The top 10 College Football Playoff games of all time showcase the thrilling evolution of college football.
Before the College Football Playoff (CFP), only two teams competed for the championship. In 2014, the format expanded to four teams, and now, in 2025, it features 12 teams battling for the title.
Since its inception, teams like Alabama, LSU, Georgia, Clemson, and Ohio State have produced memorable performances. However, many of these games ended in decisive victories, leaving fans yearning for more competitive matchups.
This article highlights the most exciting CFP games, featuring unforgettable moments and future NFL stars.
Here are the top 10 College Football Playoff games of all time:
10. 2014 semifinal: No. 4 Ohio State 42, No. 1 Alabama 35
Quarterback Cardale Jones led the Buckeyes on an unexpected title run after starter J.T. Barrett’s injury. Ohio State fell behind 21-6 early but rallied to outscore Alabama 36-14, showcasing resilience.
Future NFL star Ezekiel Elliott fueled the offense with 230 rushing yards and two touchdowns, countering Alabama’s Amari Cooper, who had nine catches for 71 yards and two touchdowns.
The turning point came when Ohio State scored 28 unanswered points, flipping a 21-6 deficit into a commanding 34-21 lead they would not relinquish.
9. 2015 Championship: No. 2 Alabama 45, No. 1 Clemson 40
This championship game is often regarded as the greatest in CFP history, with a record 85 combined points. The two teams amassed 740 total yards of offense, surpassing 700 for the first time in a title game.
The fourth quarter was a scoring frenzy, with 40 points scored by both teams, contrasting sharply with the 45 points in the first three quarters combined.
Clemson’s Deshaun Watson threw for 405 yards and four touchdowns but could not outpace Derrick Henry’s 158 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
8. 2023 semifinal: No. 1 Michigan 27, No. 4 Alabama 20 (OT)
In a thrilling overtime game, Michigan and Alabama delivered an intense performance, marking the first overtime game in CFP history since 2018.
After Alabama scored first, Michigan outscored the Tide 27-13 for the rest of the game. The pivotal moment came when quarterback J.J. McCarthy connected with Roman Wilson for a touchdown, tying the game at 20-20 with just 1:34 left.
In overtime, Michigan’s Blake Corum scored, setting up a dramatic final play where Alabama’s Jalen Milroe was stopped short, granting Michigan its first CFP title game berth.
7. 2023 semifinal: No. 2 Washington 37, No. 3 Texas 31
This semifinal featured an unexpected showdown between Washington and Texas, resulting in an exhilarating game with 68 combined points and 1,030 total yards, ranking fourth in CFP history.
The teams entered halftime tied at 21-21, but Washington surged in the second half, scoring the first 13 points and securing their place in the title game.
Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. shined with 430 passing yards and two touchdowns, including the decisive 19-yard touchdown pass that sealed the game.
6. 2022 semifinal: No. 3 TCU 51, No. 2 Michigan 45
This game became one of the most thrilling encounters in recent years, with 69 points scored in the second half alone and a total of 96 points, the second-highest in CFP history.
Turnovers played a significant role, with six turnovers recorded during the game, the second-most in a CFP matchup.
Despite Michigan’s efforts to close the gap, TCU’s early 14-0 lead proved to be decisive.
5. 2024 quarterfinal: No. 5 Texas 39, No. 4 Arizona State 31 (2OT)
The latest game on the list featured a captivating story of resilience. Arizona State trailed 17-3 at halftime but rallied in the second half, particularly in the fourth quarter.
After Texas took a 24-8 lead, Arizona State scored two quick touchdowns, tying the game at 24-24 with just 1:31 left.
Both teams exchanged scores in the first overtime, but Arizona State fell short in the second. Despite the loss, running back Cam Skattebo gained 143 yards and scored three touchdowns, making a name for himself.
4. 2022 semifinal: No. 1 Georgia 42, No. 4 Ohio State 41
Georgia entered the fourth quarter trailing 38-24 but staged a thrilling comeback led by quarterback Stetson Bennett.
Bennett’s touchdown pass to Adonai Mitchell with just 54 seconds remaining clinched the game for the Bulldogs after Ohio State’s kicker missed a 50-yard field goal as time expired.
This narrow victory sent Georgia to the title game, where they ultimately claimed their fifth CFP title.
3. 2017 semifinal: No. 3 Georgia 54, No. 2 Oklahoma 48 (2OT)
This semifinal marked the only game in CFP history where both teams combined to score over 100 points, featuring star players like Baker Mayfield and Sony Michel.
Mayfield threw for 287 yards and two touchdowns, while Michel rushed for 181 yards and three touchdowns, leading Georgia to a thrilling double-overtime victory.
The game concluded with Michel’s 27-yard rushing touchdown, solidifying its place in CFP history.
2. 2016 Championship: No. 2 Clemson 35, No. 1 Alabama 31
Clemson’s Deshaun Watson led his team to a comeback victory, avenging their previous championship loss to Alabama. The Tide held a 24-14 lead entering the fourth quarter, but the Tigers surged ahead.
Watson’s final touchdown pass to Hunter Renfrow with just one second left secured Clemson’s victory, marking a significant moment in CFP history.
1. 2017 Championship: No. 4 Alabama 26, No. 3 Georgia 23 (OT)
The 2017 championship game is remembered for Nick Saban’s bold decision to bench Jalen Hurts at halftime, bringing in Tua Tagovailoa. This move revitalized Alabama’s offense.
Tagovailoa’s touchdown pass to DeVonta Smith in overtime completed the comeback, securing a thrilling victory for Alabama and etching this game into CFP lore.
Honorable mentions:
- 2014 championship: No. 4 Ohio State 42, No. 2 Oregon 20
- 2019 semifinal: No. 3 Clemson 29, No. 2 Ohio State 23
- 2020 semifinal: No. 3 Ohio State 49, No. 2 Clemson 28
- 2019 championship: No. 1 LSU 42, No. 3 Clemson 25
- 2024 semifinal: No. 7 Notre Dame 27, No. 6 Penn State 24
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