Influential College Football Programs

Hey, I'm super into college football and I've been wondering which college football programs are typically considered the most influential and why? Does it have to do with wins or is it more about their impact on the sport?

There are a few college football programs that consistently rank as some of the most influential due to a combination of their historical success, their impact on the sport, and their ability to consistently produce NFL-ready talent. Below I'll highlight a few:

1. The University of Alabama Crimson Tide: This program's influence comes from its numerous national championships, notable coaches like Bear Bryant and Nick Saban, and its success in producing NFL-level talent.

2. The University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish: With its storied history, significant contributions to football (they popularized the forward pass), and national fan base, Notre Dame has long been a significant presence in the college football world.

3. The University of Michigan Wolverines: Boasting one of the best all-time winning percentages and the most all-time wins, this program has had a large impact on the sport.

4. The University of Southern California (USC) Trojans: USC has been influential due to its success in national rankings, its Heisman Trophy winners, and its output of NFL players.

5. The Ohio State University Buckeyes: With multiple national championships, numerous Big Ten titles, and a history of turning out professional players, Ohio State has substantial influence in college football.

These are just a few examples, but they represent the combination of historical success, influential coaching, impact on the sport (through rule changes, playing styles, etc.), and their track record of producing NFL-level talent that you mentioned.