IF NOT BUCKEYE, THEN WHO ELSE?: The Ohio State football team’s designation by ESPN as the best college football team of all time has caused controversy. Prominent universities such as Alabama, Georgia, Notre Dame, and Texas blasted and denounced this announcement, which they said was biased and the result of a calculated attempt to devalue others.

In the world of college football, debates over the greatest team of all time are as perennial as the sport itself. Fans, analysts, and institutions alike hold deep-seated loyalties and convictions about which program reigns supreme in the pantheon of gridiron glory. Recently, ESPN’s bold declaration naming The Ohio State University’s football team as the best college football team of all time ignited a firestorm of controversy, sparking fierce pushback from some of the sport’s most storied programs. Alabama, Georgia, Notre Dame, and Texas—universities with rich histories, passionate fanbases, and multiple national championships—did not take kindly to what they perceived as a biased proclamation designed to diminish their own legacies.

This controversy raises important questions: What criteria should determine the “best” college football team of all time? Is ESPN’s decision justified, or is it a calculated attempt to elevate one powerhouse at the expense of others? And ultimately, if not the Buckeyes, then who else truly deserves the crown?

The genesis of ESPN’s announcement rests on a comprehensive evaluation of Ohio State’s sustained excellence. The Buckeyes, a cornerstone of college football since the early 20th century, boast a remarkable record: multiple national championships, Heisman Trophy winners, NFL legends, and consistent appearances in major bowl games and College Football Playoff (CFP) berths. ESPN’s panel highlighted Ohio State’s impressive 2014 CFP National Championship win, their dominant defenses under coaches like Woody Hayes and Urban Meyer, and a rich tradition that extends from Archie Griffin’s unprecedented two Heisman wins to modern stars like Ezekiel Elliott and Chase Young.

ESPN justified the designation by pointing to Ohio State’s ability to adapt and thrive across different eras of college football, maintaining a balance of offensive firepower and defensive rigor, all while producing professional-level talent year after year. Furthermore, the Buckeyes’ sustained fan engagement, massive attendance figures, and cultural impact within the sport were cited as reasons for their top ranking.

From ESPN’s perspective, this wasn’t just about tallying championships or counting Heisman trophies; it was about overall influence, dominance across eras, and the ability to cultivate winning teams consistently on college football’s biggest stages.

Despite ESPN’s detailed rationale, the reaction from other college football titans was swift and unambiguous: the Buckeyes were not the uncontested kings of the sport.

Few programs embody college football dominance like the University of Alabama. Under legendary coach Bear Bryant and current head coach Nick Saban, Alabama has won a combined total of 18 national championships—more than any other team. The Crimson Tide’s fans and officials condemned ESPN’s choice as myopic, arguing that the Tide’s dynasty spans multiple decades and includes some of the most dominant teams ever assembled, particularly in the Saban era.

Alabama’s rebuttal emphasized the number of titles, the consistent presence in playoff semifinals, and a legacy of producing NFL talent at an unparalleled rate. For the Tide faithful, ESPN’s ranking overlooked these metrics and favored narrative over pure dominance.

The University of Georgia, another powerhouse rising to prominence, especially with their 2021 national championship victory, voiced strong objections. Georgia pointed to their recent ascension as a dominant force in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), arguably the toughest conference in college football, and their ability to crush perennial favorites like Alabama en route to national glory.

Georgia’s response highlighted the difficulty of consistently winning in the modern era, the strength of their schedule, and a historic tradition that spans over a century. They argued that ESPN’s analysis failed to weigh the challenges of contemporary college football competition appropriately.

Notre Dame’s reaction was rooted in history. As one of the oldest and most decorated programs in college football, Notre Dame holds 11 consensus national championships and a tradition steeped in iconic moments and players. Their alumni and fans accused ESPN of a “revisionist history” that minimized Notre Dame’s cultural impact and pioneering role in shaping college football’s national popularity.

The Fighting Irish emphasized their unique independent status and the national scope of their success, arguing that greatness can’t be measured solely by recent performances or conference strength but must incorporate the broader context of college football’s evolution.

The University of Texas, another football heavyweight with four recognized national championships and a long line of legendary players and coaches, also criticized ESPN’s decision. Texas highlighted their historic dominance in the Southwest and their ability to shape college football’s identity in key periods, including the Vince Young-led 2005 national title run.

Texas representatives argued that ESPN’s pick showed a bias toward teams with recent success or strong media presence, sidelining programs with deep roots and fanbases that span generations.

Central to the controversy is the question: what constitutes the “best” college football team of all time? Different programs clearly prioritize different benchmarks, and ESPN’s criteria may not align with every fan’s or institution’s perspective.

Championships and Winning Percentage:
Most objective evaluations focus on national championships and win-loss records. Alabama leads with 18 titles; Notre Dame and Ohio State both claim 11. However, titles are sometimes disputed or counted differently by various organizations, leading to debates over legitimacy.

Era and Competition:
Some argue that greatness should be weighted by the strength of the competition during a team’s peak. Georgia and Alabama point to the modern SEC’s brutal competitiveness, while Ohio State supporters highlight the Buckeyes’ ability to adapt across decades.

Player Development and Impact:
Producing NFL talent and Heisman winners also weighs heavily. Ohio State, Alabama, and Notre Dame all have storied pipelines to the pros.

Cultural and Fan Impact:
Programs like Notre Dame have influenced college football’s popularity nationwide, while Ohio State’s massive fanbase and stadium traditions create an electric atmosphere that ESPN cited.

Ultimately, ESPN’s choice reflects a holistic approach that balances championships, player impact, cultural significance, and modern success. Ohio State’s combination of historical excellence and recent achievements makes a compelling case.

Yet, no single metric can capture the entirety of “greatness” in a sport as complex and storied as college football. ESPN’s announcement is inevitably subjective, and the backlash from Alabama, Georgia, Notre Dame, and Texas demonstrates the passionate rivalry and pride that fuel the sport’s enduring appeal.

If one rejects Ohio State’s claim, several alternatives emerge:

• Alabama: With the most national titles and a modern dynasty under Nick Saban, Alabama arguably represents the gold standard of sustained excellence.
• Notre Dame: The pioneer of college football’s national appeal, with an unmatched historical legacy and a reputation for classic football.
• Michigan: Often overlooked, Michigan has the most all-time wins in college football history and a rich tradition.
• USC: The Trojans dominated the mid-2000s with multiple Heisman winners and national titles.
• Texas: Especially in the early 2000s, Texas showcased elite dominance with legendary players and a national title.

Each of these programs offers a compelling argument depending on the weighting of criteria like championships, era, competition, and cultural impact.

ESPN’s designation of Ohio State as the best college football team of all time has rekindled a timeless debate that transcends statistics and trophies. It touches on identity, tradition, and the subjective nature of greatness itself. The backlash from Alabama, Georgia, Notre Dame, and Texas underscores the deep passions that college football inspires and the pride each program holds in its legacy.

In the end, perhaps the true beauty of college football lies not in definitive rankings but in the rich tapestry of stories, rivalries, and memories created by these historic programs. Whether you cheer for the Buckeyes, the Crimson Tide, the Dawgs, the Fighting Irish, or the Longhorns, the debate over “who’s best” will continue to fuel the sport’s fervor for generations to come.