The Alabama Crimson Tide has been a powerhouse in college football for years. ESPN’s Bill Connelly recently added another layer to their legacy with a ranking of all 63 College Football Playoff teams.
His analysis really puts Alabama’s consistent excellence in the spotlight. Even with a few bumps lately, the Crimson Tide is still the *Playoff King*—no real debate there.
This post takes a look at Connelly’s rankings and Alabama’s history in the Playoff era. What does it all mean for the future of college football? That’s a question worth asking.
Alabama’s Historical Dominance in College Football Playoffs
Alabama’s impact in the College Football Playoff (CFP) era is tough to argue with. Connelly’s rankings show Alabama landing six spots in the all-time Top 20 Playoff teams.
That’s a wild stat, and it speaks to the program’s run under Coach Nick Saban. The guy just keeps the wins coming.
Top Alabama Teams in CFP History
According to Connelly, the 2020 Alabama team sits at No. 1 all time. That squad, led by Saban, steamrolled Ohio State 52-24 in the championship game.
Connelly calls them the *best team from the best coach with the best dynasty of the 21st century*. Not sure many would argue with that.
- 2017 Alabama – Ranked No. 7
- 2018 Alabama – Ranked No. 8
- 2015 Alabama – Ranked No. 12
- 2016 Alabama – Ranked No. 15
- 2021 Alabama – Ranked No. 17
Six teams in the Top 20—it’s hard to overstate how rare that is.
Comparative Analysis with Other Top Programs
Alabama stands out, but Connelly’s list also highlights other heavyweights. Ohio State gets four teams in the Top 20: 2024, 2014, 2019, and 2020.
Clemson matches that with four as well—2018, 2016, 2019, and 2015. It’s a short list, but these programs have been right there in the mix.
Other Notable Teams in the Top 20
Georgia’s recent run is pretty clear in the rankings. Their 2022, 2021, and 2017 teams all land in the Top 20.
LSU’s 2019 squad, Michigan’s 2023 team, and—surprisingly—Indiana’s 2025 team fill out the rest. Alabama’s six teams, though, really drive home just how steady they’ve been.
The Future of Alabama Football
Even with a few recent hiccups, Alabama’s future looks promising. The 2025 team is way down at No. 58 on Connelly’s list, but honestly, things can change fast in college football.
Recruiting and player development are still strengths. There’s no reason to think the Crimson Tide won’t be in the hunt again soon.
Key Factors for Continued Success
What keeps Alabama rolling? A few things come to mind:
- Recruiting – They keep landing top high school talent, year after year.
- Coaching – Nick Saban is still the gold standard when it comes to developing players.
- Facilities – Players have access to some of the best resources in the country.
- Culture – High expectations and a winning mindset seem baked into the program.
Conclusion
Alabama’s legacy as the Playoff King is pretty much set in stone. Their steady performance and string of top-ranked teams have become the standard everyone else chases.
ESPN’s Bill Connelly put together rankings that really show off just how dominant the program’s been. The Crimson Tide’s success in the CFP era? It’s tough to argue with the numbers.
Sure, other programs have had flashes of brilliance. But Alabama keeps churning out top-tier teams year after year, and that just puts them in a different league.
Looking ahead, it’s hard to imagine Alabama fading away anytime soon. With deep roots in recruiting, sharp coaching, top-notch facilities, and a culture that refuses to settle, they’re not going anywhere.
If you’re curious about the details or want to dig into Connelly’s full rankings, check out the article over at Bama Hammer. It’s worth a read, honestly.
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