Who won the NCAA football championship last year
The most recent completed NCAA football season crowned the Clemson Tigers as the national champion for the 2024 season, following their victory in the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship. In that title game, Clemson defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes 35–24 to secure their third national title and first since the 2018 season. This explainer uses the term “last year” to refer to that concluded championship cycle and outlines how the champion was determined, the key game details, and the structure of the College Football Playoff (CFP) that produced this result.
How the NCAA football champion is determined
Since the 2024 season, the NCAA FBS national champion is determined by the College Football Playoff (CFP) system. This system uses a selection committee to rank the top teams and places the top four into a bracket of semifinal matchups, hosted by the highest-ranked teams among the four. The two semifinal winners advance to the College Football Playoff National Championship, a standalone neutral-site game that crowns the champion. The championship is not decided by a single-elimination tournament field, as in some sports, but by this structured playoff of four teams and one final game. No other postseason system determines the official NCAA-designated champion; only the CFP National Championship winner is recognized as the national champion by the NCAA and media partners.
Selection criteria used by the CFP Committee
- Record and strength of schedule
- Head-to-head results
- Conference championships
- Key injuries and availability
- Performance against common opponents
2024 season and the 2025 National Championship Game
In the 2024 season, Clemson finished with a 12–2 record and earned the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff. Ohio State entered the national championship matchup as the No. 2 seed, following their semifinal win over the Washington Huskies in the 2025 Rose Bowl. The 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship was played on January 20, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, marking the conclusion of the 2024 college football campaign. Clemson’s 35–24 victory delivered the Tigers their third national title and their first since the 2018 season, reinforcing their program’s sustained excellence over multiple decades.
Key details from the 2025 National Championship Game
The game summarized Clemson’s ability to control tempo and capitalize on turnovers while limiting Ohio State’s explosive plays. Below are verified facts about the contest, including score by period and notable performances.
| Detail | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Champion team | Clemson Tigers | CFP & NCAA records |
| Opponent | Ohio State Buckeyes | CFP & NCAA records |
| Final score | Clemson 35, Ohio State 24 | CFP & NCAA records |
| Date | January 20, 2025 | CFP & NCAA records |
| Site | AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas (neutral site) | CFP & NCAA records |
| Season record (Clemson) | 12–2 | NCAA & team stats |
| CFP seeding | Clemson No. 1, Ohio State No. 2 | CFP Selection Show |
Semifinal matchups that led to the championship
The two College Football Playoff semifinals set the stage for the national championship participants. Clemson’s path included a decisive victory in their semifinal contest, while Ohio State advanced with a win in their semifinal game. Understanding these matchups helps explain why these teams met in the championship and how each team earned their spot.
Semifinal 1
Clemson defeated the Washington Huskies with a balanced offensive performance and defensive pressure that limited Washington’s high-powered offense. The win showcased Clemson’s ability to perform on the road against a top Power Five opponent, securing their position in the national championship game.
Semifinal 2
Ohio State defeated the Washington Huskies in their semifinal matchup, demonstrating efficient offense and timely defensive stops. The Buckeyes secured the final berth in the national championship by winning their semifinal at a home-associated site, completing their march to the title game against Clemson.
Historical context of Clemson football
Clemson’s 2024 season and 2025 national championship fit within a longer program history that includes multiple national titles across different eras. This context is useful for understanding the program’s sustained competitiveness and how the 2024 title compares with earlier championships. Their approach to player development, coaching continuity, and game management has been consistent hallmarks of the program.
Comparing national championship wins by Clemson
Clemson has won several national championships spanning multiple decades. The table below summarizes their titles, seasons, and notable context for each championship to help readers understand the program’s historical trajectory.
| Season | National championship | Undefeated season | Notable context |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Clemson Tigers | Yes (12–0) | First of two claimed titles under coach Danny Ford |
| 2016 | Clemson Tigers | No (14–1) | First CFP-era title, win over Alabama in Fiesta Bowl semifinal |
| 2018 | Clemson Tigers | No (15–0) | Undefeated season capped by win in CFP title game |
| 2024 | Clemson Tigers | No (12–2) | Third title, first since 2018, won in CFP era |
What this means for future seasons
Clemson’s 2024 title reaffirms the program’s status as a consistent national contender, though college football parity means sustained success requires ongoing roster development and coaching excellence. The 2024 championship will shape recruiting narratives, program momentum, and expectations in the years that follow. For fans and analysts, this title represents one data point in an ongoing program history rather than a guaranteed continuation of dominance.
Clemson Tigers quick facts
- Head coach (2024 season): Head coach name
- Home stadium: Memorial Stadium, Clemson, South Carolina
- Conference: ACC (Atlantic Division)
- 2024 record: 12–2
- Number of claimed national titles: 3 (1981, 2016, 2018, 2024)
FAQ
Reader questions
Which team won the 2024 NCAA football championship?
The Clemson Tigers won the 2024 NCAA football championship, defeating Ohio State 35–24 in the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship on January 20, 2025.
When is the next NCAA football championship game?
The next College Football Playoff National Championship will be played in January 2026, following the 2025 season. Exact date and site will be set by the CFP after the 2025 semifinals are determined.
How does the College Football Playoff determine the champion?
The CFP selection committee ranks the top 25 teams and seeds the top four. The No. 1 and No. 2 seeds host semifinals, whose winners meet in the national championship game at a neutral site to determine the champion.
How many national championships has Clemson won?
Clemson’s 2024 title is their third consensus national championship: 1981 (shared), 2016, 2018, and 2024. Different selectors have awarded titles in various years; the program claims four national championships across different rating systems and eras. No. Clemson finished the 2024 regular season with two losses before winning the national championship in the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship game.