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Ohio State Overtakes Alabama for Best Record in the Last Decade
The Buckeyes now hold the title of college football's winningest program over the past 10 years.
Published on Feb. 21, 2026
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After boasting the best winning percentage of the last decade for nine straight years, Alabama has ceded that distinction to Ohio State. The Crimson Tide have lost four games in each of the last two seasons under new head coach Kalen DeBoer, dropping them to No. 2 on the list of best winning percentages of the last decade. Ohio State now holds the title of being college football's winningest program in the last decade with a 87.12% winning percentage, topping Alabama's 86.43%. Georgia sits third at 84.78% and Clemson fourth at 81.16%.
Why it matters
This shift in college football's winningest program over the last decade marks the end of Alabama's dynasty under Nick Saban, who retired after the 2023 season. Ohio State's rise to the top also solidifies head coach Ryan Day's tenure, as he has continued the Buckeyes' success since taking over for Urban Meyer in 2018.
The details
Ohio State has won 11-plus games in five straight seasons, including a national title in 2024. The Buckeyes have made the College Football Playoff in five of the last seven seasons. Meanwhile, Alabama has suffered four-loss seasons in each of DeBoer's first two years, a number the program hasn't reached since Saban's debut season in 2007.
- Alabama lost four games in each of the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
- Ohio State has won 11-plus games in five straight seasons, from 2021 to 2025.
The players
Kalen DeBoer
The current head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide, hired after Nick Saban's retirement following the 2023 season.
Nick Saban
The former head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide, who led the program to six national championships and seven SEC titles in 12 seasons before retiring after the 2023 season.
Ryan Day
The current head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes, who has continued the program's success since taking over for Urban Meyer in 2018.
Urban Meyer
The former head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes, who led the program to a national championship in 2014 before retiring after the 2017 season.
What’s next
Ohio State will have its work cut out for it next season to maintain its spot atop the list of winningest college football programs of the last decade. The Buckeyes play one of the most difficult schedules in the Big Ten next season, and have a date with the Texas Longhorns in Austin in the early part of their non-conference schedule in September.
The takeaway
The shift in college football's winningest program over the last decade marks the end of Alabama's dynasty under Nick Saban and the rise of Ohio State under Ryan Day. This change at the top of the sport highlights the cyclical nature of college football, where even the most dominant programs can eventually be overtaken by emerging powers.
