College Football Playoff National Championship
The College Football Playoff National Championship is an annual American college football bowl game that determines the national champion of the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).[1] It serves as the culminating contest of the College Football Playoff (CFP) system, a postseason tournament designed to match top teams in a bracket format to crown a consensus champion on the field, emphasizing the importance of the regular season.[2] The CFP era began with the 2014 season, replacing the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) to eliminate split national titles and provide a more merit-based selection process.[1] From 2015 to 2024, the playoff featured four teams selected by a 13-member committee, advancing through semifinals at major bowl games to the championship.[3] In 2024, the format expanded to 12 teams, incorporating automatic bids for the five highest-ranked conference champions, at-large selections for the next seven highest-ranked teams, first-round games on campus sites, and byes for the top four seeds.[3] Quarterfinals and semifinals rotate among six prestigious bowls (Cotton, Fiesta, Orange, Peach, Rose, and Sugar), leading to the neutral-site championship game.[3] The championship game is typically held on the second or third Monday in January at a rotating domed or retractable-roof stadium, drawing massive audiences and generating significant revenue for college athletics.[1] The selection committee evaluates teams based on criteria including win-loss records, strength of schedule, head-to-head results, conference championships, and performance against common opponents, with weekly rankings released leading to Selection Sunday on the first Sunday in December.[3] Since its inception, the CFP has produced undisputed champions, such as Alabama's multiple victories, Michigan's 2024 win, and Ohio State's 2025 victory.[1][4]Background
Establishment of the Playoff
Prior to the establishment of the College Football Playoff, the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) served as the primary mechanism for crowning a national champion in NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) from 1998 to 2013, relying on a formula that combined human polls from sources like the Associated Press and USA Today coaches' poll with computer-generated rankings from various algorithms.[5] This system drew significant criticism for its absence of a true playoff, which often resulted in undefeated or highly deserving teams from non-major conferences being excluded from the title game, such as Auburn in 2004 and Utah in 2008, exacerbating perceptions of bias toward power conferences.[6] The opaque nature of the computer models and subjective polls further fueled discontent, leading to widespread calls for reform from fans, media, and policymakers who argued the BCS prioritized bowl game profitability over competitive equity.[7] These mounting pressures culminated in key developments starting in 2009, when U.S. congressional hearings examined the BCS's antitrust implications and fairness, with President Barack Obama publicly advocating for a playoff system during an ESPN interview, suggesting an eight-team format to ensure a more definitive champion.[8] Conference commissioners, including new Pac-12 leader Larry Scott, began formal discussions on alternatives, building on earlier proposals like Mountain West commissioner Craig Thompson's eight-team idea.[6] By early 2012, amid ongoing realignment and revenue considerations, the BCS commissioners reached consensus on a four-team model, which was unanimously approved by the Presidential Oversight Committee—comprising university presidents and chancellors—on June 26, 2012, marking the official creation of the College Football Playoff to replace the BCS starting with the 2014 season.[9] The playoff's initial structure involved a 13-member selection committee tasked with ranking and selecting the top four teams based on performance, strength of schedule, and other factors, giving priority in seeding to conference champions among similarly ranked teams.[6] Semifinal games rotated among six major bowls—the Fiesta, Orange, Peach, Rose, Cotton, and Sugar—while the national championship was hosted at a predetermined neutral-site stadium, beginning at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.[10] The first championship game occurred on January 12, 2015, at AT&T Stadium, where the No. 4 seed Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the No. 1 seed Oregon Ducks 42–20, with running back Ezekiel Elliott rushing for 246 yards and four touchdowns to secure Ohio State's eighth national title.[11] Administratively, the College Football Playoff is governed by a nonprofit organization formed in 2012, comprising representatives from the 10 FBS conferences, the NCAA, and bowl affiliates, which manages operations, site selections, and media rights.[12] Revenue from the playoff, including a 12-year ESPN contract worth $5.64 billion starting in 2012, is shared among FBS conferences, with the five major autonomous conferences (ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12, SEC) receiving the bulk—approximately $50 million annually each in the early years—to fund scholarships, facilities, and other programs, while Group of Five conferences split a smaller pool to promote broader participation. In March 2024, the CFP and ESPN agreed to a new six-year extension worth $7.8 billion, securing rights through the 2031-32 season.[12][13]Format Changes Over Time
Following the initial launch of the four-team College Football Playoff in the 2014 season, several interim adjustments were made to the semifinal structure during the 2016–2023 period.[14] In 2016, the playoff semifinals were shifted to Saturdays for specific years (5, 6, 11, and 12 of the original contract, extending through 2026) to align better with broadcasting schedules.[14] The Cotton Bowl was incorporated into the semifinal rotation as a permanent option starting with the 2017 season, joining the Fiesta, Orange, Peach, Rose, and Sugar Bowls in the New Year's Six lineup.[14] Additionally, on November 20, 2019, the College Football Playoff announced extensions for the national championship sites through 2025 and 2026, with the 2025 game set for Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta and the 2026 game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.[14] Momentum for expanding beyond the four-team format grew in the early 2020s, culminating in a 2022 agreement among Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) conferences to increase the field to 12 teams beginning with the 2024 season.[14] An internal working group proposed the 12-team model in 2021, which the management committee reviewed on May 18, 2022, leading to board authorization for feasibility assessments on June 22, 2022.[14] The board unanimously approved the expansion on September 21, 2022, with further refinements finalized on March 15, 2023, including on-campus hosting for first-round games to enhance fan access and home-field advantages.[14] The expanded 12-team format features five automatic bids for the highest-ranked conference champions, complemented by seven at-large selections for the next highest-ranked teams, as determined by the College Football Playoff selection committee.[15] The top four seeds receive first-round byes, while seeds 5 through 12 compete in the opening round on December 20–21; quarterfinals are hosted at the Fiesta, Peach, Rose, and Sugar Bowls, with semifinals at rotating neutral sites such as the Cotton and Orange Bowls for the 2024–25 season, shifting to the Fiesta and Peach Bowls in 2025–26 to accommodate even- and odd-year adjustments.[15] The national championship concludes on the third Monday in January, maintaining the traditional postseason timing.[15] These changes marked a significant evolution, with the inaugural 12-team playoff culminating in the January 20, 2025, national championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where No. 8 seed Ohio State defeated No. 7 seed Notre Dame 34–23 to claim the title.[4] The rotation of semifinal venues for even and odd years ensures balanced utilization of bowl sites while preserving the playoff's integration with the New Year's Six framework.[15] The original 12-year contract for the playoff structure runs through the 2025–26 season, after which negotiations for a new agreement will commence, with ongoing discussions as of November 2025 focusing on potential further expansions to 14 or 16 teams to accommodate evolving conference alignments and competitive demands.[16][17]Selection Process
Original Four-Team System
The original four-team College Football Playoff system, in place for the 2014 through 2023 seasons, utilized a 13-member selection committee to determine the participants and seeding. The committee consisted of a diverse group including current and former athletic directors, head coaches, conference commissioners, and media representatives, selected to provide broad perspectives on team performance without direct ties to active programs. Members served staggered three-year terms, with recusals required for any conflicts of interest, such as affiliations with specific schools. This panel convened weekly starting in late November to evaluate and rank the top 25 teams through a multi-round anonymous balloting process, culminating in final rankings announced on Selection Sunday in early December.[18][19][20] The qualification process emphasized the committee's subjective evaluation of teams' on-field performance, prioritizing conference champions while selecting the top four overall teams regardless of conference affiliation. There were no automatic bids for any team or conference in the initial format, though the five highest-ranked conference champions from the Power Five and top Group of Five leagues received preferential consideration to ensure representation. Seeding was assigned strictly based on the committee's final top-25 rankings, with the No. 1-ranked team receiving the top seed, followed by Nos. 2 through 4. This approach aimed to match the strongest teams while rewarding schedule strength and head-to-head results over computer metrics or polls.[21][22] The bracket followed a fixed single-elimination structure hosted exclusively at neutral-site bowl games, with no on-campus contests. The semifinals pitted the No. 1 seed against the No. 4 seed in one matchup and the No. 2 seed against the No. 3 seed in the other, rotating annually among six major bowls (Rose, Sugar, Orange, Cotton, Peach, and Fiesta) on a three-year cycle. The winners advanced to the national championship game at a predetermined site, such as AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, for multiple years. This setup ensured high-profile bowl environments while maintaining a compact postseason timeline from late December to early January.[23][3] To resolve ties in rankings, the committee applied a standardized set of criteria in sequence: head-to-head competition results, performance against common opponents, strength of schedule (factoring in opponent win percentages and quality wins), and conference championships won. These tiebreakers were explicitly required to differentiate closely matched teams, promoting fairness in a system reliant on human judgment rather than algorithms. For instance, in the 2014 season, Alabama earned the No. 1 seed over Oregon despite Oregon's higher ranking in some preseason polls, due to Alabama's superior strength of schedule and head-to-head considerations in evaluations.[24][25] The process was not without controversy, as seen in the 2017 season when undefeated UCF (13-0, American Athletic Conference champions) was ranked No. 12, while Alabama (12-1, no conference title) secured the No. 4 seed. CFP executive director Bill Hancock defended the decision, citing Alabama's tougher schedule and performance against elite competition as key factors under the tiebreaker guidelines, highlighting ongoing debates about the balance between undefeated records and schedule quality. This system operated until the 2024 season's expansion to a 12-team format.[26][3]Expanded Twelve-Team System
The expanded twelve-team College Football Playoff system, implemented starting with the 2024–25 season, features automatic qualification for the five highest-ranked conference champions as determined by the College Football Playoff (CFP) Selection Committee, with the top four among them receiving first-round byes. The remaining seven spots are filled by the next highest-ranked teams from the committee's rankings, regardless of conference affiliation. Additionally, the highest-ranked champion from the Group of Five conferences (American Athletic Association, Conference USA, Mid-American Conference, Mountain West Conference, and Sun Belt Conference) is guaranteed an automatic berth if it ranks among the top five conference champions; otherwise, it competes for an at-large bid.[15][3] Seeding in the twelve-team field is assigned by the Selection Committee based on its final rankings, with seeds 1 through 4—the four highest-ranked conference champions in the initial format—earning byes directly to the quarterfinals. Seeds 5 through 8, which include the fifth conference champion and select at-large teams, host the first-round games on their home campuses, while seeds 9 through 12 travel to face them. This on-campus hosting for the first round aims to enhance fan engagement and home-field advantage for mid-tier seeds.[15][3] The playoff advances through a structured bracket without reseeding after each round. The first round occurs in mid-December, typically on the third Friday and Saturday (December 20–21 in 2024), featuring four games: 5 vs. 12, 6 vs. 11, 7 vs. 10, and 8 vs. 9. Quarterfinals are held on December 31 and January 1 at the six New Year's Six bowl games (Cotton, Fiesta, Orange, Peach, Rose, and Sugar Bowls), where first-round winners face the top seeds. Semifinals take place in mid-January at two rotating bowl sites, with the national championship game scheduled for the third Monday in January at a fixed neutral-site stadium.[15][3] The CFP Selection Committee, composed of 13 members appointed by the CFP Board of Managers, plays a central role by releasing weekly rankings from mid-November through early December and finalizing the field on Selection Sunday. It ranks all Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) teams based on criteria including win-loss record, strength of schedule, head-to-head results, conference championships, and other factors like performance against common opponents. Ties are resolved primarily through head-to-head competition, followed by championship game participation and comparative wins against shared opponents. The committee also assigns seeds and determines quarterfinal matchups to preserve historic bowl affiliations where possible.[15][3] In its inaugural 2024–25 season, the format saw Ohio State, seeded eighth as an at-large team, become the lowest seed to win the national championship, defeating Notre Dame 34–23 in the title game on January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. This outcome highlighted the competitive depth enabled by the expansion, as Ohio State advanced through a first-round on-campus win over Tennessee, a quarterfinal victory over top-seeded Oregon in the Cotton Bowl, and a semifinal win over Texas.[27][28] For the 2025–26 season, the CFP Board of Managers approved a shift to a straight seeding model, where the top four seeds and byes are awarded to the four highest-ranked teams overall, irrespective of conference champion status, to better reflect overall performance while retaining the five automatic champion bids.[27][28]Venues
Hosting Selection Criteria
The selection of host sites for the College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship is managed by the CFP Management Committee, which reviews competitive bids submitted by prospective host cities every few years to ensure a high-quality experience for participants, fans, and broadcasters. Bids must propose venues that meet specific requirements, including NFL or major college stadiums with a minimum seating capacity of 65,000, expandable infrastructure to accommodate over 70,000 attendees including standing room and ancillary events, and robust facilities for security, parking (at least 25,000 spaces), and broadcast operations provided at no additional cost to the CFP. Climate is a key consideration, with domed or retractable-roof stadiums preferred to mitigate weather risks during the January event, alongside essential transportation hubs, modern practice fields, and space for fan festivals like Playoff Fan Central (requiring 300,000 square feet).[29] The committee evaluates bids based on several factors, including fan access via efficient ticketing and ADA-compliant venues, availability of at least 22,750 hotel rooms (approximately 35% of stadium capacity) within a reasonable distance, and potential economic impact through local sponsorships, rebates, and tourism generation. Cities like Miami and New Orleans have frequently submitted strong economic bids, highlighting their hospitality infrastructure and history of hosting major events, which contribute to revenue sharing models where host committees retain portions of hotel and sponsorship income. Overall, the process prioritizes neutral, accessible locations that enhance the championship's prestige while ensuring logistical feasibility for an estimated 100,000 visitors.[29][30] Contract cycles for championship sites are typically awarded in multi-year packages to provide stability and allow host cities ample preparation time. The initial sites for the 2015 through 2021 championships were selected in the early 2010s as part of the CFP's launch planning, with announcements rolling out progressively (e.g., Arlington for 2015 in 2012 and subsequent sites by 2013-2014). Extensions were granted to cover through 2024, and in August 2022, the Management Committee announced the 2025 site in Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium) and the 2026 site in Miami Gardens (Hard Rock Stadium); the 2027 site in Las Vegas (Allegiant Stadium) was announced in January 2025, the 2028 site in New Orleans (Caesars Superdome) was revealed on October 1, 2025, with Tampa Bay (Raymond James Stadium) added for 2029 on October 29, 2025. These cycles reflect a deliberate effort to rotate among diverse regions while revisiting proven hosts like Atlanta, selected for 2025 due to its successful 2018 event and superior facilities.[31][30][32][33][34] The championship game is always hosted at predetermined neutral sites to maintain fairness and national appeal, distinct from on-campus games in other sports playoffs. In contrast, semifinal games under the original four-team format rotated among established New Year's Six bowls (Rose, Sugar, Orange, Cotton, Peach, Fiesta), while quarterfinals were integrated into those bowls. With the expanded 12-team format starting in 2024, quarterfinals are hosted at the six major bowl games (Cotton, Fiesta, Orange, Peach, Rose, and Sugar) on a three-year rotation cycle. Semifinals are played at two of these bowl sites, also rotating, before the championship at a selected neutral-site venue. This policy ensures broad geographic distribution and leverages bowl infrastructure where possible, with all sites selected well in advance.[15][35] Challenges in site selection often revolve around weather vulnerabilities at non-domed venues, as demonstrated by the 2022 championship in Indianapolis (Lucas Oil Stadium), the first cold-weather host city, where temperatures dipped into the teens Fahrenheit, complicating fan attendance, broadcast setups, and outdoor events despite the dome's protection. Non-dome sites like those in Glendale (2016) or Inglewood (2023) have also faced occasional rain or wind issues, underscoring the preference for climate-controlled environments. Economic competition among bidding cities remains intense, with hosts like Miami and New Orleans emphasizing their warm-weather appeal and established event ecosystems to offset potential risks.[36][37]List of Venues and Cities
The College Football Playoff National Championship games have been held at a variety of prominent stadiums across the United States, primarily NFL venues selected for their modern facilities, neutral location, and ability to host large-scale events. These sites have ranged from the Southwest to the Southeast, Midwest, and West Coast, reflecting an effort to diversify hosting opportunities geographically. Capacities typically exceed 60,000, allowing for substantial fan attendance, though actual figures vary based on configuration and external factors like weather or health protocols. The following table lists all National Championship venues from 2015 through 2025, including stadium details, locations, and standard capacities:| Year | Stadium | City, State | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | AT&T Stadium | Arlington, TX | 80,000 |
| 2016 | University of Phoenix Stadium (now State Farm Stadium) | Glendale, AZ | 63,400 |
| 2017 | Raymond James Stadium | Tampa, FL | 65,618 |
| 2018 | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Atlanta, GA | 71,000 |
| 2019 | Levi's Stadium | Santa Clara, CA | 68,500 |
| 2020 | Mercedes-Benz Superdome | New Orleans, LA | 73,208 |
| 2021 | [Hard Rock Stadium](/page/Hard Rock Stadium) | Miami Gardens, FL | 65,326 |
| 2022 | Lucas Oil Stadium | Indianapolis, IN | 67,000 |
| 2023 | SoFi Stadium | Inglewood, CA | 70,240 |
| 2024 | NRG Stadium | Houston, TX | 72,220 |
| 2025 | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Atlanta, GA | 71,000 |
Championship Games
Overall Results
The College Football Playoff National Championship has been contested annually since the 2014 season, crowning the national champion through a postseason tournament format. From 2015 to 2025, 11 games have determined the Division I FBS title, featuring high-stakes matchups between top-ranked teams. These contests have showcased a mix of dominant performances and nail-biting finishes, with venues rotating across major U.S. cities to host the events.[38] The following table summarizes all championship games, including the season year, date, site and city, participating teams with seeds and records, final score, and attendance figures.| Season | Date | Site and City | Teams (Seeds, Records) | Score | Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | January 12, 2015 | AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX | #4 Ohio State (14-1) vs. #2 Oregon (13-2) | Ohio State 42–20 | 85,689 |
| 2015 | January 11, 2016 | University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, AZ | #2 Alabama (14-1) vs. #1 Clemson (14-1) | Alabama 45–40 | 75,765 |
| 2016 | January 9, 2017 | Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL | #2 Clemson (14-1) vs. #1 Alabama (14-1) | Clemson 35–31 | 74,512 |
| 2017 | January 8, 2018 | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA | #4 Alabama (13-1) vs. #3 Georgia (13-2) | Alabama 26–23 (OT) | 77,430 |
| 2018 | January 7, 2019 | Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, CA | #2 Clemson (15-0) vs. #1 Alabama (14-1) | Clemson 44–16 | 74,814 |
| 2019 | January 13, 2020 | Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, LA | #1 LSU (15-0) vs. #3 Clemson (14-1) | LSU 42–25 | 76,885 |
| 2020 | January 11, 2021 | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL | #1 Alabama (13-0) vs. #3 Ohio State (7-1) | Alabama 52–24 | 17,487 |
| 2021 | January 10, 2022 | Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN | #3 Georgia (14-1) vs. #1 Alabama (13-2) | Georgia 33–18 | 68,311 |
| 2022 | January 9, 2023 | SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA | #1 Georgia (15-0) vs. #3 TCU (13-2) | Georgia 65–7 | 68,000 |
| 2023 | January 8, 2024 | NRG Stadium, Houston, TX | #1 Michigan (15-0) vs. #2 Washington (14-1) | Michigan 34–13 | 72,808 |
| 2024 | January 20, 2025 | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA | #8 Ohio State (14-2) vs. #7 Notre Dame (14-2) | Ohio State 34–23 | 77,660 |
Team and Conference Appearances
The College Football Playoff National Championship has featured 11 contests from 2015 to 2025, with a total of 10 unique teams reaching the final game. Alabama leads all programs with five appearances and three victories, underscoring the Southeastern Conference's (SEC) historical dominance in the playoff era. Other frequent participants include Clemson with four appearances and two wins, as well as Georgia and Ohio State, each with three appearances and two titles. No team from the Group of Five conferences has advanced to the championship game, highlighting the Power Four conferences' near-total control of the finals.[39][41][38] The following table summarizes appearances and outcomes for teams that have reached the national championship game multiple times:| Team | Appearances | Wins | Losses | Years (W/L) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 5 | 3 | 2 | 2015 (W), 2016 (L), 2017 (W), 2018 (L), 2020 (W) |
| Clemson | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2015 (L), 2016 (W), 2018 (W), 2019 (L) |
| Georgia | 3 | 2 | 1 | 2017 (L), 2021 (W), 2022 (W) |
| Ohio State | 3 | 2 | 1 | 2014 (W), 2020 (L), 2024 (W) |
Personnel
Head Coaches
The head coaches of teams reaching the College Football Playoff National Championship play a pivotal role in guiding their programs through the selection process, semifinals, and the title game, leveraging strategic preparation, recruiting, and in-game decision-making to compete for the sport's highest honor. Since the playoff's inception in 2014, a select group of coaches has dominated appearances, with success often tied to established programs in powerhouse conferences.[42] Nick Saban of Alabama holds the record for most appearances with six, compiling a 3-3 record from 2016 to 2022, including wins in 2016, 2018, and 2021. Dabo Swinney of Clemson follows with four appearances and a 2-2 record, securing titles in 2017 and 2019. Kirby Smart of Georgia has three appearances and a 2-1 mark, with consecutive victories in 2022 and 2023. Ryan Day of Ohio State has two appearances, going 1-1 with a loss in 2021 and a win in 2025. Other coaches, such as Urban Meyer (1-0 in 2015 with Ohio State), Ed Orgeron (1-0 in 2020 with LSU), Jim Harbaugh (1-0 in 2024 with Michigan), and Mark Helfrich (0-1 in 2015 with Oregon), each have a single appearance.[47][42] Only three coaches have multiple national championship wins in the playoff era: Saban with three, and both Swinney and Smart with two each. Meyer's 2015 victory marked his lone CFP title, distinct from his pre-playoff wins at Florida. These repeat successes highlight the advantage of continuity and experience in high-stakes postseason environments.[48] Several coaches have made their championship debut in recent years, including Marcus Freeman of Notre Dame, who suffered a 34-23 loss to Ohio State in 2025 during his first appearance; Sonny Dykes of TCU (0-1 in 2023); and Kalen DeBoer of Washington (0-1 in 2024). These first-time entrants underscore the expanded playoff's opportunity for emerging leaders to reach the final stage.[42] Coaches from the Southeastern Conference (SEC) have dominated, accounting for 10 total appearances across the 11 championship games through 2025, driven by Saban's six, Smart's three, and Orgeron's one. Winning coaches typically boast extended tenures at their schools, often exceeding five years, which allows for program-building and sustained elite performance.[42]Most Valuable Players
The College Football Playoff National Championship has awarded one offensive and one defensive Most Valuable Player (MVP) after each game since the inaugural contest in 2015, honoring individuals whose performances most directly contributed to their team's success. These selections emphasize game-altering contributions, such as passing or rushing touchdowns for offensive players and tackles, sacks, or interceptions for defensive standouts, with MVPs chosen based on statistical impact and overall influence during the matchup. The awards are announced shortly after the final whistle during the on-field ceremony, often highlighting players from the winning team.[49] Quarterbacks have been particularly prominent among offensive MVPs, earning the honor in seven of the 11 championships through 2025, reflecting the pass-heavy nature of modern college football offenses. Stetson Bennett of Georgia stands alone as the only repeat winner, capturing back-to-back offensive MVP awards in 2022 (224 passing yards, 2 touchdowns against Alabama) and 2023 (304 passing yards, 6 touchdowns against TCU), the latter performance tying the single-game record for touchdown passes in a title game. Other standout offensive efforts include Joe Burrow's record-setting 463 passing yards and 6 touchdowns for LSU in 2020, which propelled a 42-25 victory over Clemson, and Ezekiel Elliott's dominant 246 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns for Ohio State in the 2015 debut, establishing an early benchmark for ground games in the playoff era. Defensive MVPs have showcased diverse impacts, from Joey Bosa's pressure in 2015 to Javon Bullard's two interceptions and a fumble recovery in 2023, but no player has repeated in that category.[49]| Year | Game Result | Offensive MVP | Defensive MVP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Ohio State 42, Oregon 20 | Ezekiel Elliott (RB, Ohio State) – 36 carries, 246 yards, 4 TDs | Tyvis Powell (S, Ohio State) – 9 tackles |
| 2016 | Alabama 45, Clemson 40 | O.J. Howard (TE, Alabama) – 5 receptions, 208 yards, 2 TDs | Eddie Jackson (S, Alabama) – 3 tackles, 1 INT |
| 2017 | Clemson 35, Alabama 31 | Deshaun Watson (QB, Clemson) – 36-of-56, 420 yards, 4 TDs | Ben Boulware (LB, Clemson) – 6 tackles, 2 TFL |
| 2018 | Alabama 26, Georgia 23 (OT) | Tua Tagovailoa (QB, Alabama) – 14-of-24, 166 yards, 3 TDs | Da'Ron Payne (DT, Alabama) – 6 tackles |
| 2019 | Clemson 44, Alabama 16 | Trevor Lawrence (QB, Clemson) – 20-of-32, 347 yards, 3 TDs | Trayvon Mullen (CB, Clemson) – 6 tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT |
| 2020 | LSU 42, Clemson 25 | Joe Burrow (QB, LSU) – 31-of-49, 463 yards, 6 TDs | Patrick Queen (LB, LSU) – 8 tackles, 2.5 TFL |
| 2021 | Alabama 52, Ohio State 24 | DeVonta Smith (WR, Alabama) – 12 receptions, 215 yards, 3 TDs | Christian Barmore (DT, Alabama) – 5 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 sack |
| 2022 | Georgia 33, Alabama 18 | Stetson Bennett (QB, Georgia) – 17-of-26, 224 yards, 2 TDs | Lewis Cine (S, Georgia) – 7 tackles, 1 TFL |
| 2023 | Georgia 65, TCU 7 | Stetson Bennett (QB, Georgia) – 18-of-25, 304 yards, 6 TDs | Javon Bullard (DB, Georgia) – 1 tackle, 2 INT, 1 fumble recovery |
| 2024 | Michigan 34, Washington 13 | Blake Corum (RB, Michigan) – 21 carries, 134 yards, 2 TDs | Will Johnson (CB, Michigan) – 4 tackles, 1 INT |
| 2025 | Ohio State 34, Notre Dame 23 | Will Howard (QB, Ohio State) – 17-of-21, 231 yards, 2 TDs | Cody Simon (LB, Ohio State) – 8 tackles |
Records and Statistics
Game Records
The College Football Playoff National Championship games have produced several notable single-game statistical benchmarks across offensive, defensive, and special teams categories, highlighting peak performances in the playoff era since 2014. These records emphasize explosive plays and dominant efforts that have defined championship outcomes, with data tracked by the College Football Playoff organization and major sports databases.Scoring
The highest score by a winning team stands at 65 points, achieved by Georgia in a dominant 65-7 victory over TCU in 2023 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, where the Bulldogs set a modern-era title game mark through a balanced attack featuring six passing touchdowns from Stetson Bennett. The most points scored by a losing team is 40, recorded by Clemson in their 45-40 defeat to Alabama in 2017 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, fueled by Deshaun Watson's record-setting passing performance. No team has recorded a shutout in a championship game, with the fewest points allowed being 7 by Georgia against TCU in 2023. In the expanded 12-team playoff format debuting in 2024, Michigan limited Washington to 13 points in a 34-13 win in 2024 at NRG Stadium, while Ohio State's 34-23 triumph over Notre Dame in 2025 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta saw the Buckeyes allow 23 points without breaking defensive scoring benchmarks.Passing
Individual passing records underscore the aerial dominance possible in title games. Joe Burrow of LSU set the single-game mark with 493 passing yards and five touchdowns in the 2020 championship, a 42-25 win over Clemson at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, completing 31 of 49 attempts while adding 58 rushing yards for a total of 551 all-purpose yards. Mac Jones of Alabama threw for 464 yards and five touchdowns on 36 of 45 passing in the 2021 game, a 52-24 rout of Ohio State at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. In the 2017 matchup, Deshaun Watson of Clemson passed for 420 yards and three touchdowns in the 35-31 victory over Alabama. The 12-team era saw no passing yardage records broken; Will Howard of Ohio State completed 17 of 21 passes for 231 yards and two touchdowns in the 2025 win over Notre Dame.| Category | Record | Player/Team | Game (Year) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Most Passing Yards | 493 | Joe Burrow (LSU) | vs. Clemson (2020) | CFP Record Book |
| Most Passing TDs | 5 | Joe Burrow (LSU) / Mac Jones (Alabama) | vs. Clemson (2020) / vs. Ohio State (2021) | ESPN Stats |
Rushing
Rushing benchmarks highlight ground games that have overwhelmed defenses. Ezekiel Elliott of Ohio State rushed for a record 246 yards and four touchdowns on 20 carries in the 2015 championship, powering a 42-20 upset of Oregon at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, with key runs including a 85-yard burst. In the 2024 game, Blake Corum of Michigan ran for 134 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries in the 34-13 win over Washington, establishing a playoff-era high for rushing yards in that title game with the Wolverines totaling 303 rushing yards as a team. Multiple players have achieved multiple rushing touchdowns, including Derrick Henry of Alabama in 2016 (158 yards on 36 carries). The 2025 contest featured Quinshon Judkins of Ohio State rushing for 103 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries in the 34-23 victory over Notre Dame, contributing to 214 team rushing yards but not surpassing existing marks.Defense
Defensive records reflect shutdown performances in high-stakes environments. Georgia's defense held TCU to a championship-low 188 total yards in the 2023 game, including just 47 rushing yards and 141 passing, while forcing three turnovers in the 65-7 blowout. The fewest rushing yards allowed is 20, by Ohio State against Alabama in 2021, limiting Najee Harris to 15 yards on five carries during the 52-24 loss. For individual efforts, Tuf Borland of Ohio State recorded a game-high 14 tackles (seven solo, seven assisted) in that 2021 matchup against Alabama. In the 2025 game, Cody Simon of Ohio State led with 12 tackles, including one for loss, in the win over Notre Dame, approaching but not eclipsing Borland's mark amid Ohio State's 54 total tackles and two sacks.Special Teams
Special teams contributions have occasionally swung close contests. The longest field goal in a championship is 51 yards, kicked by Rodrigo Blankenship of Georgia in the 2018 overtime win over Alabama (26-23) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. No special teams records were altered in the 12-team era games of 2024 or 2025, where kicking was limited to shorter field goals and extra points without long returns noted.| Category | Record | Player/Team | Game (Year) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fewest Total Yards Allowed | 188 | Georgia (team) | vs. TCU (2023) | Sports-Reference |
| Most Tackles | 14 | Tuf Borland (Ohio State) | vs. Alabama (2021) | CFP Recap |
| Longest FG | 51 | Rodrigo Blankenship (Georgia) | vs. Alabama (2018) | ESPN Box Score |