The 2000s have delivered some truly special national championship games, along with major changes to how the title is decided. The era began with the BCS system, saw its final game played in the 2013 season, and then transitioned to the four-team College Football Playoff. In 2024, the sport took another massive step forward with the move to a 12-team playoff.

For this list, we are ranking only national championship games, not playoff semifinals or other bowl games. A separate ranking of the best bowl games overall will follow.

1. Texas vs USC, 2006 Rose Bowl

This iconic matchup featured two undefeated teams and two legendary quarterbacks in Vince Young and Matt Leinart. The game was a back-and-forth classic, with the teams combining for over 1,100 total yards and 60 first downs. Young was unstoppable, totaling 467 yards, including 200 rushing and three touchdowns. After USC took a 38-26 lead with six minutes remaining, Texas stormed back. Vince Young’s legendary fourth-down touchdown run sealed a 41-38 victory and delivered one of the most unforgettable finishes in college football history.

2. Clemson vs Alabama, 2017 CFP National Championship

Often cited as the best title game of the four-team playoff era, this rematch delivered drama from start to finish. Alabama jumped out to a 14-0 lead behind Bo Scarbrough, but Deshaun Watson and Clemson answered. After Jalen Hurts put Alabama back in front late, Watson led a final drive and found Hunter Renfrow for the game-winning touchdown in the final seconds. Clemson claimed its second national title and first since 1981.

3. Florida State vs Auburn, 2014 BCS National Championship

The final BCS title game went out in style. Auburn led 21-10 at halftime, but Florida State slowly clawed back. After Auburn regained the lead late, Levonte Whitfield returned the ensuing kickoff 100 yards to swing momentum. With just over a minute left, Jameis Winston drove the Seminoles down the field and hit Kelvin Benjamin for the game-winning touchdown with 13 seconds remaining, sealing a 34-31 victory.

4. Florida vs Oklahoma, 2009 BCS National Championship

This matchup featured Heisman winners at quarterback in Tim Tebow and Sam Bradford. While both quarterbacks posted similar stat lines, Florida’s physical rushing attack and defense proved to be the difference. Led by Tebow and Percy Harvin, the Gators outrushed Oklahoma by 141 yards and pulled away late to secure the national title.

5. Alabama vs Georgia, 2018 CFP National Championship

This game launched the Tua Tagovailoa era. Georgia led 13-0 at halftime, prompting Nick Saban to bench Jalen Hurts in favor of the freshman quarterback. Alabama rallied to force overtime after a missed potential game-winning field goal in regulation. After Georgia opened overtime with a field goal, Tagovailoa rebounded from a sack on first down and delivered a walk-off 41-yard touchdown pass to DeVonta Smith, ending one of the most dramatic championship games ever.

If this was your kind of read, you’ll like what’s next. Get The Sandman Ticket, our free, weekly newsletter with picks, insights, and a little bit of everything we love about sports.