Who won the most national championships in college football?

Last Modified Jan 15, 2025 18:29 GMT
Michigan National Championship Celebration
College Football National Championship. Source: Getty Images

College football in the United States is represented by the national championship at the sport's highest level, called the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). The College Football Playoffs serve as a medium leading to the the National Championship Game that crowns the National Champions for that season. Throughout a series of Bowl Games, four teams reach the semi-finals out of which two teams compete for the National Championship Trophy.

College Football Team With Most National Championships

Yale Bulldogs the record for most national championships in college football records with a total of 18 titles. Their first national championship came in 1874, and their maximum last win came in 1927. Those championships were earned before the AP Poll began in 1936. However, after the establishment of AP poll, the Alabama Crimson Tide has won the most national championships with a total of 13 titles. Alabama's success in college football is widely recognized and their championships were well deserved. The NCAA officially recognizes Yale as the college football team with the most national titles with 18 championships. After Yale, Alabama holds 16 titles and the Princeton Tigers football crew comes in third place with 15 championships.

The history of college football is rich with successful teams and notable moments throughout the years. Here is a look at which team has won how many championships:

College Football TeamNo. of championship won
Yale Bulldogs18
Alabama Crimson Tide16
Princeton Tigers15
Notre Dame Fighting Irish13
Michigan10
USC Trojans9
Harvard Crimson8
Ohio State Buckeyes8
Oklahoma Sooners7
Minnesota Golden Gophers6

Highest Win Percentage in College Football

As of January 2025, Ohio State hold the honors for the highest win percentage in college football with 73.5%. Whereas Michigan and Alabama are placed second with 73.3%. In the third position we have the University of Alabama, also with a winning percentage of 73.3%, tied with Michigan. This information shows the continued success and competitiveness of these valuable football groups.

Here is the list of top 10 football teams with highest win percentage as of January 2025:

TeamWin Percentage
Ohio State73.5%
Michigan73.3%
Alabama73.3%
Notre Dame73.2%
Oklahoma72.3%
St John's72.3%
Linfield70.5%
Texas70.4%
Wisconsin–Whitewater70.3%
Yale69.8%
USC 69.4%
Penn State69.1%

FAQs on Who won the most national championships in college football?

A. The University of Alabama won 16 National Championships in college football. 

A. The most recent college football playoff championship was won by the Michigan Wolverines football team in the 2023 season.

A. The Southeastern Conference (SEC) holds the record for the most national championship wins by a conference in college football.

A: The University of Notre Dame has won a total of 13 national championships in college football.

A. Michigan won 10 National Championships in college football.

Related Stories

Shedeur Sanders drops a 5-word comment showcasing mentality ahead of the 2025 NFL draft Shedeur Sanders drops a 5-word comment showcasing mentality ahead of the 2025 NFL draft
Shedeur Sanders drops a 5-word comment showcasing mentality ahead of the 2025 NFL draft
Pic: USC HC Lincoln Riley shares a heartwarming snap with family in coordinated outfits on Easter Pic: USC HC Lincoln Riley shares a heartwarming snap with family in coordinated outfits on Easter
Pic: USC HC Lincoln Riley shares a heartwarming snap with family in coordinated outfits on Easter
"Let's have fun, Patriots": Adam Rank names exciting fit for Travis Hunter in 2025 NFL draft "Let's have fun, Patriots": Adam Rank names exciting fit for Travis Hunter in 2025 NFL draft
"Let's have fun, Patriots": Adam Rank names exciting fit for Travis Hunter in 2025 NFL draft
Coach Prime recalls how Shedeur Sanders and siblings grew up surrounded by unwanted opinions Coach Prime recalls how Shedeur Sanders and siblings grew up surrounded by unwanted opinions
Coach Prime recalls how Shedeur Sanders and siblings grew up surrounded by unwanted opinions
21h
“When I die I’ll be Sooner dead!!": Oklahoma DL David Stone announces decision to withdraw from the transfer portal with a bold statement “When I die I’ll be Sooner dead!!": Oklahoma DL David Stone announces decision to withdraw from the transfer portal with a bold statement
“When I die I’ll be Sooner dead!!": Oklahoma DL David Stone announces decision to withdraw from the transfer portal with a bold statement
'Iceman' Quinn Ewers reveals how he stays rock solid in clutch moments, shares Alabama takedown story 'Iceman' Quinn Ewers reveals how he stays rock solid in clutch moments, shares Alabama takedown story
'Iceman' Quinn Ewers reveals how he stays rock solid in clutch moments, shares Alabama takedown story
20h
Deion Sanders’ Colorado makes grand strides in the transfer portal with commitment from Auburn’s safety Terrance Love Deion Sanders’ Colorado makes grand strides in the transfer portal with commitment from Auburn’s safety Terrance Love
Deion Sanders’ Colorado makes grand strides in the transfer portal with commitment from Auburn’s safety Terrance Love
“Who is he appeasing”: Former Browns QB bluntly questions Coach Prime after his decision to retire Colorado stars’ jersey “Who is he appeasing”: Former Browns QB bluntly questions Coach Prime after his decision to retire Colorado stars’ jersey
“Who is he appeasing”: Former Browns QB bluntly questions Coach Prime after his decision to retire Colorado stars’ jersey
1d
Colorado 2025 camp schedule released: All dates, formats, clinic details and more Colorado 2025 camp schedule released: All dates, formats, clinic details and more
Colorado 2025 camp schedule released: All dates, formats, clinic details and more
Carson Beck injury report: Mario Cristobal gives the latest update on Miami’s $4M QB ahead of 2025 season Carson Beck injury report: Mario Cristobal gives the latest update on Miami’s $4M QB ahead of 2025 season
Carson Beck injury report: Mario Cristobal gives the latest update on Miami’s $4M QB ahead of 2025 season
1d
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
More
More
bell-icon Manage notifications