College football history is rich with tradition, legendary coaches, and unforgettable moments. For fans and analysts alike, one enduring metric of a program’s success is its total number of wins. Across over a century of gridiron battles, some universities have consistently risen to the top, racking up victories and etching their names into the annals of the sport. But when it comes to sheer volume of wins, which college football program reigns supreme?
This article dives into the elite echelon of college football to identify the programs with the most career wins, utilizing official NCAA records. You might recognize some of the usual powerhouses, but there could be a surprise or two on this list of gridiron giants.
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Note: To ensure a level playing field and historical relevance, schools needed to have competed for at least 25 years in the top division of college football to qualify for this ranking. This criterion accounts for the evolution of college football and the eventual separation into FBS and FCS levels. The win totals are updated as of August 8, 2024.
9. Nebraska Cornhuskers
All-Time Record: 924-430-40
Win Percentage: .677
First Season: 1890
The Nebraska Cornhuskers hold a storied place in college football history, particularly known for their dominant run from the 1970s through the late 1990s. During this golden era, Nebraska captured five national championships and showcased the talents of three Heisman Trophy winners. Icons like Tom Osborne led the program to sustained success, characterized by a powerful rushing attack and disciplined defense. While the program has been rebuilding in recent years, Husker Nation eagerly anticipates a return to national prominence. In 2024, they ended an eight-year bowl game drought, finishing with a 7-6 record, a step towards reclaiming their former glory. The quest to recapture the magic of their dynasty era continues in Lincoln.
T8. Penn State Nittany Lions
All-Time Record: 943-412-41
Win Percentage: .690
First Season: 1887
Penn State boasts a rich and enduring football legacy. The Nittany Lions have secured two national championships and celebrated one Heisman Trophy winner, the legendary John Cappelletti. Under the iconic coach Joe Paterno, Penn State became synonymous with consistent winning and tough, disciplined football. In more recent times, Penn State has remained a force in the competitive Big Ten Conference. Since 2010, they have claimed a Big Ten Championship in 2016 and achieved five seasons with 10 or more wins. Their consistent success continued into 2024, marking their third consecutive 10-win season within a challenging Big Ten landscape, proving their staying power as a top college football program.
T8. Yale Bulldogs
All-Time Record: 943-393-55
Win Percentage: .698
First Season: 1872
Yale University’s football program holds a unique distinction: it predates every other school on this list by at least seven years, marking it as one of the true pioneers of the sport. The Yale Bulldogs’ football program has a history stretching back to the very origins of American football. Before the formation of modern conferences, Yale was a dominant force. They joined the Ivy League in 1956, and when the Ivy League transitioned to Division I-AA (now FCS) in 1982, Yale adapted. Even competing at the FCS level today, Yale remains competitive, winning four Ivy League titles since 2015. Their inclusion on this list highlights the incredible longevity and early dominance of Yale football.
6. Oklahoma Sooners
All-Time Record: 950-348-53
Win Percentage: .723
First Season: 1895
The Oklahoma Sooners have cemented their status as one of the most consistently elite programs in college football history, particularly dominating in the modern era. Their impressive resume includes seven national championships and a remarkable seven Heisman Trophy winners, tied for the most in college football. “Boomer Sooner” is more than just a cheer; it’s a mantra representing decades of success. The program achieved back-to-back Heisman winners in 2017 and 2018, showcasing their offensive prowess. Since 2010, Oklahoma has recorded an astounding 11 seasons with double-digit wins. As they navigated their second year in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in 2025, the Sooners aimed to carry their tradition of excellence into a new, highly competitive conference landscape.
5. Texas Longhorns
All-Time Record: 961-395-33
Win Percentage: .704
First Season: 1893
The Texas Longhorns are not just a football program; they are a cultural phenomenon. With a massive and passionate fanbase, Texas is synonymous with big-time college football. Their trophy case includes four national championships and two Heisman Trophy winners. From 2001 to 2009, the Longhorns enjoyed a period of sustained dominance, reeling off nine consecutive seasons with 10 or more wins. This era peaked in 2005 with a perfect 13-0 season culminating in a national championship victory. While the years following that dynasty saw some fluctuation, the Longhorns faithful remained ever-optimistic. The 2024 season saw a resurgence, with Texas earning a College Football Playoff berth after a 13-3 season, signaling a potential return to the program’s elite status and further adding to their win total.
4. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
All-Time Record: 962-339-42
Win Percentage: .732
First Season: 1887
Notre Dame’s mystique in college football is undeniable. Playing as an independent, the Fighting Irish maintain a national appeal and a tradition unlike any other. Dating back to the poll era starting in 1936, Notre Dame has claimed nine national championships, second only to Alabama in that span. Their iconic gold helmets and “Play Like a Champion Today” sign are recognized across the sport. Notre Dame has also produced seven Heisman Trophy winners, including Tim Brown in 1987. Since 2010, the Fighting Irish have achieved nine seasons with 10 or more wins, including a BCS National Championship Game appearance in 2012. Notre Dame’s consistent success and national brand solidify its place among the winningest programs.
3. Alabama Crimson Tide
All-Time Record: 974-341-43
Win Percentage: .733
First Season: 1892
The Alabama Crimson Tide, particularly in the 21st century, represent the gold standard in college football dominance. Under the legendary coach Nick Saban, Alabama has ascended to unprecedented heights, winning six national championships since 2009. This modern dynasty has redefined sustained success in the sport. The Crimson Tide has made nine appearances in national title games since 2009 and produced four Heisman Trophy winners in that same period. Alabama’s consistent recruiting prowess, coaching excellence, and unwavering commitment to winning have made them a perennial contender and one of the top college football programs in terms of all-time victories.
2. Ohio State Buckeyes
All-Time Record: 978-335-53
Win Percentage: .735
First Season: 1890
The Ohio State Buckeyes are synonymous with college football excellence in the Midwest and nationally. Winners of the inaugural College Football Playoff in 2014, the Buckeyes have been consistently vying for national championships since the mid-1990s. Their passionate fanbase, known as Buckeye Nation, expects nothing less than competing for titles. Since 1995, Ohio State has achieved an impressive 16 top-six finishes in the AP poll, along with three national championships and two runner-up finishes. The program boasts a total of nine national titles and seven Heisman winners, including Archie Griffin, the only two-time Heisman recipient in college football history. Adding to their legacy, the Buckeyes won a CFP title in the 2024 season and have amassed 13 seasons with double-digit wins since 2010, solidifying their place near the very top of the list of winningest college football programs.
1. Michigan Wolverines
All-Time Record: 1,012-358-36
Win Percentage: .733
First Season: 1879
The answer to “Which College Football Program Has The Most Career Wins?” is the Michigan Wolverines. In 2024, the Michigan Wolverines reached the pinnacle of college football, capturing their first national title since 1997 with a perfect 15-0 season. “The Victors,” Michigan’s fight song, rings true as they stand alone as the first program to achieve 1,000 wins in college football history. Playing their first game in 1879, the Wolverines’ consistent success over generations has cemented their place at the top. From Fielding Yost’s “Point-a-Minute” teams to Bo Schembechler’s legendary tenure, Michigan has a tradition of winning that is unmatched in college football in terms of total victories. The Wolverines’ maize and blue are symbols of this unparalleled gridiron success.
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