Jim Harbaugh turned the tide for Michigan during their triumphant 2024 national championship run, transforming doubts and criticisms into motivation. While the NCAA investigated the program and accusations of “cheating” filled the air, the Wolverines powered through, ending their season unbeaten and capturing their first championship in 26 years.
Does Harbaugh lose sleep over the 10-year show cause he received from the NCAA for past events? Not a chance. He’s too busy reveling in victory as Michigan established its dominance in the Big Ten, affording them hardware and narrowly avoiding a spot in our most loathed teams of all-time ranking here at CBS Sports.
Meanwhile, down in the Bayou, Lane Kiffin absorbs this commentary, acutely aware that 2026 LSU might just make an appearance in next spring’s revisited rankings if all goes well for the Tigers this season. Remember, college football’s unlikable teams share a few common threads — great athletes and a hefty winning record.
10. Alabama (2011)
Nick Saban’s reign made Alabama the focus of disdain from fans outside the state for over a decade. The Crimson Tide achieved unparalleled success from 2010 to 2020, dominating both wins and NFL draft picks. Saban secured six national titles and numerous conference championships. Yet, it was the 2011 rematch against LSU after a low-scoring first encounter that ignited more animosity among fans. Alabama’s dismantling of LSU resulted in one of the lowest viewership numbers for a BCS final, intensifying debate about championship matchups.
9. Notre Dame (1993)
Lou Holtz’s 1993 Fighting Irish earned recognition despite finishing second in the final rankings to Bobby Bowden’s Florida State. After defeating them earlier in the season, Holtz’s fervent criticism of poll voters was a catalyst for creating the Bowl Championship Series. From 1988 to 1993, Notre Dame won 88% of its games and became a staple on national television, but their success came at a cost — they acquired plenty of detractors.
8. Ohio State (2002)
As the second most-winning program, Ohio State has often played the villain. Much of the criticism stems from a controversial ruling in their championship victory over Miami. Fans are still left questioning Terry Porter’s defensive pass interference call that allowed Ohio State to win in overtime. That pivotal moment set the stage for Ohio State’s future, transforming their identity into one fraught with scrutiny and allegations of favoritism.
7. Texas A&M (2012)
Even years after his college days, Johnny Manziel remains a polarizing figure in SEC discussions. An early icon in the age of social media, he brought both charisma and controversy to the game. He captured the attention of fans with his wild plays, particularly his memorable triumph against Alabama. Manziel’s brash persona and distinct style often made him a target for those who couldn’t appreciate his unique flair.
6. Oklahoma (2017)
Baker Mayfield etched himself into the college football narrative with bold moves, such as planting Oklahoma’s flag at Ohio State’s 50-yard line. His dynamic plays off the field paralleled his performance on it. Mayfield became a household name, transforming perceptions of the Sooners under coach Lincoln Riley, who quickly gained recognition as a premier offensive strategist that other teams struggled to contend with.
5. Florida (1996)
Long before Tim Tebow and Urban Meyer’s legacy, Steve Spurrier set the stage for Florida’s dominance in the ’90s. With the Fun-N-Gun offense and an array of star quarterbacks, Spurrier led the Gators to significant victories. The 1996 season saw them achieve a national championship that firmly established their reputation, much to the dismay of rival teams.
4. Auburn (2010)
Cam Newton’s presence made Auburn one of the most discussed teams in college football history. His journey from Florida to junior college and finally to Auburn was marked by triumphs and tribulations. Newton’s remarkable season awarded him a national championship while generating a flurry of controversy that left opposing fans eagerly anticipating his downfall, which never came.
3. Florida State (2014)
Jameis Winston burst onto the scene, leading Florida State to a national championship run, only to quickly become a lightning rod for criticism in 2014. His flamboyant persona and controversial moments attracted attention for all the wrong reasons during the successive season. The Seminoles experienced an abrupt end to their winning streak in the College Football Playoff against Oregon, dissolving expectations of continued domination.
Winston’s emotive responses often found their way into headlines during his career, encapsulating the highs and lows of both his and the program’s journey.
2. USC (2005)
During the Pete Carroll era, USC became the envy of every elite program with Heisman winners like Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush. Their explosive offense dominated, scoring over 50 points in multiple games, establishing a recipe for success that set the stage for intense scrutiny. The Trojans’ remarkable record caught the attention of fans across the nation, and their epic showdown against Texas culminated in one of the most memorable finishes in BCS history.
1. Miami (1986)
The emergence of “The U” under Jimmy Johnson marked Miami as the college football bad boys. A team brimming with NFL talent, Johnson’s unconventional methods drew both admiration and criticism. Their audacious presence, including memorable moments such as stepping off the plane in fatigues, contributed to their polarizing reputation. Despite a national championship loss to Penn State, their legacy is cemented as one of the most infamous teams in football history.
