College football has never been short on heated debates, from arguments over the best players to the most intense rivalries. However, ESPN’s recent declaration naming Ohio State as the “powerhouse and the greatest college football team of all time” has ignited a full-blown firestorm across the sport. The network’s assertion did more than crown the Buckeyes; it sent shockwaves through the elite ranks of college football. Programs like Alabama, Georgia, Notre Dame, and Texas didn’t just disagree — they condemned the statement, accusing ESPN of blatant bias and a deliberate agenda to diminish their own legendary legacies.
As the dust settles on this controversy, one question echoes louder than any other: If not Buckeye, then who else?
The ESPN Declaration: A Bombshell That Shook the Sport
The debate began when ESPN released a feature segment during its College Football Countdown, titled “The Crown Jewel: Why Ohio State Is the GOAT of College Football.” The special leaned on the Buckeyes’ consistent presence in national championship contention, their top-three all-time wins total, and their reputation for producing NFL talent. Notably, it emphasized the Buckeyes’ near-unbroken streak of excellence since the 1950s, including eight claimed national championships, over 950 wins, and a Heisman Trophy legacy boasting names like Archie Griffin — the only two-time winner.
However, it wasn’t just the accolades that raised eyebrows — it was ESPN’s definitive tone. “No team has done more, for longer, with fewer setbacks, than Ohio State. They are the greatest college football team of all time, full stop,” said analyst Brent Lawson.
That “full stop” became a lightning rod for controversy.
Alabama Fires Back: “Put Respect on the Dynasty”
Perhaps the loudest outcry came from Alabama, where fans, alumni, and media personalities quickly mobilized to push back. Former Crimson Tide linebacker and ESPN contributor Roman Harper took to social media, writing:
“Ohio State is great, but calling them the GOAT is revisionist history. Alabama changed the game under Bear Bryant and reinvented it under Nick Saban. Let’s not forget, we won six titles in 13 years under Saban.”
From Bryant’s Junction Boys to Saban’s modern machine, Alabama has been synonymous with dominance. The Tide boast 18 claimed national championships, more than 75 bowl appearances, and over 380 weeks ranked in the AP Top 5 — not to mention multiple No. 1 NFL Draft picks.
Tide nation questioned why ESPN seemed to dismiss the greatest dynasty of the 21st century, where Alabama routinely turned five-star recruits into champions and sent waves of talent to the NFL. Their argument: Recent dominance matters too.
Georgia Joins the Fray: “We’re Building Something Historic”
While not as historically loaded as Alabama, Georgia’s current run under Kirby Smart can’t be ignored. The Bulldogs won back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022, and have been in the College Football Playoff hunt every year since. Their defense is often cited as one of the most suffocating of the modern era.
Georgia Athletic Director Josh Brooks didn’t mince words when responding to ESPN’s feature.
“We respect Ohio State, but we reject the notion that greatness is limited to one program. Our program is proving you don’t need a century of buildup to dominate college football.”
Georgia fans argue that ESPN’s ranking overvalues longevity and undervalues the strength of schedule, conference dominance, and the modern-day SEC — widely regarded as the toughest conference in college football. Georgia has thrived in the current era, beating top-ranked opponents year in and year out.
Notre Dame: “We Built This Sport”
Few programs have the rich history and national prestige of Notre Dame. With 11 national championships, seven Heisman Trophy winners, and a legacy of icons like Knute Rockne, the Fighting Irish believe their role in shaping college football has been unjustly ignored.
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman didn’t hesitate to defend his program’s place in history.
“Our tradition is woven into the DNA of this sport. From ‘The Four Horsemen’ to Rudy to today’s NFL talent pipeline, Notre Dame stands as a pillar of college football.”
Notre Dame’s grievance centers on cultural impact, academic prestige, and a national recruiting brand that transcends region or conference. With an unmatched independent schedule and one of the largest nationwide followings, Irish fans felt ESPN’s crowning of Ohio State was both dismissive and ahistorical.
Texas: “We’re Back — And We’ve Always Been Here”
The Texas Longhorns also voiced their discontent, particularly given their resurgence under head coach Steve Sarkisian. With a College Football Playoff berth and a move to the SEC, Texas is positioning itself to re-enter the elite tier. But even without recent dominance, the Longhorns claim a proud history.
They’ve won four national championships, produced two Heisman winners (Earl Campbell and Ricky Williams), and hold claim to one of the richest brands in sports. Their gripe isn’t just about what’s happened — but what’s coming.
Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte said it plainly:
“To leave Texas out of the conversation is like writing the story of America without mentioning Texas. It’s a disservice to our tradition, our fans, and what we’ve contributed to the game.”
The Longhorns argue that money, marketability, and recruiting reach should factor more heavily in any discussion of “greatest.”
The Case for Ohio State: Why ESPN May Have a Point
While the backlash has been intense, Ohio State’s resume is undeniable. The Buckeyes have never endured a long stretch of irrelevance. They’ve been ranked No. 1 in the AP Poll at least once in every decade since the 1940s, and their fan base travels as well as any in the country.
With a home stadium that packs over 100,000 and traditions like Script Ohio, the Buckeyes blend pageantry, production, and prestige. And their recent history — with national titles in 2002 and 2014, plus multiple CFP appearances — shows they’re not just a relic of the past.
Moreover, Ohio State’s NFL talent pipeline is staggering. Legends like Eddie George, Orlando Pace, Chris Carter, and Joey Bosa headline a never-ending stream of pro stars.
If greatness means sustained excellence over time, Ohio State’s claim to the throne is legitimate.
The Fans Weigh In: Polls, Podcasts, and Passion
Fan reaction has been as polarized as expected. Twitter (now X) polls show a tight race, with Alabama narrowly leading in public perception, followed by Ohio State, then Georgia, Notre Dame, and Texas.
College football podcasts, including “The Solid Verbal” and “Late Kick with Josh Pate,” have devoted entire episodes to the debate. One recurring theme: the importance of recency bias.
“You can’t crown a team just for what they did in the ‘60s,” said Pate. “But you also can’t ignore Alabama’s six titles since 2009. ESPN may have overshot the mark.”
Bias or Big Picture?
Is ESPN guilty of bias? Or are they simply pushing a narrative that stirs the pot and drives ratings?
Critics say the network has strong ties to Ohio State’s Big Ten affiliation, particularly with media rights deals. Others believe ESPN is simply engaging in click-driven controversy, knowing that pitting powerhouse programs against each other will keep the college football world talking.
Yet supporters of the Buckeyes say it’s about time they received their due. “We’ve been the most consistent program in America,” said former coach Urban Meyer. “From Woody Hayes to Jim Tressel to now, we’ve never fallen off.”
So… If Not Buckeye, Then Who?
In the end, the question remains the same: If not Ohio State, then who truly deserves the crown?
- Alabama: Modern dominance, unrivaled NFL production, iconic coaching legacy.
- Georgia: The sport’s current juggernaut, with no signs of slowing.
- Notre Dame: Foundational history and national relevance, even without a recent title.
- Texas: A sleeping giant awakening in the sport’s toughest league.
- Or maybe… Michigan, USC, Oklahoma, LSU?
What’s clear is this: college football’s throne room isn’t meant for one. It’s a coliseum filled with titans, all fighting for legacy, pride, and validation.
