College football is a sport steeped in tradition, rivalries, and of course, victories. For fans and analysts alike, wins are the ultimate metric of success, reflecting a program’s sustained excellence over decades. When considering Which College Football Program Has The Most Career Wins, we delve into the very history of the game itself, exploring institutions that have consistently dominated the gridiron.
This article examines the NCAA’s official win-loss records to spotlight the nine college football programs that have amassed the most victories in history. These are not just teams that have had fleeting moments of glory; they are programs that have built legacies through consistent winning seasons, legendary coaches, and generations of talented players. To qualify for this prestigious list, each school has competed at the top division of college football for at least 25 years, a testament to their enduring presence in the sport.
9. Nebraska Cornhuskers
All-time record: 924-430-40
Win percentage: .677
First season: 1890
The Nebraska Cornhuskers hold the ninth spot with an impressive 924 wins. Nebraska’s golden era, spanning the 1970s to the late 1990s, saw them clinch five national championships and produce three Heisman Trophy winners. Names like Bob Devaney and Tom Osborne are synonymous with Nebraska’s football prowess. While the program aims to recapture that past glory, their historical win record firmly places them among the elite. After ending an eight-year bowl drought in 2024 with a 7-6 season, the Cornhuskers and their dedicated fanbase are looking towards a brighter future.
T8. Penn State Nittany Lions
All-time record: 943-412-41
Win percentage: .690
First season: 1887
Sharing the eighth position is Penn State, boasting 943 all-time victories. Penn State’s football heritage is rich with tradition, including two national championships and a Heisman Trophy winner in John Cappelletti. Under the legendary Joe Paterno, the Nittany Lions became a consistent national powerhouse. Since 2010, Penn State has secured one Big Ten Championship (2016) and enjoyed five seasons with 10 or more wins. Their consistent performance in the competitive Big Ten Conference, including a third consecutive 10-win season in 2024, solidifies their place in college football’s winningest programs.
T8. Yale Bulldogs
All-time record: 943-393-55
Win percentage: .698
First season: 1872
Yale University, also with 943 wins, shares the eighth spot, but their story is unique. The Bulldogs’ football program predates nearly every other school on this list, with their first game played at least seven years earlier than any other program featured. As an Ivy League institution, Yale transitioned to Division I-AA (now FCS) in 1982. While currently competing at the FCS level, Yale’s early dominance and enduring program contribute to their high all-time win total. They have continued to find success, winning the Ivy League four times since 2015, demonstrating a commitment to football tradition spanning over a century.
6. Oklahoma Sooners
All-time record: 950-348-53
Win percentage: .723
First season: 1895
The Oklahoma Sooners claim the sixth spot with 950 victories, establishing themselves as a true college football powerhouse. Oklahoma’s history is adorned with seven national championships and seven Heisman Trophy winners, a testament to their consistent excellence. Coaching legends like Bud Wilkinson and Barry Switzer built a winning culture that has persisted through the modern era. The Sooners have recorded an impressive 11 double-digit win seasons since 2010, showcasing their contemporary dominance. Their move to the SEC in 2025 marks a new chapter, as they aim to maintain their winning tradition in a new conference landscape.
5. Texas Longhorns
All-time record: 961-395-33
Win percentage: .704
First season: 1893
Fifth on the list is the Texas Longhorns, with 961 all-time wins. Texas is not only one of the winningest programs but also one of the most popular in college football. Their trophy case includes four national titles and two Heisman winners. The Longhorns enjoyed a period of sustained dominance from 2001 to 2009, achieving nine consecutive double-digit win seasons, culminating in a national championship in 2005. After a period of rebuilding, Texas signaled a return to national prominence with a College Football Playoff berth in the 2024 season, fueling optimism among the Longhorn faithful.
4. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
All-time record: 962-339-42
Win percentage: .732
First season: 1887
Just ahead of Texas, in fourth place, are the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, with 962 victories. Notre Dame’s global appeal and independent status contribute to their legendary status in college football. They boast nine national championships in the poll era (since 1936), second only to Alabama. The Fighting Irish have also produced seven Heisman winners, with Tim Brown being the most recent in 1987. Since 2010, Notre Dame has achieved nine 10-win seasons, including a national championship appearance in 2012, proving their continued relevance on the national stage.
3. Alabama Crimson Tide
All-time record: 974-341-43
Win percentage: .733
First season: 1892
In the third spot, with 974 wins, are the Alabama Crimson Tide. Alabama’s 21st-century dominance, particularly under coach Nick Saban, is unparalleled. Saban’s tenure has seen the Crimson Tide win six national championships since 2009, firmly establishing them as the modern standard of college football excellence. Alabama has appeared in nine national title games and produced four Heisman winners since 2009, illustrating their consistent ability to attract top talent and compete at the highest level year after year.
2. Ohio State Buckeyes
All-time record: 978-335-53
Win percentage: .735
First season: 1890
Approaching the top spot with 978 wins are the Ohio State Buckeyes. Ohio State’s consistent success places them among the elite, with a strong claim to being a perennial national title contender. Since 1995, the Buckeyes have finished in the AP poll’s top six an impressive 16 times, securing three national championships and two runner-up finishes in that span. Their overall history includes nine national titles and seven Heisman winners, including Archie Griffin, the only two-time Heisman recipient. Ohio State’s victory in the inaugural College Football Playoff in 2014 and 13 double-digit win seasons since 2010 underscore their continued gridiron dominance.
1. Michigan Wolverines
All-time record: 1,012-358-36
Win percentage: .733
First season: 1879
Topping the list and breaking the 1,000-win milestone, the college football program with the most career wins is the Michigan Wolverines, with a staggering 1,012 victories. Michigan’s storied history includes a perfect 15-0 season in 2024, culminating in their first national title since 1997. The Wolverines’ consistent success across over a century of football cements their place as the winningest program in college football history. From Fielding Yost to Bo Schembechler to Jim Harbaugh, Michigan has been home to legendary coaches and players, building a legacy of winning that is unmatched in college football.
This ranking showcases the enduring legacy of these nine college football programs. Their consistent winning records, generation after generation, demonstrate a commitment to excellence that defines the very best in the sport. As college football continues to evolve, these programs serve as a reminder of the rich history and tradition built on the foundation of countless victories.
