Introduction

College football is a sport that never fails to deliver unforgettable moments. From last-second touchdowns to miraculous comebacks, the game is filled with plays that leave fans in awe. As we look ahead to the 2025 season, let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit the top 25 plays since 2000, as voted by ESPN college football writers.

1. The Kick-Six (Nov. 30, 2013)

One of the most improbable endings in college football history, Auburn's Chris Davis returned a missed field goal 109 yards for a touchdown against Alabama in the 2013 Iron Bowl. This play not only secured a win for Auburn but also kept Alabama from playing for their third straight national championship.

2. Boise State's Trick Plays (Jan. 1, 2007)

Boise State's "hook and ladder" and "Statue of Liberty" plays in the Fiesta Bowl against Oklahoma are legendary. These trick plays led to a stunning 43-42 overtime victory, capped by Ian Johnson's game-winning 2-point conversion and subsequent proposal to his girlfriend.

3. Vince Young's Rose Bowl Heroics (Jan. 4, 2006)

Texas quarterback Vince Young's game-winning touchdown run against USC in the 2006 Rose Bowl is one of the most memorable plays in college football history. Young's scramble on fourth-and-5 secured Texas' first national title in 35 years.

4. Tua Tagovailoa's Walk-Off TD (Jan. 8, 2018)

In the 2018 National Championship game, Alabama's Tua Tagovailoa threw a 41-yard touchdown pass to DeVonta Smith in overtime to defeat Georgia. This play marked Alabama's fifth national championship under Nick Saban.

5. Appalachian State's Historic Upset (Sept. 1, 2007)

Appalachian State's 34-32 victory over Michigan in 2007 is one of the biggest upsets in college football history. The game ended with a blocked field goal by Appalachian State's Corey Lynch, sealing the win.

6. Michael Crabtree's Clutch Catch (Nov. 1, 2008)

Texas Tech's Michael Crabtree caught a game-winning touchdown pass with one second left against Texas in 2008. This play, known as "Six," cemented Texas Tech's biggest win in school history.

7. The Prayer at Jordan-Hare (Nov. 16, 2013)

Auburn's Ricardo Louis caught a 73-yard Hail Mary pass with 25 seconds left to defeat Georgia. This miraculous play set the stage for Auburn's later victory over Alabama in the Kick-Six game.

8. Michigan State's Punt Return TD (Oct. 17, 2015)

Michigan State's Jalen Watts-Jackson returned a botched punt for a touchdown on the final play of the game to defeat Michigan. This play, known as the "Surrender Cobra," became an instant meme.

9. Roy Williams' Superman Leap (Oct. 6, 2001)

Oklahoma's Roy Williams leaped over the line to sack Texas quarterback Chris Simms, forcing an interception that was returned for a touchdown. This play, known as the "Superman" leap, sealed a 14-3 victory for Oklahoma.

10. Ohio State's Controversial PI Call (Jan. 3, 2003)

Ohio State benefited from a controversial pass interference call in overtime against Miami in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl. The call led to Ohio State's victory and their first national championship in 34 years.

11. Jadeveon Clowney's Massive Hit (Jan. 1, 2013)

South Carolina's Jadeveon Clowney delivered a bone-crushing hit on Michigan's Vincent Smith in the 2013 Outback Bowl. The hit, which knocked Smith's helmet off, led to a fumble recovery and a South Carolina victory.

12. Johnny Manziel's Heisman Moment (Nov. 10, 2012)

Texas A&M's Johnny Manziel avoided a sack and threw a touchdown pass to Ryan Swope against Alabama in 2012. This play, known as "Oh my gracious!," solidified Manziel's Heisman Trophy candidacy.

13. Deshaun Watson's Game-Winning TD (Jan. 9, 2017)

Clemson's Deshaun Watson threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Hunter Renfrow with one second left to defeat Alabama in the 2017 National Championship game. This play, known as "Orange Crush," delivered Clemson their second national title.

14. The Bush Push (Oct. 15, 2005)

USC's Reggie Bush pushed quarterback Matt Leinart into the end zone for a game-winning touchdown against Notre Dame in 2005. This play, known as the "Bush Push," helped USC secure a key victory on their way to the BCS National Championship game.

15. Reggie Bush's Punt Return in the Fog (Oct. 23, 2004)

USC's Reggie Bush returned a punt 65 yards for a touchdown in the fog against Oregon State in 2004. This play, one of Bush's most iconic, helped USC maintain their lead and secure a victory.

16. Tim Tebow's Jump Pass (Oct. 7, 2006)

Florida's Tim Tebow threw a 1-yard touchdown pass to Tate Casey against LSU in 2006. This play, known as the "Jump Pass," introduced Tebow to the college football world and helped Florida win their first national championship under Urban Meyer.

17. The Bluegrass Miracle (Nov. 9, 2002)

LSU's Devery Henderson caught a 74-yard Hail Mary pass on the final play to defeat Kentucky in 2002. This play, known as the "Bluegrass Miracle," is one of the most shocking finishes in college football history.

18. Miami's Eight Laterals (Oct. 31, 2015)

Miami used eight laterals on a kickoff return to score a game-winning touchdown against Duke in 2015. This play, known as the "Eight Laterals of Chaos," is one of the most improbable finishes in college football history.

19. Ed Reed's Strip and Score (Nov. 10, 2001)

Miami's Ed Reed stripped the ball from a teammate and returned it 80 yards for a touchdown against Boston College in 2001. This play, known as "Reed Wrestles It Away," helped Miami secure a victory and maintain their national title hopes.

20. The Gravedigger (Nov. 25, 2023)

Alabama's Jalen Milroe threw a 31-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah Bond on fourth-and-goal to defeat Auburn in the 2023 Iron Bowl. This play, known as the "Gravedigger," saved Alabama's season and marked Nick Saban's final Iron Bowl victory.

21. Eric Crouch's Black 41 Flash Reverse Pass (Oct. 27, 2001)

Nebraska's Eric Crouch caught a 63-yard touchdown pass on a reverse against Oklahoma in 2001. This play, known as the "Black 41 Flash Reverse Pass," helped Nebraska clinch a key victory.

22. Trinity's 61-Second Spectacle (Oct. 27, 2007)

Trinity University used 15 laterals to score a 61-yard touchdown against Millsaps in 2007. This play, known as the "61-Second Spectacle," is the longest play on this list and one of the most improbable touchdowns in college football history.

23. Arkansas' Nonsense Masterpiece (Nov. 7, 2015)

Arkansas converted a fourth-and-25 with a deflected lateral to keep their game against Ole Miss alive in 2015. This play, known as the "Nonsense Masterpiece," led to an Arkansas victory in overtime.

24. Cam Newton's Heisman Moment (Oct. 23, 2010)

Auburn's Cam Newton ran 49 yards for a touchdown against LSU in 2010. This play, known as "Cam Can," solidified Newton's Heisman Trophy candidacy and helped Auburn secure a victory.

25. Lamar Jackson's Leap (Sept. 9, 2016)

Louisville's Lamar Jackson hurdled over a Syracuse defender for a touchdown in 2016. This play, known as the "Lamar Leap," propelled Jackson toward winning the Heisman Trophy that fall.

Conclusion

These 25 plays represent the heart and soul of college football. They remind us why we love the game and why we keep coming back for more. As we look forward to the 2025 season, we can only hope to witness more moments that will be etched in our memories forever.