There’s nothing more exciting in sports than a huge comeback, especially in the postseason. Since its inception in 2014, the College Football Playoff has produced several impressive comebacks and memorable moments. Here’s a look at some of the biggest comebacks in CFP history.
🏈 2025 BRANCH: Who will the country choose to win it all?
1. 2025 CFP First Round – Alabama vs. Oklahoma
Date: December 19, 2025
Loss: 17 points
Alabama pulled off the biggest comeback in CFP history in the second quarter from a 17-0 deficit. Alabama scored two quick touchdowns and a field goal to tie the game at 17-17 going into the locker room, and the Tide continued to roll in the second half, scoring another touchdown and a field goal in the third quarter to make it 27 unanswered points. Despite Oklahoma’s loss, Alabama won 34-24.
👉 HISTORY: Relive Alabama’s win over Oklahoma in the 2025 CFP.
2. 2018 Rose Bowl – Georgia vs. Oklahoma
Date: January 1, 2018
Loss: 17 points
Down 31-14 with six seconds left in the second quarter, Georgia pulled off the biggest comeback in CFP history. The Bulldogs defeated Oklahoma 54-48 in double overtime to advance to the national championship game.
3. 2019 Fiesta Bowl – Clemson vs. Ohio State
Date: December 28, 2019
Loss: 16 points
Clemson trailed 16-0 with 7:20 left in the second quarter, but Trevor Lawrence led the Tigers to a 29-23 victory over Ohio State and a fierce fightback to send Clemson to the national championship game.
4. 2015 Sugar Bowl – Ohio State vs. Alabama
Date: January 1, 2015
Loss: 15 points
Ohio State rallied from a 21-6 deficit late in the second quarter to defeat Alabama 42-35. The Buckeyes won their first CFP National Championship.
5. 2022 Peach Bowl – vs. Georgia State
Date: December 31, 2022
Losses: 14 points (twice)
Georgia overcame two separate 14-point deficits after trailing 21-7 in the second quarter and 38-24 in the third. The Bulldogs defeated Ohio State 42-41 in the semifinals to keep their championship hopes alive.
6. 2017 National Championship – Alabama vs. Clemson
Date: January 9, 2017
Loss: 14 points
Clemson fell behind 14-0 early but rallied to beat Alabama 35-31. Deshaun Watson’s last-second touchdown pass became one of the most impressive feats in CFP history.
7. 2018 National Championship – Alabama vs. Georgia
Date: January 8, 2018
Loss: 13 points
With Alabama trailing 20-7 in the third quarter, freshman quarterback Tua Tagovailoa entered the game. His overtime assist gave the Crimson Tide a 26-23 win over Georgia.
8. 2020 National Championship – LSU vs. Clemson
Date: January 13, 2020
Loss: 10 points
LSU trailed 17-7 in the second quarter, but rallied behind Joe Barrow’s record-tying touchdown. The Tigers defeated Clemson 42-25 to complete a perfect season.
9. 2024 Orange Bowl – Notre Dame vs. Penn State
Date: January 9, 2025
Loss: 10 points
Penn State jumped out to a 10-0 lead in the semifinals against the Fighting Irish and led 10-3 at halftime. However, Notre Dame responded with two touchdowns from the half, making it 17 unanswered and taking its first lead. The Nittany Lions regained the lead in the fourth quarter, but an Irish touchdown and a field goal ended the game and sent Notre Dame to the national championship game.
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