The Best All-Time Teams in the CFSL
By: David Ware (@Ware)
As the College Football Simulation League celebrates two decades of thrilling gridiron action, it’s time to look back and honor the greatest teams that have graced the virtual field. In this article, we will rank the top 10 teams of all time based on a comprehensive evaluation of their performance over 20 seasons. Our rankings will consider a variety of metrics including total wins and losses, winning percentage, points scored per game, points allowed per game, net points, conference championships, national titles, and team spirit awards. By examining these criteria, we aim to highlight the most dominant and memorable teams in CFSL history, celebrating their achievements and impact on the league.
To be able to rank the top teams, there was a lot of data taken as factors as previously mentioned. The point rating for each team is a composite score from the weighted score of each stat based on the league average. Fourteen data points were used in all with the lowest composite score being 1.90 points and the highest being 42.54. Without further delay, enjoy the top 10 teams in CFSL history.
#10 Boise State
Composite Score: 19.58
One of the original teams in the CFSL but only lasted for two seasons originally. They made a return in Season 10 and were active until the end of Season 19. During their time in the CFSL Boise State won just a little less than 50%, but was to the positive by 384 points and won the Team Spirit award in Season 10. Boise State is one of only three teams in the top 10 that have not won a National championship, but they have won a Pit Championship.
#9 LSU
Composite Score: 21.56
Much like Boise State, LSU has come and gone in the CFSL. They first appeared in Season Two. They lasted one season before returning in Season Seven and lasting until Season 15 before leaving the league for a short time. LSU returned Season 19 and is currently 16 games over .500 during their time in the league. While they may not have a championship, they do have two conference titles and two team spirit awards. Their plus 532 net points is the sixth most in CFSL history.
#8 Auburn
Composite Score: 21.86
The Auburn Tigers are one of four original teams from Season One that has been in the league the entire time. The Tigers just notched their 100th victory this past season with first-year AD Justin Duke. Matt Pack helped lead the Tigers to a national championship and team spirit in Season Seven. The Tigers also have the eighth-best winning percentage in the playoffs in league history.
#7 USC
Composite Score: 24.74
The Trojans are coming off their second national championship and hold the playoffs’ second-highest winning percentage in the league at an astounding 73.33%. They have won more championships than conference titles, but have won a team spirit award as well. What USC has accomplished in their two stints has been impressive. They were originally in the league from Season 6 through Season 12 and won a championship in their second season. When returning in Season 19, they once again won in their second season back.
#6 Miami
Composite Score: 27.70
The 305 is represented in the top 10 as Miami has won a national championship in Season Nine and the Team Spirit Award in Season Eight. Miami currently sits in seventh in net points in CFSL history and ninth in wins. One staple for Miami has been defense as they have given up the seventh least amount of yards (for teams that have played at least 50 games) and 10th on points allowed a game. Miami finds itself in a group of four teams with 80-90 wins that are in the race for the 100-win mark.
#5 Alabama
Composite Score: 31.91
Alabama is the highest-rated team that has not won a national championship, but they did win the PIT championship in Season 15. While no championship, Alabama has been consistent and ranks sixth in winning percentage, seventh in wins, and third in net points with a plus 1,114 points. The Crimson Tide joined the league in Season 6 and have always had a great defense while ranking the sixth lowest in points per game and yards allowed per game. Alabama also is third in points per game offensively and yards per game amongst teams with at least 50 games played. The Crimson Tide is sitting at 85 wins and looking to be one of the next teams to achieve the 100-win mark.
#4 Notre Dame
Composite Score: 33.12
The Fighting Irish are a team that would be a candidate for the top team in CFSL history. Not only did they win the very first championship but they also were the first team to ever win back-to-back championships. The resume for Notre Dame continues as they have the most wins in league history as they have been in the league since day 1. Notre Dame was also the first team to ever go 11-0 and win a championship. So what’s keeping them from being the number you ask? Well, they are 600 net points lower than the top team. Notre Dame is also just a little less productive compared to some teams ahead of them. No matter where they fall on the ranking, the Fighting Irish have been trailblazers in the CFSL and will always hold their place in history.
#3 Kentucky
Composite Score: 34.40
The Wildcats come into the top all-time rankings with the least amount of games played in CFSL. Kentucky joined the league in season 13 and has won 73% of their games and outscored their opponents by 1,125 points. In eight seasons in the CFSL, the Wildcats have won three conference titles and three national championships including back-to-back championships. The three championships in four seasons go down as one of the best dynasties we have seen in the league as of today. The adage that defense wins championships is evident as they are one of two teams to play at least 50 games and give up less than 400 yards a game and only 26 points per game which is best for teams with the same criteria. Let us not forget that Kentucky won a championship with two different athletic directors as well, which is extremely impressive.
#2 Oklahoma State
Composite Score: 36.09
In Season Nine, Houston Freeman brought Oklahoma State into the league and made them a force immediately. They have won an impressive 72% of their games, four conference titles including their debut season, and two championships. Oklahoma State even won back-to-back team spirit awards. Not only did they win a lot of games, but they dominated their opponents and outscored them by 1,110 points. The defense is the other team besides Kentucky to allow less than 400 yards a game on defense. Oklahoma State shut down its football after Season 19 but is still one of the greatest teams. Will they be like other programs and make a comeback?
#1 Texas
Composite Score: 42.54
The Longhorns have been around since Season Three and have won an astounding seven conference titles. We always hear that Texas is back and they have won 64% of their games. In 18 seasons, the Longhorns only had a losing record three times. Only four total teams have a positive net of more than 1,000 points and at the top of the leaderboard is none other than Texas. They hold a 1,477-point advantage over their opponents and have scored the second most points per game at 38.5 points per game. Texas is currently two wins behind Notre Dame for most wins in league history. Can the Longhorns take over as the winningest team in CFSL history this year?
The top 10 teams are not much of a shock overall, but there was one team that was right on the edge of cracking the list. Florida State takes home the honorable mention with a composite score of 19.40 which was just 0.18 behind number 10 Boise State. Hall of Fame athletic director for FSU has been a staple of consistency as the Seminoles are always one of the most feared teams to play in the CFSL. Now comes the fun part as with all content, how much chaos or what teams were snubbed from the top 10? Let’s hear about it in league chat!
