Ranking the top 50 college football programs of all time

Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Curtis Samuel (4) celebrates after scoring the game winning touchdown against the Michigan Wolverines in the second overtime at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won the game 30-27 in double overtime.Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 26, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers wide receiver Quadree Henderson (10) returns a kick-off against the Syracuse Orange during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won 76-61. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

People haven’t spoken highly of Pittsburgh in quite some time. The Panthers seem to be the forgotten program in the ACC, but they made a couple of statements in 2016 during conference play. Pat Naduzzi is bringing the toughness back, at least on offense, as the Panthers took down Clemson, ruining the Tigers’ bid for a perfect season.

Narduzzi is bringing excitement back to Pittsburgh that hasn’t been around for years. He’s led the Panthers to two straight eight-win seasons after the program had not seen one since 2010. Pittsburgh has, however, made nine straight bowl games.

The Panthers all-time record in bowl games is 13-19 and they have an incredible 51 consensus All-Americans.

Pittsburgh has the 11th-most national titles, claimed and unclaimed, in college football history with 17 — the Panthers rank eighth in terms of current FBS programs. The Panthers only have two conference titles — they were an independent until 1990 — and both came while they were still members of the Big East.

Some notable alumni include Mike Ditka, Tony Dorsett (the school’s only Heisman winner), Hugh Green, Dan Marino, Larry Fitzgerald, LeSean McCoy, Joe Schmidt, Darrelle Revis, Curtis Martin and Aaron Donald. Despite the lack of recent titles, this program has produced some major NFL talent.

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