The 2016 College Football Playoff delivered a national championship classic that signaled the beginning of a fierce postseason rivalry. In a back-and-forth thriller between two future dynasties, Alabama reclaimed the top of the sport with a 45–40 victory over Clemson, earning its fourth national title in seven seasons under Nick Saban. It was a playoff defined by high-octane offense, big plays on special teams, and a championship game that didn’t feel settled until the final seconds ticked away.