Who Are the 10 Greatest Ohio State Buckeyes of All Time?
The Ohio State Buckeyes are one of college football’s most storied programs, known for producing top-tier athletes who have achieved greatness both in college and the NFL. From legendary coaches to iconic players, Ohio State has a rich history of success that has shaped the landscape of college football. While it’s impossible to definitively say who the greatest Buckeyes are, we can examine those players whose talent, achievements, and impact on the program make them stand out as the best in Ohio State history.
As we break down the 10 greatest Buckeyes of all time, it’s important to consider their contributions not only on the field but also their influence on the program’s success and their lasting legacy. This list encompasses a range of positions and eras, showing the depth of talent that has come through Columbus. Let’s dive into the top 10 greatest Ohio State Buckeyes of all time.
1. Archie Griffin (Running Back, 1972–1975)
There’s no better place to start than with Archie Griffin, the only player in college football history to win the prestigious Heisman Trophy twice. Griffin’s accomplishments are nothing short of legendary. During his time at Ohio State, he was an unstoppable force, rushing for over 5,000 yards and leading the Buckeyes to a national title in 1974. His two Heisman wins, in 1974 and 1975, remain unmatched in the history of college football. Griffin was not just a dynamic runner; he was also known for his leadership, his toughness, and his consistency, always producing at a high level for the Buckeyes.
Griffin’s impact on the program was immeasurable. He solidified Ohio State’s dominance in the Big Ten during the 1970s and is still considered the benchmark for greatness at Ohio State. His jersey, number 45, was retired by the school in 1976, a fitting tribute to his legendary career. Griffin’s success extended beyond college football as well, where he went on to have a solid professional career with the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL.
2. Eddie George (Running Back, 1992–1995)
Another Ohio State running back who etched his name in the history books is Eddie George, who led the Buckeyes to a national championship game in 1996 and won the Heisman Trophy in 1995. George is widely regarded as one of the best running backs to ever play college football. His size, strength, and speed made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He rushed for over 3,000 yards in his career and set numerous school records during his time in Columbus.
What sets George apart from other Buckeye greats is his combination of power and agility. His Heisman-winning season in 1995 was a culmination of years of hard work and dedication, as he ran for 1,927 yards and 24 touchdowns. George carried the Buckeyes to a Big Ten title and a place in the 1996 Sugar Bowl, where they faced off against the Florida Gators in a national championship showdown.
George went on to have a successful NFL career, most notably with the Tennessee Titans, where he earned a spot in the Pro Bowl and became the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year in 2000. His legacy at Ohio State is cemented by his dominance on the field and his Heisman Trophy.
3. Chris Spielman (Linebacker, 1984–1987)
When it comes to linebackers, few are as revered as Chris Spielman, who became the heart and soul of the Ohio State defense in the 1980s. Spielman was known for his relentless play, incredible work ethic, and ability to read offenses with unparalleled anticipation. During his time at Ohio State, Spielman totaled 546 career tackles, making him one of the most prolific tacklers in school history.
Spielman was a two-time All-American and the winner of the Bednarik Award as the nation’s best defensive player in 1987. His leadership and ferocity on the field were key components of Ohio State’s success during his tenure. Spielman’s toughness and intensity were legendary, and he was a major contributor to Ohio State’s defense, which helped the team win multiple Big Ten titles. After his college career, Spielman went on to have a successful NFL career with the Detroit Lions, earning four Pro Bowl selections.
4. Woody Hayes (Head Coach, 1951–1978)
While not a player, no discussion of Ohio State greatness would be complete without mentioning Woody Hayes, the head coach who made Ohio State football a national powerhouse. Hayes led the Buckeyes for 28 seasons, winning five national championships and 13 Big Ten titles. His no-nonsense approach and focus on discipline and toughness made Ohio State one of the most feared programs in the nation. Hayes’ leadership created a legacy that continues to influence the program to this day.
Hayes’ coaching career at Ohio State saw the development of many of the school’s greatest players, including Archie Griffin and Chris Spielman. Under Hayes, the Buckeyes became known for their dominance in the trenches, strong defense, and punishing running game. Hayes’ contributions to the program earned him a place in the College Football Hall of Fame, and his legacy continues to resonate in Columbus.
5. Troy Smith (Quarterback, 2003–2006)
Ohio State’s most accomplished quarterback of the modern era is undoubtedly Troy Smith, who led the Buckeyes to the 2006 BCS National Championship Game and won the Heisman Trophy in 2006. Smith’s time at Ohio State was marked by his electrifying play and leadership ability. He passed for over 7,000 yards and 54 touchdowns during his career, and his performance in the 2006 season was nothing short of spectacular.
Smith’s Heisman-winning season included a huge victory over Michigan in the “Game of the Century,” where he threw for 300 yards and four touchdowns, solidifying his place in Ohio State history. Though the Buckeyes fell short in the national championship game that year against Florida, Smith’s legacy remains strong. He is remembered for his poise, accuracy, and ability to lead Ohio State through some of the toughest games in recent history.
6. J.T. Barrett (Quarterback, 2014–2017)
Another Ohio State quarterback who deserves mention is J.T. Barrett, who became the program’s all-time leader in passing touchdowns and passing yards. Barrett took over as the starting quarterback in 2014, leading the Buckeyes to a national championship in one of the most improbable seasons in college football history. Despite an injury to starting quarterback Braxton Miller, Barrett helped guide Ohio State to the College Football Playoff, where they defeated Oregon in the national title game.
Barrett was known for his leadership, composure under pressure, and ability to make plays both in the air and on the ground. He was a three-time Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year and a finalist for the Heisman Trophy in 2014. Barrett holds numerous Ohio State records, including career passing touchdowns, passing yards, and total touchdowns, making him one of the most prolific quarterbacks in school history.
7. Paul Warfield (Wide Receiver, 1961–1963)
One of the most dynamic wide receivers to ever play for Ohio State, Paul Warfield was a key figure in the Buckeyes’ offense in the early 1960s. Warfield’s combination of size, speed, and athleticism made him nearly impossible to defend. He was an All-American in 1963 and led the Buckeyes to a Big Ten title that year.
After his college career, Warfield went on to a Hall of Fame career in the NFL with the Cleveland Browns and the Miami Dolphins, winning two Super Bowl championships. Warfield is widely regarded as one of the greatest wide receivers of his era and is remembered for his exceptional ability to stretch the field and make game-changing plays.
8. Jack Tatum (Safety, 1968–1970)
Known as “The Assassin,” Jack Tatum is one of the most feared defensive players in Ohio State history. Tatum was known for his bone-crushing hits and his ability to intimidate opposing players. He was a standout safety during the late 1960s and early 1970s, earning All-American honors and leading the Buckeyes to a national title in 1970.
Tatum’s ability to read the game and deliver punishing hits made him a standout at Ohio State. His success in college football translated into a successful NFL career with the Oakland Raiders, where he became known as one of the league’s toughest defensive players.
9. Cris Carter (Wide Receiver, 1984–1986)
One of the most talented wide receivers in Ohio State history, Cris Carter made a significant impact during his time in Columbus. Carter is best known for his ability to make incredible catches and his skill in the red zone. Despite not playing as long as other legends, Carter left a lasting legacy at Ohio State and went on to have an outstanding career in the NFL, where he became a Hall of Fame wide receiver with the Minnesota Vikings.
At Ohio State, Carter was an explosive playmaker and set multiple school records. His ability to make acrobatic catches and perform in clutch situations is what made him one of the best to ever play for the Buckeyes.
10. Jim Parker (Offensive Tackle, 1954–1956)
Rounding out the list is Jim Parker, a dominant offensive lineman who helped set the tone for the Buckeyes’ physicality in the 1950s. Parker was a two-time All-American and a key player for Ohio State’s 1954 national championship-winning team. His size and strength were unmatched, and he is often regarded as one of the best offensive tackles to ever play college football.
Parker’s success extended into the NFL, where he was a Hall of Fame player for the Baltimore Colts. His impact on Ohio State’s success in the 1950s laid the foundation for future teams and helped solidify the Buckeyes’ reputation as a program known for producing elite talent on the offensive line.
Conclusion
The Ohio State Buckeyes have produced countless legends over the years, and the players on this list represent just a small sample of the program’s all-time greats. From Archie Griffin’s Heisman dominance to Eddie George’s powerful performances and Chris Spielman’s leadership on defense, the Buckeyes have had players who have shaped the program and college football as a whole. Each of these athletes left an indelible mark on the history of Ohio State football, and their legacies continue to inspire future generations of Buckeyes.
