How heavy is the national championship trophy?

Last Modified Jan 11, 2025 17:41 GMT
2024 CFP National Championship - Michigan v Washington
National Championship Trophy. Source: Getty Images

The College Football National Championship is the season's biggest game for NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) teams. The college football season culminates with the National Championship which determines the winner and the top team of that season.

To reach the championship, teams must navigate a challenging path through the regular season, conference championships, and the College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinals. The top four teams, chosen by the College Football Playoff Selection Committee, compete for the chance to play in the title game. This playoff format, introduced in 2014, replaced the old Bowl Championship Series (BCS) system. The winner of the final championship game receives the Championship Trophy.

College Football National Championship Trophy weight

The College Football Playoff National Championship Trophy weighs 65 pounds (29.4 kg). It stands 26.5 inches (67 cm) tall and is designed to resemble a football, tapering to a flattened full-size football at the top.

The College Football Playoff National Championship Trophy is awarded to the winner of the College Football Playoff (CFP), the postseason tournament that determines the national champion of the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). The trophy was first awarded in 2014 and is crafted from 24-karat gold, bronze, and stainless steel. The football at the top of the trophy has four laces, representing the four teams competing in the playoffs. The trophy is separate from its 12-inch-tall bronze base, which weighs 30 pounds (13.61 kg). This allows the trophy to be hoisted independently. The base is finished in black patina and is sponsored by Dr. Pepper.

College Football National Championship Trophy Winners

The Ohio State Buckeyes won the first College Football Playoff National Championship Trophy in 2014, defeating the Oregon Ducks 42-20. This historic game, held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, marked the inaugural championship under the new College Football Playoff system.

Ohio State's victory was led by coach Urban Meyer and a standout performance from running back Ezekiel Elliott, who rushed for 246 yards and four touchdowns. Since 2014, the trophy has been awarded annually. As of 2023, Alabama has won the most championship trophies, with three titles in the years 2015, 2017, and 2020. Clemson follows with two championships.

SeasonWinnerChampionship gameGame location
2014Ohio StateOhio State 42, Oregon 20AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
2015AlabamaAlabama 45, Clemson 40University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona
2016ClemsonClemson 35, Alabama 31Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
2017AlabamaAlabama 26, Georgia 23Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
2018ClemsonClemson 44, Alabama 16Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California
2019LSULSU 42, Clemson 25Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
2020AlabamaAlabama 52, Ohio State 24Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
2021GeorgiaGeorgia 33, Alabama 18Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana
2022GeorgiaGeorgia 65, TCU 7SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
2023MichiganMichigan 34, Washington 13NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas

FAQs on CFB national championship

A. The College Football Playoff system started in 2014, replacing the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) format.

A. Four teams compete in the College Football Playoff semifinals to earn a spot in the championship game.

A. The champion is decided by the winner of the final game between the two semifinal winners.

A. The trophy stands 26.5 inches (67 cm) tall.

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