college football playoff bracket by year

3 min read 22-11-2024

college football playoff bracket by year

The College Football Playoff Bracket: A Year-by-Year Retrospective

The College Football Playoff (CFP) has revolutionized the way college football culminates, replacing the often-controversial BCS system. Since its inception in 2014, the four-team playoff has delivered thrilling matchups and dramatic finishes, but also its share of debate and controversy. This article provides a year-by-year look at the CFP brackets, highlighting key moments and discussing the lasting impact of each season.

2014: The Inaugural Season

The Teams: No. 1 Alabama, No. 2 Oregon, No. 3 Florida State, No. 4 Ohio State
Key Moments: Ohio State's improbable run, culminating in a dramatic win over Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship Game, secured their spot. Alabama ultimately triumphed over Oregon in a high-scoring affair.
Impact: The inaugural season proved the viability of the CFP, showcasing the excitement of a multi-team playoff. Ohio State's late surge demonstrated the inherent drama and uncertainty built into the system.

2015: Clemson's Rise

The Teams: No. 1 Clemson, No. 2 Alabama, No. 3 Oklahoma, No. 4 Iowa
Key Moments: Clemson's dominant performance throughout the season, culminating in a victory over Alabama in a thrilling National Championship game. This game marked the beginning of Clemson’s era of dominance.
Impact: Clemson's victory showed the potential for non-traditional powerhouses to compete for and win the national championship.

2016: Alabama's Dominance

The Teams: No. 1 Alabama, No. 2 Clemson, No. 3 Ohio State, No. 4 Washington
Key Moments: Alabama's revenge victory over Clemson in the National Championship Game, securing their second title in three years.
Impact: This season reaffirmed Alabama's position as a college football powerhouse, showcasing their consistent ability to recruit and develop top-tier talent.

2017: Georgia's Near Miss

The Teams: No. 1 Clemson, No. 2 Alabama, No. 3 Notre Dame, No. 4 Oklahoma
Key Moments: Clemson’s narrow escape against Alabama in a rematch of the previous year’s championship, ultimately culminating in a victory. Georgia's strong season, ending just short of the playoff, highlighted the competitiveness of the SEC.
Impact: The close games underscored the playoff's intense competition and the slim margins of victory at the highest level.

2018: Alabama's Return

The Teams: No. 1 Clemson, No. 2 Alabama, No. 3 Notre Dame, No. 4 Michigan
Key Moments: Alabama's defeat of Clemson in the National Championship game for their fifth title under Nick Saban, extending their dynasty.
Impact: The season highlighted the continued dominance of Alabama and Clemson, solidifying their status as the top programs in the country.

2019: LSU's Unforgettable Season

The Teams: No. 1 LSU, No. 2 Ohio State, No. 3 Clemson, No. 4 Oklahoma
Key Moments: LSU's dominant performance throughout the season, culminating in a victory over Clemson in the National Championship game, led by the incredible play of Joe Burrow.
Impact: LSU's championship win demonstrated the potential for teams outside of the traditional powerhouses to achieve national prominence. It also highlighted the importance of having a dynamic quarterback.

2020: A Season Unlike Any Other

The Teams: No. 1 Alabama, No. 2 Clemson, No. 3 Ohio State, No. 4 Notre Dame
Key Moments: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the season, altering schedules and creating unprecedented challenges. Alabama's victory over Ohio State in the National Championship.
Impact: The 2020 season showed the resilience of college football in the face of adversity.

2021: Georgia's Breakthrough

The Teams: No. 1 Georgia, No. 2 Alabama, No. 3 Cincinnati, No. 4 Michigan
Key Moments: Georgia's dominant season, highlighted by a victory over Alabama in the National Championship game, ending Alabama's reign. Cincinnati's appearance marked the first time a Group of Five team made the playoff.
Impact: Georgia's victory signified a shift in the college football landscape, demonstrating the growing strength of the SEC.

2022: Georgia's Dynasty Begins?

The Teams: No. 1 Georgia, No. 2 Michigan, No. 3 TCU, No. 4 Ohio State
Key Moments: Georgia's repeat championship win over TCU further cemented their place as a dominant force in college football.
Impact: Georgia's back-to-back championships marked a new era of dominance, similar to Alabama's run a decade earlier.

Looking Ahead

The College Football Playoff continues to evolve, with ongoing discussions about expansion. Regardless of future changes, the first nine years have provided countless memorable moments and shaped the landscape of college football. Each season has offered unique storylines, exciting matchups, and cemented the CFP's place as a thrilling conclusion to the college football season.