Quarterbacks with the ability to run and evade pressure have been a common thread among National Championship-winning teams in the College Football Playoff era. This trend is evident in the success of quarterbacks who have consistently contributed positively to their team's rushing statistics. Since the introduction of the College Football Playoff in 2014, every starting quarterback who has led their team to a national championship has accumulated positive rushing yards and at least one rushing touchdown, even when accounting for yardage lost due to sacks. This trend is further emphasized by the data presented in the table below, which showcases the rushing statistics of quarterbacks who have won national championships in the CFP era.
Rushing Stats of Quarterbacks to Win National Championship in CFP Era
SEASON QUARTERBACK RUSHING STATS
2025 FERNANDO MENDOZA (INDIANA) 90 CARRIES, 276 YARDS, 7 TDs
2024 WILL HOWARD (OHIO STATE) 105 CARRIES, 226 YARDS, 7 TDs
2023 J.J. MCCARTHY (MICHIGAN) 64 CARRIES, 202 YARDS, 3 TDs
2022 STETSON BENNETT (GEORGIA) 57 CARRIES, 205 YARDS, 10 TDs
2021 STETSON BENNETT (GEORGIA) 56 CARRIES, 259 YARDS, 1 TD
2020 MAC JONES (ALABAMA) 35 CARRIES, 14 YARDS, 1 TD
2019 JOE BURROW (LSU) 115 CARRIES, 368 YARDS, 5 TDs
2018 TREVOR LAWRENCE (CLEMSON) 60 CARRIES, 177 YARDS, 1 TD
2017 JALEN HURTS (ALABAMA) 154 CARRIES, 855 YARDS, 8 TDs
TUA TAGOVAILOA (ALABAMA) 27 CARRIES, 133 YARDS, 2 TDs
2016 DESHAUN WATSON (CLEMSON) 165 CARRIES, 629 YARDS, 9 TDs
2015 JAKE COKER (ALABAMA) 74 CARRIES, 68 YARDS, 2 TDs
2014 J.T. BARRETT (OHIO STATE) 171 CARRIES, 938 YARDS, 11 TDs
CARDALE JONES (OHIO STATE) 60 CARRIES, 212 YARDS, 1 TD
Before the CFP, the last starting quarterback to win the national championship with negative rushing yards was A.J. McCarron (Alabama) in the 2011 season. In contrast, Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin finished the 2025 season with 42 carries for -44 yards, making him the third Ohio State starting quarterback this century to finish a season with negative rushing yards, joining Kyle McCord (-65 in 2023) and C.J. Stroud (-20 in 2021).
While Sayin showed glimpses of being able to run and scramble, especially in his outstanding scramble against Washington last September, his confidence in the Buckeyes' offensive line waned in the losses to Indiana and Miami. This loss of confidence affected his ability to make plays with his legs, as he was sacked 10 times in those games. However, with more experience, there is optimism that Sayin will improve in knowing when to use his legs to make plays outside the pocket.
In 2026, it will be crucial for Sayin to be able to run when needed in the Buckeyes' biggest games. As recent history suggests, this ability could be essential for Ohio State to win the national championship.
