By: Kade Padgett (@kadepadgett)
As the CFSL dives into Season 21, most of us do not realize that we are on the brink of CFSL history. Grin just became the all-time winningest AD in the history of the CFSL. But Florida State isn’t the only program that could celebrate a major milestone this season.
I want to look at the most successful CFSL Programs. What schools have the most wins, who is closest to the top, and who is about to cross the elusive 100-win mark?
As it stands, Notre Dame and Texas are tied for the winningest program in the CFSL history with 115 wins.
The only other program above 100 wins is Auburn, at 103. Beard and the Auburn Tigers crossed the 100-win mark during their National Championship appearance run in Season 20.
7 other programs have a chance to reach 100 wins either this season, or in the next few seasons, and I want to go through these programs and talk about when each one might reach triple-digit wins.
Ohio State Buckeyes
Much like their hated rival, Ohio State is also sitting at 95 wins all time. AssuredFame and Ohio State are off to a hot start this season, which has made reaching 100 more viable for this season. However, they will probably need to make some noise in the playoffs to get it this season.
The Buckeyes could do it this season, but I expect they will hit the century mark in Season 22.
Michigan Wolverines
Seems like a lot of Big 10 teams are on this list. The Michigan Wolverines, led by Aaron Ike, are close to reaching 100 wins. They currently stand at 94, which makes the 100-win mark attainable this season.
Reaching 7 wins in 4 of the last 5 seasons, Aaron Ike has done a fantastic job leading the Wolverines to a Big 10 title last season, and a National Title appearance in Season 17. Needing 6 wins to reach 100, I expect Ike and the Wolverines to reach their goal by the end of Season 21. Ike will be the next AD to take a program to 100 wins.
Oregon Ducks
Another Big 10 team has a chance this season. Triipz and the Oregon Ducks sit just 8 wins away at 92 career wins. While Oregon has a much tougher path to winning 100 this season, it is possible.
Oregon won just 1 between Season 17 and Season 18, but 11 wins in the last two seasons. If the pieces come together for Oregon, and a deep playoff run is made, 100 wins will be reached this season. If not, by Week 4 of Season 22 Oregon will reach 100 wins.
Alabama Crimson Tide
The Crimson Tide are next on the list, sitting at 87 career wins. AD Ware has 14 wins to go, and even if Alabama went undefeated in Season 21 (improbable), it seems like the mark will be met down the line. Alabama has totaled 11 wins in the last two seasons, and if this pace holds, the mark will be bet around Season 23. I expect the Crimson Tide to reach 100 wins around Week 5 of Season 23.
Florida State Seminoles
Grin is the all-time winningest AD, but this benchmark for Florida State will be reached a little bit later. Currently, at 85 wins, it will take at least 2 seasons to reach the 100-win mark. With 10 wins in the last two seasons, the pace may need to be picked up if the Seminoles want to reach 100 sooner rather than later. I expect Florida State to reach 100 wins by Week 8 of Season 23.
Miami Hurricanes
The Miami Hurricanes are next on the list sitting at 84 career wins. AD George Yost totaled 13 wins in the last two seasons, but only 3 wins last season. If Miami can get back to the success they had in Season 19, they can reach this mark much easier than many expect. By Week 4 of Season 24, the Miami Hurricanes should join the 100-win club.
Clemson Tigers
The Clemson Tigers round out this list and currently sit at 80 career wins. Clemson went through a facelift this offseason, and new AD Logan Wetzel is looking for his first win as an AD. Clemson is going to be rebuilding this season, but the Tigers are hoping for less rebuild time, and more winning time sooner rather than later.
6 wins in the last two seasons does not bode well for the future, but we know a team can win 1 game one season and win 12 the next. Each season is different, and we cannot wait to see what Logan and the Clemson Tigers do this season. Expect Clemson to reach 100 wins by Week 8 of Season 25.
With no other active program above 65 wins, these 7 programs are the closest to reaching the 100-win mark. Grin becoming the winningest AD in CFSL history is a mark above all marks, but programs are closing in on historical landmarks too. I expect Texas to become the winningest program by the end of Season 21. I also expect at least 1 other program to join the 100-win club. These are exciting times looking at the history of the CFSL, and it makes me even more excited for what the future holds.
