cardale Jones. Their win over Oregon in the national championship was memorable. The 2015 and 2017 Alabama teams were loaded with NFL talent. They had 44 and 44 players, respectively, who went on to play at the next level. Both teams had impressive seasons, with the 2017 team making a famous comeback in the national championship. The 2016 Clemson Tigers had Deshaun Watson, who was nearly unstoppable. They had a close game against Pitt but bounced back to win the national championship. Their defense was strong, and their offense was explosive. The 2018 Alabama Crimson Tide had a star-studded roster. They outscored their opponents by an average of 32 points but fell short in the national championship. Their talent was undeniable, but they couldn't close the deal. These teams all had their moments, but which one was the best? That's up for debate. Each team had its strengths and weaknesses, but one thing is for sure: the CFP era has been filled with some incredible football.
https://localnews.ai/article/top-college-football-teams-of-the-cfp-era-who-really-stood-out-c189af03

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