Defeating the top-ranked team in college football is a monumental challenge, but some programs have turned it into a rare achievement. Among them, Alabama leads the pack with the most wins against AP No. 1 teams since the poll inception in 1936.
The Crimson Tide have 11 victories over top-ranked opponents, with eight coming under legendary coach Nick Saban from 2007 to 2023. One of the most memorable was their triumph over Georgia in the 2023 SEC Championship Game.
Here a breakdown of the programs with the most wins against AP No. 1 teams:
1. Alabama 11
Most recent: Georgia (2023 SEC Championship)
2. Notre Dame 9
Most recent: Clemson (2020)
3. Miami 9
Most recent: Florida State (2000)
4. Oklahoma 7
Most recent: Missouri (2007)
5. USC 7
Most recent: Washington (1984)
6. Purdue 7
Most recent: Michigan (1976)
7. Ohio State 6
Most recent: Oregon (2024 College Football Playoff Quarterfinal)
8. Auburn 5
Most recent: Alabama (2017)
9. Texas 5
Most recent: Oklahoma (2008)
10. Wisconsin 4
Most recent: Ohio State (2010)
11. Arkansas 4
Most recent: LSU (2007)
12. Penn State 4
Most recent: Notre Dame (1990)
13. UCLA 4
Most recent: Ohio State (1975)
While Alabama has also spent the most weeks as the No. 1 team (141), their ability to topple other top-ranked programs highlights their dominance in the sport. Few teams have consistently been both the hunter and the hunted quite like the Crimson Tide.
