Controversy rocks college football over ESPN’s declaration of Ohio State as the powerhouse and the greatest college football team of all time. Top programs like , Alabama Georgia, Notre Dame and Texas fumed and condemned this declaration, calling it as bias statement born out of the deliberate plan to downgrade other.

In a bold and highly contentious move, ESPN recently declared the 2024 Ohio State Buckeyes as the greatest college football team of all time. This proclamation has ignited a firestorm of criticism from other elite programs, including Alabama, Georgia, Notre Dame, and Texas, who have accused ESPN of bias and an intentional effort to diminish their own storied legacies.

Under the leadership of head coach Ryan Day, the 2024 Ohio State Buckeyes compiled a 14–2 record, culminating in a national championship victory over Notre Dame. Their path to the title was marked by a series of impressive wins, including victories over six teams that finished in the final AP Top 10 rankings. Notably, they defeated five teams that were ranked in the top five at the time of the game, setting a new record for most wins against AP Top 5 opponents in a single season.

Despite these achievements, many in the college football community view ESPN’s declaration as an overstatement, arguing that the Buckeyes’ success, while impressive, does not necessarily place them above other historically dominant programs.

The announcement has drawn sharp criticism from several powerhouse programs:

• Alabama: Nick Saban, the head coach of Alabama, has been vocal in his disapproval, especially following the Buckeyes’ victory over the Crimson Tide in the College Football Playoff. Saban’s criticism intensified after a controversial comment made during a live ESPN broadcast, where he used a vulgar analogy to express his frustration.
• Georgia: Despite their own recent national championships, Georgia has expressed concerns over ESPN’s perceived favoritism towards Ohio State. The Bulldogs feel that their achievements have been overshadowed by the Buckeyes’ media coverage.
• Notre Dame: As the team defeated by Ohio State in the national championship game, Notre Dame has questioned the fairness of ESPN’s assessment, suggesting that the Buckeyes’ victory was given undue weight in the evaluation.
• Texas: Having faced Ohio State in the College Football Playoff, Texas has raised concerns about the narrative being shaped by ESPN, arguing that their own program’s accomplishments are being overlooked.

These reactions underscore the deep-seated rivalries and competitive tensions that exist within college football, particularly among its most storied programs.

ESPN’s role in shaping public perception of college football has long been a subject of debate. The network’s extensive coverage and influential rankings have the power to elevate programs and players to national prominence. However, this influence has also led to accusations of bias and favoritism.

Critics argue that ESPN’s close ties with certain programs, such as Ohio State, have compromised the network’s objectivity. Allegations of biased commentary and selective coverage have fueled these concerns, leading to calls for greater transparency and accountability in ESPN’s reporting.

The debate over Ohio State’s place in college football history is not merely about a single season’s performance. It touches upon broader questions of legacy and historical context.

Programs like Alabama, Georgia, Notre Dame, and Texas have rich traditions and have achieved significant success over the decades. Alabama, for instance, has claimed multiple national championships and produced numerous NFL players. Notre Dame is renowned for its storied history and cultural impact. Texas has been a dominant force in college football, particularly in the early 2000s.

Comparing these programs to Ohio State requires careful consideration of different eras, competition levels, and institutional resources. While Ohio State’s 2024 season was remarkable, it is essential to contextualize it within the broader landscape of college football history.

The controversy sparked by ESPN’s declaration has reignited discussions about the criteria used to evaluate college football teams and programs. As the sport continues to evolve, these debates will likely persist, influencing how future generations perceive the greatest teams in college football history.

In the meantime, the 2024 Ohio State Buckeyes will continue to bask in the glory of their championship season, while other programs work diligently to add to their legacies and challenge the narratives shaped by media outlets like ESPN.