There’s almost nothing in sports more exhilarating than an epic comeback, especially in a big moment. Since its inception in 2014, the College Football Playoff has delivered countless unforgettable moments and several incredible comebacks. Here’s a look at the largest comebacks in CFP history:
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1. 2018 Rose Bowl – Georgia vs. Oklahoma
Date: Jan. 1, 2018
Deficit: 17 points
Georgia staged the biggest comeback in CFP history, rallying from a 31–14 deficit with six seconds left in the second quarter. The Bulldogs stormed back to defeat Oklahoma 54–48 in double overtime, securing their spot in the national championship game.
2. 2019 Fiesta Bowl – Clemson vs. Ohio State
Date: Dec. 28, 2019
Deficit: 16 points
Clemson trailed 16–0 with 7:20 remaining in the second quarter but mounted a furious rally as Trevor Lawrence led the Tigers to a 29–23 victory over Ohio State, sending Clemson to the national championship.
3. 2015 Sugar Bowl – Ohio State vs. Alabama
Date: Jan. 1, 2015
Deficit: 15 points
Down 21–6 late in the second quarter, Ohio State surged back to stun Alabama 42–35. The Buckeyes went on to win the inaugural CFP national championship.
4. 2022 Peach Bowl – Georgia vs. Ohio State
Date: Dec. 31, 2022
Deficit: 14 points (twice)
Georgia overcame two separate 14-point deficits — trailing 21–7 in the second quarter and 38–24 late in the third. The Bulldogs edged Ohio State 42–41 in a dramatic semifinal, keeping their championship hopes alive.
5. 2017 National Championship – Clemson vs. Alabama
Date: Jan. 9, 2017
Deficit: 14 points
Clemson fell behind 14–0 early but rallied to defeat Alabama 35–31. Deshaun Watson’s last-second touchdown pass sealed one of the most iconic finishes in CFP history.
6. 2018 National Championship – Alabama vs. Georgia
Date: Jan. 8, 2018
Deficit: 13 points
Alabama trailed 20–7 in the third quarter before freshman quarterback Tua Tagovailoa entered the game. His overtime touchdown pass lifted the Crimson Tide to a 26–23 victory over Georgia.
7. 2020 National Championship – LSU vs. Clemson
Date: Jan. 13, 2020
Deficit: 10 points
LSU fell behind 17–7 in the second quarter but roared back behind Joe Burrow’s record-setting performance. The Tigers defeated Clemson 42–25 to cap off a perfect season.
8. 2024 Orange Bowl – Notre Dame vs. Penn State
Date: Jan. 9 2025
Deficit: 10 points
Penn State got out to a quick 10-0 lead in its semifinal match against the Fighting Irish, taking a 10-3 advantage into halftime. However, Notre Dame responded with two touchdowns out of the half to make it 17 unanswered and take its first lead. The Nittany Lions reclaimed the lead again in the fourth quarter, but an Irish touchdown and field goal sealed the game and sent Notre Dame to the national championship.
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