The all-time 12-team College Football Playoff: Which unbeaten national champ since 2000 wins it all?

What if a dozen teams were invited to a portal ahead of the 2024 season?

Not the transfer portal. A time-travel portal that allowed for the 12 best teams of the 21st century up to this point to participate in a 12-team College Football Playoff. We wouldn’t watch that?

Imagine the matchups in that playoff. Who would win if the 2019 LSU team led by Joe Burrow and the 2005 Texas team led by Vince Young took the field? We will get to that question in a bit.

Here is a look at our best (fictional) guess at a 12-team 21st Century 12-Team College Football Playoff.

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Who made the all-time 12-team College Football Playoff?

In order to make this playoff, teams had to win either the BCS or CFP national championship and have a perfect record. A total of 13 FBS teams from 12 schools have accomplished that since 2000.

Alabama had two teams finish unbeaten – the 2009 and 2020 versions under Nick Saban. We subjectively took the 2020 team over the 2009 team for the purpose of this exercise. With that, here were the 12 teams that qualified for our CFP and our seeding.

In true college football form, that format will create controversy, but we added more tweaks. We gave each power conference (ACC, SEC, Big 12, Pac-12, Big Ten) a top-five seed, so some SEC schools – namely 2019 LSU and 2022 Georgia – will claim they are under-seeded. The SEC has four teams in this playoff, but the Urban Meyer-Tim Tebow national champions from 2006 and 2008 were not let in this version of the CFP because each team had one loss.

What about controversial teams? USC had to vacate that 2004 BCS national championship, and Michigan could face punishment after winning the 2023 CFP championship. Auburn had controversy with Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton in 2010. Why are those teams allowed in? We want to see it play out on the imaginary field, that’s why.

A few teams that finished unbeaten that were left out: Auburn (2004), Utah (2008), TCU (2010) and UCF (2017). Perhaps those teams could do their own separate four-team playoff.

MORE: Predictions for the 2024 12-team College Football Playoff

First-round games

How would that first round play out on campus? That would be intriguing in these first-round matchups, which feature Heisman Trophy winners Cam Newton, Jameis Winston and Joe Burrow.

No. 8 Florida State (2013) vs. No. 9 Clemson (2018)

Clemson beat Florida State 59-10 in 2018, and Florida State beat Clemson 51-14 in 2013. This one puts Winston and Trevor Lawrence on the same field, and the future No. 1 picks put on an aerial show in a shootout that is tied at 31 heading into the fourth quarter. That is when the defenses tighten. Florida State cornerback Lamarcus Joyner breaks up a third-down pass to Hunter Renfrow with 4:50 remaining, and the Tigers settle for a field goal from Greg Heugel. Winston leads a TD drive in response, with the key play coming on a fourth-and-2 run by Devonta Freeman at midfield. Winston hits Kelvin Benjamin in the back corner of the end zone for the go-ahead score with 58 seconds left, which sends Doak Campbell Stadium into a frenzy. The Seminoles squeak out the grudge match between the last two ACC schools to win national championships.

Final: Florida State 38, Clemson 34

No. 5 Michigan (2023) vs. No. 12 Auburn (2010)

Newton comes to the Big House – where the challenge of facing Michigan defense becomes that much more difficult when the gales of December come early. A wintry, windy mix leads to a sloppy first half, and Michael Dyer and Ontarrio McCaalebb struggle against the Wolverines’ interior defense. J.J. McCarthy throws a 13-yard TD to Roman Wilson, and Blake Corum’s 1-yard TD run puts Michigan 20-9 heading into the fourth quarter. Newton leads a furious rally with a 68-yard TD pass to Darvin Adams, but the two-point conversion is broken up by Mike Sainristil. Auburn forces a punt and drives for the potential go-ahead TD. The Tigers have one chance with four seconds remaining, but history repeats itself in a strange way. Newton is stuffed on a QB option up the middle by Kenneth Grant and Mason Graham – much like Jalen Milroe in last year’s Rose Bowl, and the Wolverines escape into the second round.

Final: Michigan 20, Auburn 15

No. 6 LSU (2019) vs. No. 11 Oklahoma (2000)

The Tigers get off to a rough start when Torrance Marshall intercepts Joe Burrow on the first play from scrimmage and returns it for a 27-yard touchdown. The Sooners lead 10-0 after one quarter, but LSU coach Ed Orgeron settles Burrow down in the second quarter. A 65-yard touchdown pass to Ja’Marr Chase sets off the Tiger Stadium faithful, and Patrick Queen keeps that momentum going with a pick six off Oklahoma quarterback Josh Heupel on the next possession. Burrow throws a 18-yard TD to Justin Jefferson in the third quarter. Quentin Griffin counters with a 43-yard TD run to pull the Sooners within one score at 24-20, but Burrow leads another TD drive with a TD on a swing pass to Clyde Edwards-Helaire to help the SEC avoid an 0-2 start in the first round.

Final: LSU 31, Oklahoma 20

No. 7 Georgia (2022) vs. No. 10 Ohio State (2002)

Kirby Smart criticized the playoff committee’s ranking of Georgia before the matchup against the Buckeyes, citing a potential second-round matchup against No. 2 Alabama. Ohio State catches the Bulldogs off guard early with a reverse to Chris Gamble for a score against an elite defense that leaked late in the 2022 season. Jim Tressel then calls for a fake punt on the next possession, and Craig Krenzel connects with Michael Jenkins for a TD on the next play. Georgia trails 14-3 at halftime, but Stetson Bennett hits Brock Bowers for two TDs in the third quarter. Ohio State responds with a nine-minute drive with three third-down conversions, and Maurice Clarett’s one-yard TD is good for a 21-17 lead. Bennett’s fourth-down pass in the final minutes is batted down by A.J. Hawk. That silences Sanford Stadium and secures the double-digit seed upset of the first round.

Final: Ohio State 21, Georgia 17

Quarterfinals

The semi-finals would be played at the bowl sites based on the rotation for the 2024-25 College Football Playoff, and those matchups feature an in-state rivalry (Miami vs. Florida State), a blue-blood rivalry (Alabama vs. Ohio State), a classic rivalry (USC vs. Michigan) and perhaps a new-age rivalry (LSU vs. Texas):

No. 2 Alabama (2020) vs. No. 10 Ohio State (2002)

The 2020 Alabama team defeated the 2009 Alabama team in an intrasquad play-in scrimmage before the College Football Playoff, which Nick Saban decided was the only fair way to decide who represents Alabama. The Crimson Tide drive into the red zone twice in the first quarter, but two sacks by Will Smith forced the Crimson Tide to settle for a pair of field goals from Will Reichard. Clarett scores on a 12-yard TD run in the second quarter, and Tressel’s recipe is working against Saban early. Mac Jones changes that when he hits DeVonta Smith on a deep post for a touchdown with 1:18 left in the half for a 13-7 lead. Patrick Surtain II intercepts Krenzel on the next possession, and a short touchdown run by Najee Harris opens up a 20-7 lead. The teams trade field goals into the fourth quarter, when Alabama pulls away on a short touchdown run by Brian Robinson. Dustin Fox recovers a Mike Nugent onside kick, which leads to an Ohio State score in the final minute, but it is too late at that point.

Final: Alabama 30, Ohio State 20

No. 1 Miami, Fla. (2001) vs. No. 8 Florida State (2013)

Pre-game hype at the Sugar Bowl builds when Miami tight end Jeremy Shockey tells reporters, “James Winston couldn’t hang with our scout team defense.” Miami sets the tone with a 10-play drive to start the game, capped with a 13-yard TD run by Clinton Portis. Winston throws two first-half interceptions – one to Phillip Buchanon and the other to Ed Reed – and Ken Dorsey throws a TD to Andre Johnson shortly before halftime for a 17-0 lead. When Shockey scores to open the second half, it appears a blowout is in the works. Florida State, however, has other ideas. Winston throws a 69-yard TD to Rashad Greene on a busted coverage. Karlos Williams scores on a 21-yard run, and Kermit Whitfield’s 93-yard punt return for a TD cuts the lead to 24-21 with 4:44 left. Miami punts again with 2:01 remaining, which gives Florida State just enough time to set up a 44-yard field goal attempt. Roberto Aguayo – who was 21 of 22 on field-goal attempts – sails the kick wide right.

Final: Miami 24, Florida State 21

No. 4 USC (2004) vs. No. 5 Michigan (2023)

This is a throw-back to their eight previous matchups between the Wolverines and the Trojans in the Rose Bowl – and the running backs are the stars in this matchup. Michigan scores on its opening drive behind eight consecutive runs from Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards – who scores from 12 yards out for a 7-0 lead. Corum scores again on the next drive from two yards out. The Wolverines threaten again – but Lofa Tatupu intercepts a tipped pass in the red zone. USC counters with a drive that ends with a 2-yard TD run by LenDale White to cut Michigan’s lead to 14-7 at halftime. The second half belongs to Reggie Bush. Matt Leinart hits Bush on a screen pass, which turns into a 41-yard TD. Bush then breaks a punt return down to the 5-yard line, and White finishes with another short TD. McCarthy leads Michigan on a frantic two-minute drive late, but a fourth-down pass is knocked away by USC linebacker Matt Gootegoed. The Wolverines lose another heart-breaker to the Trojans. Pete Carroll and Jim Harbaugh share an awkward handshake after an instant classic.

Final: USC 21, Michigan 14

No. 3 Texas (2005) vs. No. 6 LSU (2019)

Texas gets a first-round bye, but the highly-partisan Sugar Bowl crowd in New Orleans is another source of controversy. What unfolds is one of the greatest shootouts of all time. Burrow and Texas quarterback Vince Young lead their teams on scoring drives in the first six possessions in a flurry of big plays. Young has 111 rushing yards in the first half alone, and Texas takes a 24-21 halftime lead after a Brian Robison strip sack leads to a David Pino field goal as time expires. Burrow’s 44-yard touchdown pass to Chase in the third quarter gives LSU a 28-24 lead, and that lead extends to 35-24 after Terrace Marshall Jr. scores on a crossing route. Then the controversies start. LSU threatens to put the game away on a third-down stop, but Derek Stingley Jr. is called for an unsportsmanlike penalty for giving the “Horns Down” gesture. Ed Orgeron also receives a 15-yard penalty for arguing the call. Young hits Billy Pittman for a 27-yard TD on the next play. Young then guides another TD drive with his third rushing TD of the game with 1:54 left – and the Longhorns have a 38-35 lead. Burrow, however, with the help of a controversial third-down pass interference call on Michael Huff, leads LSU into the red zone. Longhorns super-fan Matthew McConaughey is escorted out of the stadium by security after arguing with officials. With 18 seconds left, Burrow connects with Jefferson on a back-corner fade for a walk-off victory.

Final: LSU 42, Texas 38

Semifinals

Who was the best team of the 2000s: Miami or USC? The best team of the CFP era: LSU or Alabama? Both questions are answered in the semifinals.

No. 1 Miami, Fla. (2001) vs. No. 4 USC (2004)

USC is forced to travel cross country for the Orange Bowl, where the Hurricanes do their best to recreate the intimidating environment of the 1980s. Miami forces a three-and-out on the game’s first possession, and takes the ensuing punt 67 yards for a touchdown to give the Hurricanes an early 7-0 lead. Leinart settles in for USC behind the ground game, and a 19-yard TD pass to Steve Smith ties the game near the end of the first quarter. Each team scores on its next drive, but USC linebacker Keith Rivers is ejected for targeting in the second quarter, and the teams trade field goals. Dorsey finally hits a deep pass to Andre Johnson in the third quarter, and the Trojans counter with a 26-yard TD run from Bush. With the game dead–locked at 24 heading into the fourth quarter, Miami strikes when Dorsey hits fullback Najeh Davenport on a slip screen in the red zone for an 11-yard TD. USC drives to mid-field and faces a fourth-and-2 with 3:18 remaining. Carroll sends Bush on the field, who is stuffed when trying to get to the edge by Jonathan Vilma for a one-yard loss. In the post-game press conference, a reporter asks Carroll, “Why didn’t you give the ball to LenDale White up the middle?” Carroll throws up his hands in exasperation and leaves the podium.

Final: Miami 31, USC 24

No. 2 Alabama (2020) vs. No. 6 LSU (2019)

Saban meticulously studies the game film from the legendary 2019 matchup – the one the Tigers won 46-41 in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Would it be a different story with the Crimson Tide’s 2020 version on the field? LSU – much like 2019 – jumps out to a quick 10-0 lead at the Cotton Bowl after a 28-yard TD pass from Burrow to Thaddeus Moss, who pops open frequently with the Crimson Tide rolling double coverage on Chase. Alabama – which beat LSU 55-17 in 2020 – turns to a ball-control offense. Harris and Robinson both score in the second quarter, and a 31-yard TD pass to DeVonta Smith gives Alabama a stunning 21-10 halftime lead. From there, the shootout is on. Burrow hits Marshall and Jefferson for touchdowns in the third quarter, and Jones connects with John Metchie Jr. with 1:12 left in the third quarter. Alabama clings to a 28-24 lead before the game-changing play. LSU linebacker Micah Bakersfield blocks a punt, and scoops and scores. The Tigers force a three-and-out, and Burrow finally connects with Chase on a 52-yard TD pass on a third-down play-action. Saban throws his headset in disgust. Jones leads a quick four-play TD drive with another TD to Smith, but the ensuing onside kick is recovered by LSU.

Final: LSU 38, Alabama 35

All-time CFP championship

Miami had 26 players drafted and 13 first-round picks from 2001-03. LSU had 31 players drafted and seven first-round picks from 2020-22. This game overflows with NFL talent.

No. 1 Miami (2001) vs. No. 6 LSU (2019)

A pair of consensus All-American safeties set the tone in the first quarter of the ultimate national championship game. LSU’s Grant Delpit intercepts Ken Dorsey on the game’s second possession, and that sets up a short TD run from Edwards-Helaire on third down. The extra point is blocked, however, by freshman defensive back Antrel Rolle.

On LSU’s next possession, Ed Reed barrels in on a safety blitz and forces Joe Burrow to fumble, which D.J. Williams returns for a TD. Dorsey hits Jeremy Shockey for a 22-yard TD later in the second quarter. Burrow matches that with a 12-yard TD to Justin Jefferson. Late in the first half, LSU has a chance to tack on more points, but LSU coach Ed Orgeron opts to go for it on fourth-and-2 from the Miami 34-yard line. Burrow’s quick-hit pass is batted down at the line of scrimmage by Vince Wilfork, and Miami leads 14-12 at halftime.

Burrow fools the Miami defense on a boot-leg in the third quarter, and he scrambles into the end zone on a 23-yard touchdown despite a vicious hit at the pylon from Reed. Miami answers with a 3-yard touchdown run from freshman Frank Gore, who splits carries with Clinton Portis and Wilis McGahee in the second half to keep the Tigers off the field.

Miami extends that lead to 28-20 when Dorsey and Andre Johnson connect with 7:19 left in the game. The Hurricanes force a punt, but a clipping call negates a TD return from Phillip Buchanon. Miami punts, leaving Burrow one more chance to drive the field. Burrow works the perimeter with Ja’Marr Chase and Jefferson to push down to the goal line, where Tyrion Davis-Price scores with 37 seconds left. The Tigers are forced to go for two. Burrow is flushed right, and he fires a pass into Marshall, but the ball is knocked loose by Reed, who swats the ball into the ground in a play reminiscent of Kenny Calhoun at the 1984 Orange Bowl.

Larry Coker is given a Gatorade bath, and the Hurricanes stake their claim as the greatest team of the 21st century.

Final: Miami 28, LSU 26