Alabama Dominates Against No. 1 Teams: A Legacy of Triumph

Alabama leads college football with the most wins against No. 1 teams, showcasing a remarkable legacy.

Introduction
In the fiercely competitive world of college football, there's a distinct difference between pursuing victory and defending the top spot. Few teams embody this duality as profoundly as the Alabama Crimson Tide, a powerhouse that has set numerous records while also creating a legacy of triumph against the best.

Alabama’s Unmatched Record
Holding the record for the most wins against AP No. 1-ranked teams, Alabama stands tall with an impressive tally of 11 victories. Notably, eight of these victories came during the Nick Saban era (2007-2023), solidifying his reputation as one of the sport's greatest coaches.
The most recent victory was a critical win against the top-ranked Georgia Bulldogs in the 2023 SEC Championship Game, further demonstrating Alabama's prowess on the biggest stages.

Teams with Multiple Wins Against No. 1
Alabama is not alone in its achievements, but it clearly leads the pack. Here’s a breakdown of the teams with the most wins against No. 1-ranked opponents since the inception of the AP Poll in 1936:

  • Alabama: 11 wins
    • Most recent: Georgia (2023 SEC Championship Game)
  • Notre Dame: 9 wins
    • Most recent: Clemson (2020)
  • Miami: 9 wins
    • Most recent: Florida State (2000)
  • Oklahoma: 7 wins
    • Most recent: Missouri (2007)
  • USC: 7 wins
    • Most recent: Washington (1984)
  • Purdue: 7 wins
    • Most recent: Michigan (1976)
  • Ohio State: 6 wins
    • Most recent: Oregon (2024 College Football Playoff Quarterfinal)
  • Auburn: 5 wins
    • Most recent: Alabama (2017)
  • Texas: 5 wins
    • Most recent: Oklahoma (2008)
  • Wisconsin: 4 wins
    • Most recent: Ohio State (2010)
  • Arkansas: 4 wins
    • Most recent: LSU (2007)
  • Penn State: 4 wins
    • Most recent: Notre Dame (1990)
  • UCLA: 4 wins
    • Most recent: Ohio State (1975)

As the college football landscape continues to evolve, Alabama's consistent dominance against top-ranked teams remains a testament to their legacy. The future is bright as they aim to add more milestones to their storied history.

For more updates on college football, including breaking news, features, scores, and schedules, visit the ESPN college football hub page.

What to Read Next

NCAAF Week 1 Insights: Arch Manning's Debut Struggles and Utah's Dominant Start
NCAAF

NCAAF Week 1 Insights: Arch Manning's Debut Struggles and Utah's Dominant Start

Explore key takeaways from NCAAF Week 1, including Arch Manning's challenging debut and Utah's impressive performance in the Big 12.

CFP Top 12 Projections: Week 1 Shakeup and Playoff Implications
NCAAF

CFP Top 12 Projections: Week 1 Shakeup and Playoff Implications

Analyzing the potential CFP top 12 after Week 1, with insights into key matchups, team performances, and playoff implications.

Bill Belichick's Transformative Impact on North Carolina Football: A New Era Begins
NCAAF

Bill Belichick's Transformative Impact on North Carolina Football: A New Era Begins

Explore how Bill Belichick is reshaping North Carolina football, from recruiting strategies to his NFL-inspired approach, as the Tar Heels aim for national prominence.

Georgia Tech's Championship Claim, Tennessee's Citrus Shoutout, and Week 1's Best CFB Moments
NCAAF

Georgia Tech's Championship Claim, Tennessee's Citrus Shoutout, and Week 1's Best CFB Moments

Recap of Week 1 in college football featuring Georgia Tech's championship jab, Tennessee's 'orange crush,' and other key highlights.

Deion Sanders' New Era: Colorado Buffaloes' Journey Under Coach Prime 2.0
NCAAF

Deion Sanders' New Era: Colorado Buffaloes' Journey Under Coach Prime 2.0

Explore Deion Sanders' transformative journey with the Colorado Buffaloes as he leads the team into a new era of NCAAF, overcoming personal challenges and reshaping the program.

1990 NCAAF National Championship Controversy: Colorado vs. Georgia Tech Clash in 2025 Season Opener
NCAAF

1990 NCAAF National Championship Controversy: Colorado vs. Georgia Tech Clash in 2025 Season Opener

Relive the 1990 NCAAF national championship controversy as Colorado and Georgia Tech face off in a historic 2025 season opener.

Texas vs Ohio State: A Defensive Showdown in NCAAF Season Opener
NCAAF

Texas vs Ohio State: A Defensive Showdown in NCAAF Season Opener

The 2025 NCAAF season kicks off with a thrilling matchup between Texas Longhorns and Ohio State Buckeyes. Dive into our analysis and betting insights for this defensive-heavy game.

2026 NFL Draft Predictions: Mel Kiper Jr.'s Early Insights on Top Prospects and College Football Standouts
NCAAF

2026 NFL Draft Predictions: Mel Kiper Jr.'s Early Insights on Top Prospects and College Football Standouts

Mel Kiper Jr. shares his early predictions for the 2026 NFL Draft, highlighting top prospects, college football standouts, and potential first-round picks.

NCAAF Week 1 Showdown: Arch Manning's Texas Faces Ohio State in Epic College Football Opener
NCAAF

NCAAF Week 1 Showdown: Arch Manning's Texas Faces Ohio State in Epic College Football Opener

Dive into the thrilling NCAAF Week 1 matchups featuring Arch Manning's Texas against Ohio State, LSU vs Clemson, and Notre Dame vs Miami. Get insights, predictions, and key player highlights.

Week 1 NCAAF Showdowns: Top-Ranked Teams Clash in High-Stakes Matchups
NCAAF

Week 1 NCAAF Showdowns: Top-Ranked Teams Clash in High-Stakes Matchups

Week 1 of the NCAAF season features thrilling matchups between top-ranked teams, including Texas vs. Ohio State and LSU vs. Clemson. Explore the latest betting lines and predictions.

2025 College Football Playoff: Group of 5 Teams to Watch in the Preseason Bubble
NCAAF

2025 College Football Playoff: Group of 5 Teams to Watch in the Preseason Bubble

A deep dive into the Group of 5 teams with the best chances to make the 2025 College Football Playoff, focusing on Boise State and other contenders.

2025 NCAA Football Week 1: Top Matchups, Full Schedule, and Where to Watch
NCAAF

2025 NCAA Football Week 1: Top Matchups, Full Schedule, and Where to Watch

The 2025 NCAA Football season kicks off with thrilling Week 1 matchups, including Alabama vs FSU and Ohio State vs Texas. Check out the full schedule and where to watch.

Ryan Day's Resilience: Leading Ohio State to Glory Amidst Unprecedented Pressure
NCAAF

Ryan Day's Resilience: Leading Ohio State to Glory Amidst Unprecedented Pressure

Explore how Ryan Day overcame immense pressure to lead Ohio State to a national championship, proving his mettle as one of college football's top coaches.

2025 NCAAF Playoff Predictions: Top Teams and Expert Picks
NCAAF

2025 NCAAF Playoff Predictions: Top Teams and Expert Picks

Get the latest 2025 NCAAF Playoff predictions from ESPN experts. Discover which teams are favored to make the cut this season.

DJ Lagway: The Rising Star Poised to Lead Florida Gators to Glory
NCAAF

DJ Lagway: The Rising Star Poised to Lead Florida Gators to Glory

DJ Lagway, Florida's promising quarterback, aims to lead the Gators to their first College Football Playoff appearance, carrying the legacy of Heisman winners.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.