The 10 Best Individual Performances in CFP History

As we head into the College Football Playoff, it’s time to look back at some of the best individual games ever.  Since its introduction in the 2014–15 season, the CFP has become the ultimate stage for college football’s brightest stars. For many, an opportunity to showcase their skills to NFL scouts and for some, their performances not only changed the game, but also reshaped their own legacy. Here are the top 10 greatest individual performances in CFP history.

1. Joe Burrow — LSU vs. Oklahoma (2019 Peach Bowl)

Stat line:

• 493 passing yards
• 7 passing TDs
• 8 total TDs

Joe Burrow’s performance at the Peach Bowl is considered the single greatest showing in CFP history.  The LSU Heisman-winner methodically shredded Oklahoma’s defense by throwing seven first-half touchdown passes and added another in the second half on the ground.  The eight total touchdowns set a bowl record, and the game was essentially over at the half. This display of greatness solidified Burrow as a generational college quarterback – catapulting him into the NFL as the top pick in the draft.

2. Ezekiel Elliott — Ohio State vs. Alabama (Sugar Bowl, 2014)

Stat line: 

• 230 rushing yards
• 2 TDs

Ezekiel Elliott delivered one of the defining playoff semifinal performances in the CFP’s inaugural year. Against a rugged Alabama defense known for dominating the trenches, Elliott broke loose for 230 yards, including his iconic 85-yard touchdown that sealed Ohio State’s upset. Elliott’s punishing running style and breakaway speed propelled the Buckeyes to the championship game and set the tone for their eventual national title run.

3. Deshaun Watson — Clemson vs. Alabama (National Title, 2016)

Stat line: 

• 36 of 56, 420 passing yards 
• 3 passing TDs
• 43 rushing yards
• 1 rushing TD

DeshaWatson’s dual-threat brilliance nearly toppled Alabama in the 2016 title showdown. While Clemson fell short, his performance was a heroic effort that exposed cracks in the Crimson Tide’s vaunted defense. Watson was responsible for virtually all of Clemson’s offense and looked unstoppable as both a passer and runner. This game set the stage for his legendary 2017 championship-winning moment.

4. DeVonta Smith — Alabama vs. Ohio State (National Championship, 2020)

Stat line: 

• 12 receptions
• 215 yards
• 3 TDs (in one half)

DaVonta Smith’s final college game was a masterpiece. The Heisman-winning wideout torched Ohio State’s secondary for 12 catches, 215 yards, and three touchdowns.  What’s incredible is that he compiled those numbers in just one half before having to leave the game with a hand injury.

His impact was undeniable: Ohio State had no answers, and Alabama cruised to a title behind one of the most explosive championship-game efforts ever.

5. Tua Tagovailoa vs. Georgia (2018 National Championship Game)

Stat line: 

• 14 of 24, 166 yards
• 3 touchdowns
• one interception
• 27 rushing yards

When the Crimson Tide trailed 13-0 at the half, Nick Saban turned to a freshman to save the day.  Jalen Hurts was benched in favor of Tua Tagovailoa – in a stunning move that paid dividends for Alabama.  Tua led Alabama to a touchdown on his second drive of the half and then would get points on three more drives to tie the game late. Then, Tagovailoa threw a 41-yard touchdown to DeVonta Smith in overtime to seal a 26-23 win against Georgia.

6. Deshaun Watson — Clemson vs. Alabama (National Championship, 2017)

Stat line: 

• 420 passing yards
• 3 passing TDs
• Game-winning TD pass

A year after falling short, Watson was back for redemption, facing Alabama again.  He delivered

another 400-yard masterpiece, capped by one of the greatest plays in college football history—a perfectly placed touchdown pass to Hunter Renfrow with just one second left. It etched his name permanently into CFP lore and gave Clemson its first title since 1981.

7. Justin Fields — Ohio State vs. Clemson (Sugar Bowl, 2020)

Stat line: 

• 385 passing yards
• 6 passing TDs (while injured)

Justin Fields authored one of the gutsiest and most explosive quarterback performances ever. After taking a brutal shot to the ribs in the first half, Fields stayed in the game and played at an even higher level.  Fields’ six touchdown passes—many on perfectly thrown bombs—powered Ohio State into the national title game and elevated his NFL draft stock.

8. Derrick Henry — Alabama vs. Michigan State (Cotton Bowl, 2015)

Stat line: 

• 20 carries
• 75 yards
• 2 TDs; 3rd-quarter dominance

While Derrick Henry’s stats don’t leap off the page like others, his impact was massive. The Heisman winner physically wore down Michigan State over the course of the game, scoring twice in the third quarter to blow the semifinal wide open. His bruising style cracked the Spartans’ elite defense and opened the floodgates for a dominant Alabama win.  

9. Trevor Lawrence — Clemson vs. Alabama (National Championship, 2018)

Stat line: 

• 347 passing yards
• 3 TDs
• 0 turnovers

As a true freshman facing Nick Saban’s dynasty, Trevor Lawrence played with the poise of a seasoned veteran. He delivered a flawless performance, making every throw with confidence and attacking Alabama’s secondary with precision. Lawrence, on the biggest stage, makes this one of the greatest games by a freshman in college football history. Clemson stunned the Tide 44–16, one of the CFP’s most lopsided championship games.

10. Mac Jones — Alabama vs. Ohio State (National Championship, 2020)

Stat line: 

• 464 passing yards
• 5 passing TDs

Lost somewhat in DeVonta Smith’s heroics is that Mac Jones delivered one of the greatest quarterback showings in a national title game. His 464 yards and five touchdowns—posted in a championship setting—cement this performance among the CFP’s all-time best.

Final Thoughts

The College Football Playoff has provided some of the most electrifying individual performances the sport has ever seen, and as the playoff expands, the list will undoubtedly grow. These players cemented themselves in CFP history as the gold standard of excellence.