IF NOT BUCKEYE, THEN WHO ELSE?: After Ohio State was named the best college football team ever by ESPN, controversy engulfed college football.
In a bold proclamation that sent shockwaves through the college football world, ESPN named the 2019 Ohio State Buckeyes the greatest college football team ever assembled. The ranking, part of an ESPN special celebrating college football’s rich history, sparked an immediate and fiery debate among fans, analysts, and former players alike. Was the Buckeyes’ 2019 campaign truly the pinnacle of college football excellence? Or did this selection overlook other legendary teams with more convincing claims?
The controversy is far from trivial. College football fans are notoriously passionate, fiercely loyal to their alma maters or favorite teams, and protective of the sport’s legacy. When a media giant like ESPN steps in and tries to crown a single team as the best in history, emotions ignite. The question then becomes: if not the Buckeyes, who else deserves the crown?
The 2019 Ohio State Buckeyes had a remarkable season. Coached by Ryan Day in his first full year as head coach, the Buckeyes went 13-1, including a dominant win over the Clemson Tigers in the Fiesta Bowl, a College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal. Their only loss came early against a tough Wisconsin team. The Buckeyes were loaded with NFL talent, especially on offense, led by quarterback Justin Fields, who was a Heisman Trophy finalist.
* **Dominance on both sides of the ball:** Ohio State’s offense was explosive, averaging 43.5 points per game, while their defense improved dramatically as the season progressed.
* **Quality of opponents:** They faced and defeated several top-ranked teams, including defending national champion Clemson.
* **Talent level:** Many players were future first-round NFL draft picks.
* **Overcoming adversity:** After the sudden retirement of coach Urban Meyer, Ryan Day took over seamlessly, guiding the team to its impressive run.
For ESPN, the Buckeyes embodied the perfect balance of talent, coaching, and performance in a modern, competitive landscape.
While ESPN’s reasoning has merit, many experts and fans found the pick contentious for several reasons:
1. **Only One Loss:** While a 13-1 record is excellent, other teams in college football history have completed undefeated seasons or seasons with no close calls. For some, a loss—regardless of timing or opponent—damages a claim to being the “best ever.”
2. **Era Differences:** Comparing teams across eras is inherently complicated. The 2019 Buckeyes played in a playoff era with more emphasis on offense, but previous dynasties dominated in different ways, often facing a tougher physical grind.
3. **Other Legendary Teams:** Several teams have been dominant in their time and hold significant historical weight. Fans of Alabama, Clemson, Oklahoma, Notre Dame, USC, and other programs argue their favorite squads had stronger claims.
4. **Subjectivity of “Best”:** Is the “best” team the one with the best record, most talent, most dominant wins, or most historical significance? ESPN’s selection leaned heavily on talent and recent success, which some see as skewed.
Coached by Bob Devaney, the 1971 Nebraska Cornhuskers finished 13-0 and decisively won the Orange Bowl against Alabama, 38-6. They outscored opponents 507-104, showcasing dominance on offense and defense. The team featured Heisman winner Johnny Rodgers and won the national championship by unanimous vote.
**Why they’re in the conversation:** Undefeated, dominant margin of victory, and recognized as the best team of their era.
Tom Osborne’s 1995 Huskers were a perfect 12-0, obliterating opponents en route to a national title. The team crushed Florida in the Fiesta Bowl 62-24 and outscored opponents 638-174. This team is remembered for its power rushing and a suffocating defense.
**Why they’re in the conversation:** Unmatched dominance and a commanding championship victory.
The Hurricanes went 12-0 under Larry Coker, with a roster packed with future NFL stars like Ed Reed, Ray Lewis, and Clinton Portis. Miami’s defense was one of the most feared in history, and they won the Rose Bowl (BCS National Championship Game) convincingly.
**Why they’re in the conversation:** Talent-laden roster and a perfect season against top competition.
Under Pete Carroll, the Trojans finished 13-0 and won the national title in the Orange Bowl. Led by Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart and future NFL star Reggie Bush, USC dominated opponents and had a balanced attack.
The Clemson Tigers finished 15-0, winning the CFP National Championship by defeating Alabama in a thrilling overtime game. They featured a balanced offense with Trevor Lawrence at QB and a stifling defense.
**Why they’re in the conversation:** Undefeated record, playoff-era dominance, and victory over one of the best Alabama teams ever.
To understand why the ESPN choice is controversial, we must dissect what truly makes a team the “best ever.” Various factors often come into play:
* **Win-Loss Record and Margin of Victory:** Undefeated seasons often hold more weight, but the manner of victories matters too. Blowouts versus close calls paint different pictures.
* **Strength of Schedule:** Beating highly ranked teams regularly is a critical indicator of greatness.
* **Talent Level:** How many players went on to NFL stardom? Did the team have multiple All-Americans?
* **Era Adjustments:** Comparing across decades requires context, considering changes in rules, athlete conditioning, and competition level.
* **Championships and Clutch Wins:** Winning national titles and performing under pressure in big games are key.
* **Legacy and Historical Impact:** Teams that changed the sport or represented transformational moments often get extra credit.
* The Buckeyes defeated defending champion Clemson in the playoff semifinal, a key test that other teams didn’t have to pass.
* Their roster was laden with NFL draft picks — Justin Fields, Chase Young, Jeff Okudah, and others.
* They dominated in most games, including a 49-28 Fiesta Bowl win.
* Ryan Day’s leadership transition and offensive innovation were remarkable.
* That one loss to Wisconsin early in the season leaves room for doubt.
* They didn’t win the National Championship, losing to LSU in the title game.
* Their defense, while improved, had vulnerabilities not seen in other “greatest” teams.
* Other teams like the 2018 Clemson Tigers or 1995 Nebraska Huskers had more flawless campaigns.
The Clemson team of 2018 was the last to win a national championship before Ohio State’s near miss in 2019. Clemson’s perfect 15-0 record, including a 44-16 championship win over Alabama, has a strong claim.
Some argue:
* Clemson played more games and won the title.
* Trevor Lawrence, an elite QB, led the offense with consistent execution.
* Their defense was stifling.
Ohio State counters:
* The 2019 Buckeyes beat Clemson handily in the playoff semifinal.
* Ohio State arguably had a higher overall talent level.
* The Buckeyes lost only to a strong LSU team in the final.
This debate embodies the core of the controversy.
College football greatness is not just about stats. Nostalgia, emotional connection, and cultural impact play big roles.
* Programs like Notre Dame or Alabama have storied legacies that factor into subjective rankings.
* Certain teams symbolize eras or social movements, giving them historical weight.
* Personal biases shape fan reactions.
ESPN’s attempt to objectively rank the “best ever” inevitably clashes with these emotional layers.
The ESPN ranking naming the 2019 Ohio State Buckeyes as the greatest college football team ever sparked passionate discussion—and that’s a good thing. College football thrives on tradition, rivalry, and debate. While the Buckeyes have a compelling case, the debate reminds us that greatness is multifaceted.
Is the best team one that goes undefeated, wins championships, dominates opponents, or redefines the sport? Or is it a combination of all? Fans will always disagree, but the discussion itself keeps college football’s legacy vibrant.
If not the Buckeyes, then who else? The answer is as much personal as it is analytical, ensuring this debate will rage on for decades to come.
