Updated October 13, 2023
College football is full of history and tradition. Some stadiums are practically national landmarks; there are legendary tailgate parties all across the country, and, of course, there are some of the greatest rivalries in all sports.
Over the last 25 years, college football has turned into a billion-dollar business. However, one aspect that remains steady is the college football programs that have separated themselves from the rest of the pack over time.
We compiled a list of the top 10 college football schools of all time based on a number of criteria, including (but not limited to) total victories, national championships, conference crowns, and Heisman Trophy winners. We chose not to include the Ivy League institutions that dominated in the late 1800s and early 1900s since they no longer compete at the highest level of collegiate football. With that said, here are the 12 greatest college football programs in history (in descending order).
10. Florida State
Total wins: 507*
National championships: 3
Conference titles: 15
Heisman Trophy winners: 3
9. Miami (FL)
Total wins: 564
National championships: 5
Conference titles: 9
Heisman Trophy winners: 2
8. Texas
Total wins: 840
National championships: 4
Conference titles: 30
Heisman Trophy winners: 2
7. Nebraska
Total wins: 854
National championships: 5
Conference titles: 43
Heisman Trophy winners: 3
6. Oklahoma
Total wins: 819
National championships: 7
Conference titles: 44
Heisman Trophy winners: 5
5. Ohio State
Total wins: 778
National championships: 8
Conference titles: 36
Heisman Trophy winners: 7
4. Michigan
Total wins: 909
National championships: 11
Conference titles: 42
Heisman Trophy winners: 3
3. USC
Total wins: 739
National championships: 11
Conference titles: 37
Heisman Trophy winners: 7*
2. Notre Dame
Total wins: 819
National championships: 11
Conference titles: n/a
Heisman Trophy winners: 7
1. Alabama
Total wins: 892
National championships: 16*
Conference titles: 26
Heisman Trophy winners: 3
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