A few days ago, I wrote that the Alabama Crimson Tide "badly need a playoff win for the Crimson Tide to remain college football's Playoff King." The use of 'badly' was perhaps hyperbole. I still believe that Alabama needs to beat Oklahoma, and that if it does not, there will be a flood of media stories relishing the fall of once mighty Alabama.
Since then, ESPN's Bill Connelly has ranked all 63 College Football Playoff teams, and his ranking altered my perspective. Whatever happens on Friday night and through this playoff season, the Alabama Crimson Tide will remain the 'Playoff King.' My thanks to Connelly for his proof.
My attention is focused on the all-time Top 20 Playoff teams. Connelly ranked the 2025 teams as well, and only one made the Top 20. It was Indiana at No. 16, to which I'll respond, "We'll see." Connelly ranked 2025 Oklahoma at No. 57 and 2025 Alabama at No. 58. I have no complaint about either ranking.
Alabama Crimson Tide an All-Time Playoff Top 20
No Crimson Tide fan should argue with Connelly's overall No. 1. It is the 2020 Alabama team that demolished Ohio State in a 52-24 rout. Connelly wrote, "Best team ... from the best coach ... with the best dynasty of the 21st century (at the very least)? Sounds like the best team of the CFP era."
When I stated that the 'Playoff King,' the claim was carried no clout. I'm just an old Alabama fan who unabashedly sees the college football world through crimson-tinted bifocals. However, Connelly has long-established cred. Even when I disagree with him, I detect no bias.
Connelly's Top 20 CFB Playoff teams include six Alabama teams: 2020, No. 1, 2017, No. 7, 2018, No. 8, 2015, No. 12, 2016, No. 15, and 2021, No. 17.
In the other 14 Top 20 spots, he has four Ohio State teams (2024, 2014, 2019, and 2020); four Clemson teams (2018, 2016, 2019, and 2015); three Georgia teams (2022, 2021, and 2017); plus 2019 LSU, 2023 Michigan, and 2025 Indiana.
Alabama football fans know the history well, but still an apt response to Connelly's rankings is "Wow."