Mandel’s Mailbag: CFB’s Tier 1 consists of Georgia, Alabama, and Ohio State; where do the others slot in?
Mandel’s Mailbag: CFB’s Tier 1 Consists of Georgia, Alabama, and Ohio State; Where Do the Others Slot In?
College football is a sport defined by its cyclical nature. The powerhouses and juggernauts, for the most part, remain entrenched at the top, while other programs ebb and flow between relevance, success, and rebuilding phases. In an era where dominance and consistency matter more than anything, three programs—Georgia, Alabama, and Ohio State—have carved out a distinct place as the sport’s Tier 1 programs. But what about the rest of college football? Where do the other schools fall in comparison to these elite programs, and what does it take for other teams to break into this echelon?
In the latest edition of Mandel’s Mailbag, the renowned college football analyst lays out his thoughts on the current state of the sport. His analysis focuses heavily on the big three programs—Georgia, Alabama, and Ohio State—and how their success and longevity have helped to define them as the undisputed kings of college football. But as he dives into the bigger picture, he also takes a look at how other schools are trying to break into their tier, and what challenges they face along the way.
The Case for Georgia, Alabama, and Ohio State as Tier 1 Programs
In the landscape of modern college football, Georgia, Alabama, and Ohio State have achieved sustained excellence that few programs can match. Each of these teams has multiple national championships in recent years and consistently fields top-tier recruiting classes that allow them to reload year after year. The importance of consistency cannot be overstated in this discussion. While other programs experience peaks and valleys, these three teams have remained dominant and successful over extended periods of time.
Georgia, under head coach Kirby Smart, has firmly established itself as a national powerhouse in recent years. Smart’s ability to recruit top-tier talent, particularly in the trenches, has paid dividends, as Georgia has become a juggernaut on both sides of the ball. After securing back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022, Georgia’s place at the top of the college football pyramid is cemented. With one of the most complete rosters in the country, it’s hard to argue against Georgia’s status as a Tier 1 program, especially when looking at the depth of talent they continue to stockpile year after year.
Alabama, led by the legendary Nick Saban, has been synonymous with college football dominance for nearly two decades. While Alabama has seen challenges in recent seasons—particularly with a revamped SEC and the rise of Georgia—Saban’s ability to reload and remain competitive remains unparalleled. Despite the occasional hiccup, Alabama remains one of the most consistent programs in college football history. The team has continued to recruit at an elite level, with top-notch prospects regularly choosing Tuscaloosa as their destination. A program that has won six national championships under Saban and remains a fixture in the playoff conversation, Alabama is undeniably a Tier 1 program, even in a rapidly changing college football landscape.
Ohio State, under head coach Ryan Day, is another dominant force in college football. With one of the most potent offenses in the country, Ohio State has continuously produced top-tier talent, especially at quarterback and wide receiver. The Buckeyes have maintained a stranglehold on the Big Ten and have appeared in the College Football Playoff multiple times, including a national championship win in 2014. Ohio State’s blend of talent, coaching, and recruiting power makes them a formidable force, and they have shown no signs of slowing down. Ohio State’s consistent top-tier performance on the national stage makes them a member of the exclusive Tier 1 club, with few programs able to match their combination of success and recruiting prowess.
So, What About the Other Programs?
As dominant as Georgia, Alabama, and Ohio State have been in recent years, college football is far from a three-team league. Other programs are constantly attempting to knock on the door of Tier 1, hoping for a breakthrough year or sustained success that can catapult them into the upper echelon. However, the road to that level is not an easy one.
Clemson is often the first team that comes to mind when discussing programs in the conversation for Tier 1 outside of Georgia, Alabama, and Ohio State. Under head coach Dabo Swinney, Clemson has been incredibly successful, particularly during the mid-2010s. They secured two national championships in a three-year period, in 2016 and 2018, and made multiple playoff appearances. Clemson’s consistency in the ACC, coupled with its ability to recruit elite talent and win at a high level, solidified its place as one of the top programs in the country. However, in recent seasons, Clemson has faced some struggles, particularly at the quarterback position, and has not been able to consistently reach the same heights as its peers in Tier 1. While Clemson remains a force to be reckoned with, their inability to sustain championship-level success in recent years may prevent them from breaking into the same class as Georgia, Alabama, and Ohio State.
Michigan, under head coach Jim Harbaugh, has made significant strides in recent seasons. After years of disappointing finishes, Michigan has re-established itself as a national contender, particularly with its dominance of the Big Ten in recent seasons. Michigan’s victories over Ohio State in the 2021 and 2022 seasons were monumental, and the Wolverines appear primed to continue competing at a high level. Michigan has a top-tier recruiting class year after year and has developed into a legitimate College Football Playoff contender. However, the Wolverines still have not broken through to claim a national title, and despite their current success, they have yet to match the sustained dominance of Georgia, Alabama, or Ohio State. As such, Michigan may find itself in the upper tiers of college football, but it’s hard to put them in the same category as the very top programs just yet.
LSU, led by Brian Kelly, is another program to watch. The Tigers have had moments of brilliance, including their most recent national championship in 2019, and consistently field a talented roster. The key to LSU’s success lies in its ability to recruit elite talent, particularly in the South. With Kelly now at the helm, LSU has an opportunity to return to prominence after a few years of inconsistency. However, like Michigan, LSU has yet to maintain the kind of consistency needed to be considered a Tier 1 program on the same level as Georgia, Alabama, or Ohio State.
USC has been a sleeping giant in college football for years. Under new head coach Lincoln Riley, USC has the potential to return to its former glory as one of the most dominant teams in college football. With Riley’s offensive genius and the ability to recruit top-tier quarterbacks and skill players, USC has quickly turned heads and established itself as a team to watch in the Pac-12 and nationally. However, USC is still in the process of regaining the consistency it needs to compete at the highest level, and it will take time before the program can challenge the likes of Georgia, Alabama, and Ohio State for a national title.
Notre Dame and Oklahoma are also teams that could potentially break into Tier 1 with a few more years of success and recruiting prowess. Both programs have shown flashes of brilliance in the past but have struggled to maintain elite-level performance. Notre Dame, in particular, has had a consistent presence in the College Football Playoff but has yet to take that next step and win a national title.
The Factors That Define Tier 1 Status
To break into Tier 1 of college football, a program must have multiple components in place: elite recruiting, top-tier coaching, sustained success, and the ability to consistently contend for national championships. These programs do not have to win the national title every year, but they must be in the conversation year in and year out. Programs that have the resources, the recruiting base, and the culture of winning are best positioned to compete at the highest levels.
It is also essential for teams outside of Tier 1 to demonstrate a level of consistency. Programs like Michigan, LSU, and Clemson have proven that they can win big, but the question remains whether they can maintain that level of excellence year after year. The next step for these programs is proving they can compete with the likes of Georgia, Alabama, and Ohio State consistently—not just in one-off seasons but over a sustained period.
