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

Week 3 NCAAF Highlights: Texas A&M's Rise, UCLA's Struggles, and Key Performances
NCAAF

Week 3 NCAAF Highlights: Texas A&M's Rise, UCLA's Struggles, and Key Performances

Explore the biggest stories from Week 3 of NCAAF, including Texas A&M's impressive start, UCLA's challenges, and standout player performances.

NCAAF Week 3 Power Rankings: Breakout Stars and Game-Changing Performances
NCAAF

NCAAF Week 3 Power Rankings: Breakout Stars and Game-Changing Performances

Discover the standout players and teams from NCAAF Week 3, as we delve into the power rankings and highlight the breakout stars shaping the 2025 season.

College Football Playoff and Bowl Projections: Analyzing the Fallout from a Wild Weekend
NCAAF

College Football Playoff and Bowl Projections: Analyzing the Fallout from a Wild Weekend

Explore the latest College Football Playoff and bowl projections after a weekend of upsets and standout performances.

NCAAF Week 2 Power Rankings: Key Takeaways, Surprises, and Areas for Improvement
NCAAF

NCAAF Week 2 Power Rankings: Key Takeaways, Surprises, and Areas for Improvement

Dive into the key takeaways, surprises, and areas for improvement from Week 2 of the NCAAF season. Explore how the Top 25 teams performed and what lies ahead.

Unveiling the 2025 NCAAF Season: SEC QBs, Big 12 Dominance, and Oregon's Rise
NCAAF

Unveiling the 2025 NCAAF Season: SEC QBs, Big 12 Dominance, and Oregon's Rise

Explore the thrilling start to the 2025 NCAAF season, featuring SEC quarterback showdowns, Big 12's fierce competition, and Oregon's dominant rise.

Florida State's Dominance Sets the Stage for a Thrilling Week 6 Showdown Against Miami
NCAAF

Florida State's Dominance Sets the Stage for a Thrilling Week 6 Showdown Against Miami

Florida State's impressive early-season performances have set the stage for a pivotal Week 6 matchup against Miami, highlighting their potential as a top contender in college football.

NCAAF Power 4 Struggles: Alabama's Rolled Tide and Other Week 1 Disappointments
NCAAF

NCAAF Power 4 Struggles: Alabama's Rolled Tide and Other Week 1 Disappointments

Explore the Week 1 struggles of NCAAF's Power 4 teams, including Alabama's surprising loss and other notable disappointments in the season opener.

NCAAF Week 1 Recap: Top 25 Teams' Performances and What's Next
NCAAF

NCAAF Week 1 Recap: Top 25 Teams' Performances and What's Next

A comprehensive recap of NCAAF Week 1, highlighting the top 25 teams' performances, key stats, and upcoming matchups.

Belichick's UNC Debut Ends in Historic Defeat: TCU's Dominance in Week 1 NCAAF Showdown
NCAAF

Belichick's UNC Debut Ends in Historic Defeat: TCU's Dominance in Week 1 NCAAF Showdown

Bill Belichick's first game as UNC head coach ended in a record-breaking 48-14 loss to TCU, marking the most points ever allowed by a Belichick-led team.

2025 NCAAF Bowl Projections: CFP Shakeup and Postseason Matchups After Week 1
NCAAF

2025 NCAAF Bowl Projections: CFP Shakeup and Postseason Matchups After Week 1

Week 1 results reshaped the 2025 NCAAF bowl projections, with Alabama's loss and Florida State's rise leading the changes. Get the latest CFP and bowl matchup insights.

NCAAF Week 1 Overreactions: Arch Manning's Struggles, Alabama's Collapse, and Heisman Hopefuls
NCAAF

NCAAF Week 1 Overreactions: Arch Manning's Struggles, Alabama's Collapse, and Heisman Hopefuls

Dive into the most shocking moments from NCAAF Week 1, including Arch Manning's rocky start, Alabama's unexpected defeat, and early Heisman contenders.

NCAAF Power Rankings 2025: Week 1 Insights and Top 25 Teams Analysis
NCAAF

NCAAF Power Rankings 2025: Week 1 Insights and Top 25 Teams Analysis

Explore the latest NCAAF Power Rankings after Week 1, featuring in-depth analysis of each top 25 team's performance and key takeaways.

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.

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.