What makes you an ELITE football team?

Geographical recognition is a good start...and having a state name.

Being in the hunt every year along with multiple titles already. Auburn isn't even on the cusp of this.

Nobody is in the hunt EVERY year. I think you have to put specific time frames.

Not sure why past national championships should matter in this. You do fall out of that kind of status easily. I don't fear playing Bama or any other team because of titles that were won before I was even born. Right now, I sweat about Bama because they are an elite team. I know this is a total homer bait thread but had hoped for some smart posters that would actually lay their thoughts out there on if its record, NC's, or just perception.

History, tradition, recognition across the country, facilities, recruiting base, and coaching appeal, among a few others.

Looking at the teams considered 'elite', it seems as though at least 1 period of national dominance or a mini dynasty is the requirement.

Time at an elite level. One year of elite-ness every 55 years don't get it done. Particularly when one of those years is going to be erased - i mean vacated.

Honestly, in my opinion the "ELITE" college football teams are pretty much set in stone by now: Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Texas, Oklahoma, Alabama, Southern Cal and Nebraska.

Top 8 teams in terms of winning percentage and wire-service rankings, none having had a significant 'down period' in their history, all with multiple national championships (including at least one in the lifetimes of their current players), and all instantly recognizable as great football programs even by non-fans.

Obviously there's a few that come close, most notably Penn State and Tennessee, and the johnny-come-lately Florida schools, but when you see any of those 8 names you immediately think 'perennial college football powerhouse'.

Elite team, or elite program?

To be an elite program you need your name to be a brand in addition to being a good football team.