NCAA Football National Champions: A Historical Overview
1923-1935: Undefeated Champions
From 1923 to 1935, the NCAA did not officially award a national championship. However, several teams remained undefeated throughout their seasons and are generally recognized as national champions.
- 1923: Michigan Wolverines
- 1924: Notre Dame Fighting Irish
- 1925: Alabama Crimson Tide
- 1926: Michigan Wolverines
- 1927: Illinois Fighting Illini
- 1928: Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
- 1929: Notre Dame Fighting Irish
- 1930: Notre Dame Fighting Irish
- 1931: Southern California Trojans
- 1932: USC Trojans
- 1933: Michigan Wolverines
- 1934: Minnesota Golden Gophers
- 1935: LSU Tigers
1936-Present: The AP Poll Era
Beginning in 1936, the Associated Press began selecting the top 20 teams in the country in a weekly poll. The team finishing as the top-ranked team at the end of the season was crowned the national champion.
Since 1936, the following teams have won the AP National Championship:
- 1936: Minnesota Golden Gophers
- 1937: Pittsburgh Panthers
- 1938: Alabama Crimson Tide
Comments