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 19, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers place kicker Daniel Carlson (38) reacts after missing a long field goal attempt during the second quarter against the Alabama A&M Bulldogs at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports /

The Auburn Tigers might not be the best football program in their own state, but they’re definitely one of the best in college football history. With two claimed and seven unclaimed national titles, the Tigers rank among the nation’s elite when it comes to building perennial contenders.

Living in the shadows of Alabama cannot be easy, however. The Crimson Tide are one of the most impressive college football programs to ever hit the gridiron, but the Tigers have held their own and have even made the rivalry exciting over the past few years — highlighted by the Kick-Six in 2013.

Auburn has gone 35-44-1 against Alabama in the annual Iron Bowl all time, which isn’t half-bad considering how dominant the Tide have been. The Tigers have also won 12 conference titles, eight division crowns, have 18 finishes in the AP top 10 as well as three Heisman Trophy winners.

The Tigers have some of college football’s most iconic traditions, such as celebrating at Toomer’s Corner, and their 23 bowl victories have helped create that winning atmosphere at Auburn.

Bo Jackson, Pat Sullivan and Cam Newton have won the three Heismans in school history and the Tigers have also had 29 consensus All-Americans. Guys like Takeo Spikes, Bo Jackson, Karlos Dansby and Nick Fairley have also called Auburn home during their collegiate careers.

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