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The 'CFB champion QB's since 1998' quiz

Created on January 20, 2026 | Total tries: 3 | Average Score: 16.3 out of 28 (58%) | Quiz FAQ

While Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza had far from his most statistically productive game in the College Football Playoff championship, he still showed why he was voted as the best player in college football.

In the fourth quarter, he connected twice with Charlie Becker (once on a fourth down and once on a third down) that led to a crucial 10 points in their 27-21 victory.

But the play that will live on forever in college football lore is the gutsy decision to go for it on fourth-and-five from the Miami 12, when Mendoza not only got the first down but powered all the way to the end zone. The score (and successful PAT) gave the Hoosiers a 24-21 lead they would not relinquish.

The win completed a perfect 16-0 season for Indiana, and put Mendoza in elite company in college football history. He became the first player since DeVonta Smith in 2020 to win both the Heisman Trophy and national title, and the first quarterback since Joe Burrow did it in 2019.

Which brings us to today’s quiz. Mendoza closed out his collegiate career with a 16-for-27 passing performance without a touchdown or interception to go with his instant-classic rushing touchdown. With that being said, can you name the quarterbacks for each college football national champion since 1998?

Good luck!

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Quiz Clue: Year / Team / Jersey # | Created on January 20, 2026 | Total tries: 3 | Average Score: 16.3 out of 28 (58%) | Quiz FAQ

SCORE:
0/28

TIME:
5:00

2025 / Indiana / #15

2024 / Ohio State / #18

2023 / Michigan / #9

2022 / Georgia / #13

2021 / Georgia / #13

2020 / Alabama / #10

2019 / LSU / #9

2018 / Clemson / #16

2017 / Alabama / #13

2016 / Clemson / #4

2015 / Alabama / #14

2014 / Ohio St. / #12

2013 / Florida St. / #5

2012 / Alabama / #10

2011 / Alabama / #10

2010 / Auburn / #2

2009 / Alabama / #12

2008 / Florida / #15

2007 / LSU / #15

2006 / Florida / #12

2005 / Texas / #10

2004 / USC / #11

2003 / LSU / #18

2002 / Ohio St. / #16

2001 / Miami / #11

2000 / Oklahoma / #14

1999 / Florida State / #16

1998 / Tennessee / #17

Tommy Fradenburg is a freelance writer and an alumni of UNC Chapel Hill currently based in Charlotte, North Carolina. He religiously follows his favorite teams The New York Yankees and Dallas Cowboys (yes, he knows) as well as his alma mater the Tar Heels and West Ham United F.C. in the Premier League. See more of his work on Twitter @tommyfradenburg.

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