In 2019, Joe Burrow and the LSU Tigers created one of history’s most dominant and exciting college football offenses. Ever since, debate has raged about whether that national championship-winning is the best of all time.
Well, we’ve used our College Offense+ metric to objectively answer that question. Behold, the top 25 college football offenses since 2019.
PFSN’s College Offense+ assigns a letter grade to a team’s offensive performance. We arrive at the grade by combining various situational passing and rushing EPA and success rate metrics, weighted for volume.
The last part is key given the wide variance in college offensive systems. A team that averages 0.25 EPA per dropback on 50 dropbacks in a game will get far more credit than one that does so on 10 dropbacks.
Each team’s game and season grades are also adjusted for opponent strength. Past seasons used end-of-season SOS, but this means that in-season grades can and will fluctuate as we learn more about each team’s true performance level.
25) Oregon Ducks, 2024
College Offense+ Grade: 87.28 (B+)
Led by Dillon Gabriel and a campaign that resulted in a trip to New York for the Heisman Trophy ceremony, the 2024 Oregon Ducks kick off our top 25 college football offenses after scoring 34.9 points per game (17th in the country). The Big Ten champions had a 3,500+ yard passer, a 1,000+ yard rusher (Jordan James), and four receivers with over 500 yards.
James’ performance was particularly important to the Ducks’ grade, with a 50.6% offensive rush success behind a stellar offensive line, boosting their ranking. A low 6.3% turnover percentage was also pivotal, with Gabriel throwing an interception on just 1.3% of his pass attempts. The imposing win over Washington in Week 14 featured the second-highest graded game of any Oregon offense since 2019 (88.98, B+).
24) Western Michigan Broncos, 2020
College Offense+ Grade: 87.50 (B+)
The Western Michigan Broncos only played six games during the disrupted 2020 campaign. However, it isn’t fair to dismiss Tim Lester’s team’s accomplishments. A team ordinarily dominated by its ground game, Kaleb Eleby’s passing exploits (81.8 QB+ grade) helped the team average 41.7 points per game, the 10th-ranked scoring offense in the country during the season.
Eleby led the MAC in passing touchdowns (18), while receivers D’Wayne Eskridge paced the conference in receiving yards (784) and Jaylen Hall led the nation with 26.9 yards per catch. Western Michigan’s 0.6 EPA per dropback for the season ranks fourth among all college football offenses since 2019, while their 7.3 yards per play ranks 15th among units eligible for a College Offense+ season grade.
23) Alabama Crimson Tide, 2021
College Offense+ Grade: 87.63 (B+)
Here comes the Alabama Crimson Tide. It should come as no surprise to find multiple Alabama units listed among the top 25 college football offenses since 2019, with the 2021 team that won the SEC Championship Game and Cotton Bowl the first to feature on this list. Bryce Young’s Heisman Trophy-winning campaign powered the sixth-ranked scoring offense in football.
Aiding young, Jameson Williams led the SEC in receiving yards (1,572) while Brian Robinson Jr. paced the conference with 14 rushing touchdowns. Alabama averaged 6.5 yards per play, 3.07 points per drive, converted 52.1% of their “money down” attempts, and boasted a red zone efficiency of 67.6%. Their 49-9 curb-stomping of the Mississippi State Bulldogs featured the 12th-ranked game (89.24) of the 2021 season.
22) Texas A&M Aggies, 2020
College Offense+ Grade: 88.01 (B+)
While a talented defense contributed to the Texas A&M Aggies’ 9-1 record in the 2020 season, a unit that ranked 37th with 32.6 points per game was one of the top college football offenses we’ve seen since 2019. Kellen Mond’s 90.5 (A-) College QB+ grade earned in the 2020 win over the Florida Gators remains the Aggies’ top single-game performance and helped power the program’s 88.01 (B+) season grade.
A chain-mover in his own right, Mond was part of a ground game led by Isaiah Spiller (1,036 yards, nine touchdowns) that ranks 22nd among all college football offences since 2019 with 52.1% rush success. While analysis of a potent offense often overlooks the most critical component — the offensive line — Texas A&M’s grade is bolstered by a unit that ranks 15th for sack percentage (2.3%).
21) Ohio State Buckeyes, 2022
College Offense+ Grade: 88.18 (B+)
Between elite quarterbacks, game-changing wide receivers, and juggernaut running backs, the Ohio State Buckeyes have been a consistent conveyor belt of churning out top-tier college football offenses. The 2022 unit averaged 44.2 points per game (2nd in the nation) and ranked ninth with 490.7 total yards per game.
C.J. Stroud led the Big Ten with 3,688 yards and 41 touchdowns, while All-American wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka surpassed 1,000 receiving yards. Harrison also led the Big Ten with 14 receiving touchdowns.
The 2022 Buckeyes unit ranks 20th among college football offenses since 2019 with 3.36 points per drive, and their 7.3 yards per play is the 15th-best marker.
The 77-21 win over the Toledo Rockets in Week 3 received the second-highest grade (96.81, A) of both the 2022 season and among all single games in our College Offense+ database.
20) Tennessee Volunteers, 2022
College Offense+ Grade: 88.21 (B+)
Since Josh Heupel took over from Jeremy Pruitt in 2021, the Tennessee Volunteers have been one of college football’s most dangerous offensive forces. In his second season at the helm, Heupel’s offense guided the program to its first 11-win season since 2001 and the highest College Football Playoff ranking in Volunteers’ history. Tennessee’s average of 46.1 points per game set the pace as the number one scoring offense in the nation.
Hendon Hooker transferred to Tennessee and changed the entire culture under Josh Heupel.
pic.twitter.com/fDPHH7Qlt7— CHANNEL TN (@CHANNEL_TN_) July 15, 2023
Quarterback Hendon Hooker led the nation in yards per attempt. No one had more receiving yards (1,267) and touchdowns (15) than wide receiver Jalin Hyatt. Two running backs (Jabari Small and Jaylen Wright) tallied over 700 rushing yards. The Vols’ 3.59 points per drive is a top 10 season mark in our database, while their 79.1% red zone efficiency ranks eighth.
No other Tennessee offense since 2019 has a 90.0 (A) grade, achieved with a crushing 63-6 win over the Akron Zips.
19) Penn State Nittany Lions, 2024
College Offense+ Grade: 88.37 (B+)
Perhaps an ominous sign for the other 135 FBS teams ahead of the 2025 season, the Penn State Nittany Lions return most of the key components of one of the highest-graded college football offenses since 2019. Although they lost Tyler Warren to the NFL, quarterback Drew Allar and “Thunder and Lightning” running back duo Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton are back. They should ensure minimal drop-off from the 2024 campaign.
Most people would point to Penn State’s defense as the propellant behind a 13-3 campaign in 2024. However, Andy Kotelnicki’s offense averaged 33.1 points per game, tallying 10 games over 30 points. The Nittany Lions found an important balance between the ground game and air attack, achieving over 50% success rate for both. They also tallied an impressive 72.7% red-zone efficiency as part of their 88.37 (B+) grade.
18) Georgia Bulldogs, 2023
College Offense+ Grade: 88.84 (B+)
The Georgia Bulldogs have produced some of the most dominant defenses in recent college football history, and it’s easy to overlook their offensive success when analysing how Kirby Smart’s team has become a juggernaut of the sport. However, they have two units within the top 25 college football offenses since 2019, with the 2023 team the first to appear on our list.
Led by Carson Beck, who set the pace in the SEC with 3,941 passing yards, Georgia averaged 40.1 points per game (fifth in the nation). They averaged 3.55 points per drive, ranking 13th among all college football offenses since 2019. While they had two running backs with over 750 rushing yards, Beck’s 56.1% pass success (10th since 2019) powered their 88.84 (B+) grade.
17) Miami Hurricanes, 2024
College Offense+ Grade: 89.43 (B+)
No other team in the 2024 college football season scored more points per game than the Miami Hurricanes. Behind Cam Ward’s electric arm, Xavier Restrepo’s ACC-leading 1,127 yards and 11 touchdowns, and a quietly impressive 1,002 rushing yard campaign from Damien Martinez, Mario Cristobal’s team averaged 43.9 points per game while recording an 89.43 (B+) grade.
Only six college football offenses since 2019 have averaged more than Miami’s 3.74 points per drive in the 2024 season. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes converted 56.6% of their third and fourth-down attempts, the fourth-highest rate since 2019. Although Ward’s passing prowess helped his ascension to the first overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Hurricanes’ 52.7% rush success ranks 12th since 2019 and was key to their grade.
16) Florida Gators, 2020
College Offense+ Grade: 89.43 (B+)
If ever there was a team let down by their defense, it was the 2020 Florida Gators. Playing an SEC-only schedule through the disruption of a global pandemic, Dan Mullen’s team compiled an 8-2 record and reached the SEC title game despite their defense leaking 30.8 points per game. Their saving grace was a terrifying offense that averaged 39.8 points per game (13th in the nation).
Quarterback Kyle Trask finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting after leading the nation with 43 touchdowns, taking advantage of a pass-catching triplet up there with the best we’ve seen in recent years. Kadarius Toney, Kyle Pitts, and Trevon Grimes were a nightmare for defensive coordinators to contain, with Pitts also factoring in the Heisman conversation.
The Gators’ 7.3 yards per play from that season ranks 15th among all college football offenses since 2019, while the 53% pass success rate is a top 25 marker in our database. Facing a top-20 strength of schedule in the last six seasons only helped to solidify the 2020 Florida offense as one of the best we’ve seen in recent years.
15) Alabama Crimson Tide, 2019
College Offense+ Grade: 89.50 (B+)
As Alabama seasons go, the 2019 campaign wasn’t a vintage one. For a program where winning national championships has become the standard, an 11-2 record with a defeat to bitter rivals Auburn, no SEC Championship Game or College Football Playoff appearance, and a final AP Poll ranking of eight is about as far from expectation as you’re likely to find.
However, Alabama’s woes in 2019 can hardly be pointed toward the offense. Their offensive roster, including Tua Tagovailoa, DeVonta Smith, Jerry Jeudy, Jaylen Waddle, and Najee Harris, is about as devastating as you can get. They averaged 47.2 points per game (second in 2019), 3.74 points per drive (sixth since 2019), while their 7.9 yards per play was on par with a 2019 LSU Tigers offense oft-considered the greatest ever to do it.
14) Georgia Bulldogs, 2022
College Offense+ Grade: 89.56 (B+)
The 2022 Georgia Bulldogs were one of the most complete teams we’ve seen in college football in recent years. En route to winning the national championship, SEC title, and Peach Bowl, Kirby Smart’s team produced a top-five scoring offense and top-five scoring defense. Thanks to the combination of both, only two of their games in an undefeated season were decided by less than one score. Domination.
Although he missed out on the Heisman Trophy, Stetson Bennett put together one of the all-time great college football campaigns. His 4,128 passing yards led the SEC, while his connection with tight end Brock Bowers and a talented supporting cast ensured the 2022 Bulldogs ranked 11th in pass success (55.8%) and 17th in points per drive (3.43) among all college football offenses since 2019.
13) Navy Midshipmen, 2019
College Offense+ Grade: 89.97 (B+)
Only two Navy Midshipmen teams in program history have hit 11 wins, both coached by Ken Niumatalolo. The 2015 team that reached a high of 15th in the College Football Playoff rankings falls outside of our database range, but the 2019 Midshipmen, led by Malcolm Perry, set the standard for non-power programs.
Perry was the undeniable star of the 2019 Navy offense. While throwing for 1,084 yards and seven touchdowns, he rushed for a ludicrous 2,017 yards with 21 touchdowns — leading the AAC in rushing yards. His impact in the final 20 yards of the field ensured the Midshipmen logged a 78.0% red zone efficiency, ranking 17th among all college football offenses since 2019.
Malcolm Perry would have been a cheat code in College Football 25 🎮
🔵 6,140 Total Yards
🔵 53 Total TDs
🔵 7.1 Average Yards Per AttemptPerry did it all at Navy ⚓️
pic.twitter.com/IsL4xlKvuI— SleeperCFB (@SleeperCFB) July 20, 2024
Navy’s wins over Houston and Army in 2019 both drew 90+ grades, with their win over the Cougars (92.42, A-) ranking as the second-best grade of the 2019 season, and the 91.07 (A-) grade against the Black Knights ranking seventh that year. Both games rank in the top 50 games overall in our College Offense+ database.
12) Ohio State Buckeyes, 2024
College Offense+ Grade: 90.35 (A-)
Although the 2024 Ohio State offense only ranked 14th in the season for points per game (35.7), there were several factors that solidified the unit as one of the top college football offenses since 2019.
Will Howard led the Big Ten in completion percentage (73.0%), passing yards (4,010), and passing touchdowns (35). The Buckeyes had two running backs who rushed for over 1,000 yards, with TreVeyon Henderson setting the pace in the conference with 7.1 yards per attempt. True freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith was a man among boys in his debut campaign.
The Buckeyes logged a 75.8% red zone efficiency, 53.4% pass success rate, and averaged 3.12 points per drive, all while facing the 10th-hardest strength of schedule in our College Offense+ database.
11) Kent State Golden Flashes, 2020
College Offense+ Grade: 90.82 (A-)
Only true sickos would mention the Kent State Golden Flashes in a conversation about college football’s greatest offenses, especially in their current state, but for four games in November 2020, Sean Lewis’ team was an unstoppable force of offensive brilliance. Who’s to say that, given the chance, they wouldn’t have translated that four-game stretch across a full season of action? They were 3-1 against a conference-only schedule.
Wide receiver Isaiah McKoy averaged 113.8 yards and 1.25 touchdowns per game, Xavier Williams led the MAC in rushing yards per carry, and Dustin Crum paced the conference with 295.3 passing yards per game and a 73.5% pass completion rate. Their points per drive (3.98), pass success rate (60.0%), and 59.1% third and fourth-down conversion all rank in the top three college football offenses since 2019.
10) Ole Miss Rebels, 2020
College Offense+ Grade: 90.84 (A-)
It’s no surprise to find a Lane Kiffin-led unit ranking inside the top 10 college football offenses since 2019. In fact, the biggest surprise might be that the 2020 Ole Miss Rebels is the only unit coached by the offensive mastermind to figure in the top 25.
In his first season at the helm in Oxford, Kiffin gave Ole Miss fans a glimpse of an exciting future. While the defense only ranked 118th for points allowed, facilitating a 5-5 record, the offense averaged 39.2 points per game (14th in the country) in the hands (and feet) of Matt Corral. Meanwhile, wide receiver Elijah Moore received All-American honors for his contributions.
The 2020 Ole Miss offense posted a 52.7% success rate and 52.9% “money down” conversion despite facing an all-SEC schedule. The 7.57 strength of schedule is among the top 30 hardest faced since our College Offense+ metric began.
9) Ohio State Buckeyes, 2020
College Offense+ Grade: 91.02 (A-)
Averaging 41.0 points per game (11th in the nation), the Ohio State Buckeyes blitzed through the disrupted 2020 college football season, going undefeated in Big Ten play while forcing the conference to bend their participation rules to allow Ryan Day’s team to play in (and win) the championship game and book a spot in the College Football Playoff.
It would have been a travesty not to see Justin Fields guide one of the best college football offenses since 2019 into the postseason. The Buckeyes’ quarterback led the Big Ten in passing yards (2,100) and passing touchdowns (22), among other metrics. Ohio State ranked in the top 15 for yards per play (7.3) and pass success (55.4%), according to our College Offense+ metric.
8) USC Trojans, 2022
College Offense+ Grade: 91.12 (A-)
Although his first season as the USC Trojans head coach ended with a Cotton Bowl defeat to the Tulane Green Wave, Lincoln Riley’s reputation as a quarterback whisperer and offensive mastermind was justified by a remarkable turnaround from the program’s final season under Clay Helton. Led by Caleb Williams, they posted a top 10 grade among all college football offenses since 2019.
As the Heisman Trophy winner and national leader for passing touchdowns (42), Williams gets a lot of credit for the 2022 success, but he had a talented supporting cast, including Jordan Addison (team-high 875 receiving yards) and Travis Dye (884 rushing yards).
Williams, Dye, and Austin Jones combined to give USC a top-15 offensive rush success (52.5%) in our database. The pass success rate of 52.3% was just outside of the top 25, while the Trojans’ 3.59 points per drive ranks ninth out of 786 eligible college football offenses since 2019.
7) Oklahoma Sooners, 2019
College Offense+ Grade: 91.13 (A-)
Three seasons before guiding the USC Trojans to the eighth-ranked offense in our metric, Lincoln Riley was working his magic in Norman with the Oklahoma Sooners. The Big 12-winning team ranked sixth in the nation for points per game, leaning on its scoring prowess behind quarterback Jalen Hurts to overcome a middle-of-the-road defensive unit.
Hurts led the Big 12 in completion percentage (69.7%) and touchdown passes (32). He also led the country in yards per attempt, utilizing the pass-catching talents of All-American CeeDee Lamb to average 11.3 YPA.
One of the most exciting units we’ve seen in recent years averaged eight yards per play, beaten only by one other team, with a 54.5% pass success rate.
Kennedy Brooks led the Big 12 in yards per carry, and the standout running back combined with Hurts to give the Sooners two 1,000-yard rushers and a 50.9% rush success rate that ranks within the top 50 college football offenses since 2019.
6) Oregon Ducks, 2023
College Offense+ Grade: 91.27 (A-)
The 2023 Oregon Ducks were a fairytale for college football storytellers. The Bo Nix redemption arc had an almost perfect (two defeats to the Washington Huskies aside) conclusion, leading the nation in completion percentage (77.4%) and passing touchdowns (45) while booking his trip to New York with 4,508 passing yards amidst a 12-win campaign.
One of the most complete teams in the country, Will Stein’s first season as the offensive coordinator in Eugene resulted in the Ducks ranking second in the nation with 44.2 points per game. No other college football offense since 2019 has averaged more points per drive (4.05) than 2023 Oregon, with a 58.2% pass success rate ranking sixth in our database.
The Ducks also boasted the sixth-ranked rush success rate (53.4%) since 2019, with Bucky Irving pacing the team with 1,180 yards and Jordan James leading the Pac-12 with 7.1 yards per attempt. Oregon also had a duo of 1,000-yard receivers, and Troy Franklin led the conference in receiving touchdowns (14).
The brotherly relationship between quarterback Nix and wide receiver Tez Johnson added another layer of storyline to one of the best college football offenses we’ve seen in recent years.
5) Ohio State Buckeyes, 2021
College Offense+ Grade: 91.36 (A-)
C.J. Stroud’s name is written all over the top single-game performances in our College QB+ metric, and it’s no surprise to see that the 2021 Ohio State juggernaut that he orchestrated ranks inside the top five college football offenses in our database.
Game-planning for Stroud was a nightmare of epic proportions for defensive coordinators. His ability to pick apart defenses with his elite arm talent resulted in the Buckeyes quarterback leading the Big Ten in passing yards (4,435), passing touchdowns (44), completion percentage (71.9%), and yards per attempt (10.1), resulting in a fourth-place finish in Heisman voting.
Even the best quarterbacks can’t operate without elite weaponry, and Ohio State has established itself as WRU under Brian Hartline’s stewardship. Jaxon Smith-Njigba dominated defensive backs in 2021, leading the Big Ten as Stroud’s go-to weapon with 95 receptions and 1,606 receiving yards. Chris Olave led the conference with 13 receiving touchdowns.
Playing behind a stellar offensive line, TreVeyon Henderson rushed for a Big Ten-high 6.8 yards per carry while tallying 1,248 yards. Between their elite quarterback, devastating pass catchers, dominant running back, and impressive offensive line, the 2021 Buckeyes tied the 2019 Oklahoma Sooners with eight yards per play — the second-most in our database.
4) Ohio State Buckeyes, 2019
College Offense+ Grade: 92.69 (A-)
The second appearance of a Justin Fields-led Ohio State unit amongst the best modern-day college football offenses is a familiar story to the one you read a few paragraphs ago.
Fields’ first season in Columbus was his debut as a starter, and he led the Big Ten in passing yards (3,273), touchdown passes (41), and adjusted yards per attempt (11.18).
With the same quarterback under center and a similar receiving group, the 2019 Buckeyes averaged 46.9 points per game (third in the country) compared to 41.0 points per game in 2020 (11th nationally. The major difference between the two Ohio State teams was the impact of running back J.K. Dobbins.
The Buckeyes’ running back ran the rock 301 times, averaging 6.7 yards per carry and leading the Big Ten with 2,003 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns. Dobbins joined Fields as a top-10 finisher in the Heisman Trophy voting while ensuring that the 2019 Buckeyes had a rush success rate of 49.5% compared to 47.1% in 2020.
3) LSU Tigers, 2019
College Offense+ Grade: 93.51 (A)
OK, time for some controversy. While most people you ask would call the Joe Burrow-led, national championship-winning, 2019 LSU Tigers the best modern-day college football offense — and possibly one of the greatest we’ve ever seen — they only land third since 2019 according to our College Offense+ metric.
Burrow won the Heisman Trophy after leading the nation with 5,671 yards and 60 passing touchdowns, completing 76.3% of his pass attempts to arguably the most dominant wide receiver duo in the history of the sport.
Ja’Marr Chase was an All-American who led the nation in both receiving yards (1,780) and touchdowns (20) while Justin Jefferson logged the most receptions in the 2019 season (1,780).
Boasting a 1,000+ yard rusher in Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who led the SEC in rushing touchdowns, the 2019 LSU team had everything. It was poetry in motion that was impossible to defend and just as challenging to keep up with for opposing offenses. They ranked in the top 10 for pass rush success (59.5%), red-zone efficiency (78.7%), and yards per play (7.9).
2) LSU Tigers, 2023
College Offense+ Grade: 93.72 (A)
The 2019 unit set the pace for all other LSU offenses to follow, but is it possible that their 2023 unit was actually better than the title-winning unit? According to our College Offense+ metric, yes.
There are some glaring similarities between the two teams. Although Jayden Daniels didn’t guide the 2023 Tigers to a national title (or even to the College Football Playoff), his performances for LSU did lead to New York and a Heisman Trophy win.
One of the most dangerous dual threats we’ve seen in the game, he led the nation in both passing yards per attempt (11.7) and rushing yards per game (8.4), a feat that not even Burrow could achieve despite his dominance in 2019.
LSU QB Jayden Daniels was a do it all player. Here’s just under 5 minutes of his highlights at LSU.
🐯78 Total TDs
🐯7 INTs
🐯8,749 Total YardsShould be a sure first round NFL draft pick. pic.twitter.com/Q3bUyLgKAp
— College Football Alerts (@CFBAlerts_) January 12, 2024
Like Burrow, Daniels also had a duo of 1,000+ yard receivers at his disposal, with Malik Nabers leading the SEC with 89 receptions and 1,569, and taking on Chase’s role as the All-American pass-catcher for the Tigers. Brian Thomas Jr. led the nation in receiving touchdowns (17).
Although the 2019 LSU offense had the edge in pass success rate (59.5% vs. 58.3%) and red-zone efficiency (78.7% vs. 75.4%), the Daniels-led 2023 unit registered better yards per play (8.4 vs. 7.9), points per drive (4.02 vs. 3.6), offensive rush success (52.6% vs. 52.%), and “money down” conversion (52.7% vs. 50.5%).
1) Alabama Crimson Tide, 2020
College Offense+ Grade: 98.15 (A+)
The Alabama Crimson Tide offense didn’t even average the most points per game in the 2020 season (shoutout Kent State), but it’s hard to argue with their candidacy as the best college football offense in recent times after helping power an undefeated run and the last national championship win for the team from Tuscaloosa.
Alabama was ridiculously talented in 2020. There hasn’t been another program in the history of our metric that placed three players inside the top five of the Heisman Trophy voting. Mac Jones set a new standard in the SEC during the campaign, throwing for a national-high 4,500 yards and completing 77.4% of his passes.
While Jones overcame expectations to become an All-American quarterback, DeVonta Smith took home the Heisman with an All-World campaign that featured 117 receptions, 1,856 yards, and 23 receiving touchdowns, all of which set the national pace. Najee Harris finished fifth in Heisman voting after leading the country with 26 touchdowns and pacing the SEC with 1,466 rushing yards.
The 2020 Alabama offense ranked sixth for yards per play (7.9), fourth for points per drive (3.97), first for offensive pass success (60.4%), and second for third and fourth-down conversion (58.7%) despite facing the third most difficult strength of schedule (9.72) among all college football offenses since 2019.
