President Barack Obama has welcomed the Florida Gators to the White House and congratulated them on a second national championship in football in three years.

On Thursday afternoon, the president welcomed the Gators to the East Room and says their excellence on and off the football field is worthy of praise. President Obama says being a champion doesn't end when the clock runs out and noted that the team volunteers 400 hours each year.

President Obama says it's strong leadership that the team played hard together and works in their communities.

In a moment of levity, President Obama says he still supports a national playoff system instead of the current bowl system. But the president also says he's confident the Gators could've defeated any team out there.

The Gators upset the No. 1 Oklahoma Sooners, 24-14, in the BCS National Championship in January.