re: What is the statute of limitations on college football "Elite Status?"

Almost all programs go through ups and downs, and I agree with some earlier posters that there are just not that many elite programs. At any one time, I'd say there are about 8 that are historically elite, and another handful that may qualify as elite at the moment, and only time will tell if they stay there.

Edit, and to answer the original question, I feel like a program's elite status is in jeopardy if they have not won a title in about twenty-five years. That is basically a generation. That timeline can be extended a bit by a national title game appearance. Notre Dame is obviously one of the best teams in the country historically, but lots of people question if they are still elite. I think the appearance in the title game against Bama gives them some breathing room.