The 10 best individual performances in CFP history showcase remarkable talent and unforgettable moments. The 2024 college football season was particularly noteworthy, marking the inaugural year of the expanded 12-team playoff format.
Ohio State emerged as the champion, defeating Notre Dame 34-23 in a thrilling championship clash. The standout player was true freshman Jeremiah Smith, whose game-changing plays propelled the Buckeyes through crucial moments, proving his mettle on the big stage.
However, Smith was not the only athlete who made waves during this year’s College Football Playoff (CFP).
Arizona State’s running back, Cam Skattebo, nearly orchestrated one of the most significant upsets in CFP history, pushing Texas to double overtime in a 39-31 thriller. This performance invites reflection on how these individual feats rank among the greatest in CFP history. FOX Sports conducted research to identify the top 10 performances, highlighting the extraordinary displays of talent since the tournament’s inception in 2014.
Let’s explore the highlights:
Stats: 30 carries, 143 yards, two rushing touchdowns; eight receptions, 99 yards; 42-yard passing touchdown
Skattebo’s versatility was key for Arizona State’s offensive strategy, as he took on multiple roles to keep his team competitive.
With ASU down 24-8 in the fourth quarter and facing a critical fourth-and-2, Skattebo executed a pitch and successfully threw a 42-yard touchdown pass to Malik McClain. This pivotal moment sparked a comeback that included another rushing touchdown by Skattebo in both regulation and overtime.
Stats: 7 receptions, 187 yards, two touchdowns
In just his first year, Jeremiah Smith has already established himself as a standout wide receiver. He shattered Big Ten records with 1,315 receiving yards and 15 touchdown receptions, playing a pivotal role in Ohio State’s national championship victory. While his long reception against Notre Dame solidified the title, his most impressive postseason performance occurred in the Rose Bowl.
Stats: 12 receptions, 215 yards, three touchdowns
The Heisman Trophy winner set records during the title game with 12 receptions and three touchdown catches, accomplishing this feat in just one half. His most notable reception came in the second quarter, where he caught a 42-yard pass from Mac Jones, giving Alabama a 35-17 lead at halftime.
Despite suffering a finger injury that limited his play in the second half, Smith had already solidified his place in college football history with an outstanding season.
Stats: 22 of 28, 385 yards, six touchdowns, one interception; 42 rushing yards
Justin Fields faced adversity during a game against Clemson, suffering a hard hit that briefly sidelined him. Despite this, he returned to the field and threw a touchdown pass to Chris Olave shortly after. His most impressive moment came when he connected with Olave for a 56-yard touchdown, helping Ohio State secure a 49-28 victory and a spot in the national title game.
6. Joe Burrow vs. Clemson (2020 National Championship Game)
Stats: 31 of 49, 463 yards, five touchdowns; 58 rushing yards, one rushing touchdown
Burrow’s eight-touchdown performance in a semifinal was hard to surpass, yet he nearly matched it in the national championship game. Overcoming an early 10-point deficit against the defending champions, Burrow led three consecutive touchdown drives in the second quarter, culminating in a 29-yard touchdown run that pushed LSU ahead.
He capped off the game with two more touchdown passes, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks in college football history.
Stats: 29 of 39, 493 yards, seven touchdowns; 21 rushing yards, one rushing touchdown
In his first game after winning the Heisman Trophy, Burrow delivered a passing clinic against Oklahoma. LSU scored touchdowns on eight of its first nine possessions, with Burrow throwing for seven touchdowns and rushing for one. At halftime, he had already achieved seven touchdown passes with just six incompletions, leading LSU to a 49-14 advantage.
Burrow still holds several CFP records, including first-half passing yards and touchdown passes, solidifying his status in college football history.
Stats: 20 of 32, 347 yards, three touchdowns; 27 rushing yards
Trevor Lawrence demonstrated remarkable composure in the national championship against Alabama, a team featuring eight future NFL Draft picks. He led five consecutive scoring drives and threw three touchdowns, effectively sealing the game by the third quarter. His 74-yard touchdown pass to Justyn Ross stands as one of the longest in CFP history.
Clemson’s 44-16 victory marked a significant milestone, representing Nick Saban’s largest margin of defeat in his illustrious coaching career.
Stats: 14 of 24, 166 yards, three touchdowns, one interception; 27 rushing yards
In a dramatic overtime scenario, Tua Tagovailoa faced pressure after Georgia kicked a field goal. After taking a sack on the first play, he quickly redeemed himself by connecting with DeVonta Smith for a 41-yard touchdown pass that clinched the title for Alabama.
2. Deshaun Watson vs. Alabama (2017 National Championship Game)
Stats: 36 of 56, 420 yards, three touchdowns; 43 rushing yards, one rushing touchdown
Deshaun Watson’s 405-yard performance against Alabama the previous year fell short of victory, prompting him to elevate his game for a rematch. Facing a formidable defense with ten future NFL players, Watson quickly adapted to the challenge, leading the Tigers from a 14-0 deficit.
In a dramatic finish, Watson orchestrated a 68-yard drive, completing six of seven passes, culminating in a game-winning touchdown to Hunter Renfrow with just one second remaining.
Stats: 36 carries, 246 yards, four touchdowns
Ezekiel Elliott’s performance in the 2015 Sugar Bowl against Alabama was nothing short of extraordinary, rushing for 230 yards and scoring an 85-yard touchdown that led Ohio State to the national title game. He outdid himself in the championship against Oregon, rushing for 148 yards and three touchdowns in the second half alone, setting the record for most rushing yards in a half in the four-team CFP era.
Elliott’s four rushing touchdowns remain the most in a CFP national title game, solidifying his legacy as one of Ohio State’s all-time great running backs.
