“Archie Griffin, a Legend at Ohio State, Crowned the Greatest College Football Player of All Time, Surpassing Earl Campbell, Tim Tebow, and Herschel Walker in Historic Ranking.”

In the world of college football, few names resonate with the same weight as Archie Griffin. A name synonymous with greatness, perseverance, and legacy, Griffin stands as a monumental figure in the history of the sport. When you think of the best players in college football, many names come to mind: Earl Campbell, Tim Tebow, and Herschel Walker, to name just a few. But in 2025, a historic ranking crowned Archie Griffin the greatest college football player of all time, a title that transcends the world of sports and forever cements his legacy.

Griffin’s achievements, from his astounding college career to the remarkable feats that defined his time at Ohio State University, have now placed him above all others in an era of gridiron legends. This article aims to explore why Archie Griffin has earned this revered title, surpassing even the most celebrated figures in college football history.

Born on August 21, 1954, in Columbus, Ohio, Archie Mason Griffin was destined for greatness. Growing up in a city that would eventually become synonymous with his name, Griffin had a love for sports from an early age. However, football wasn’t always his first love. In his younger years, he was just as much of a baseball fan as a football enthusiast. But when he hit the gridiron, it became clear to everyone that football was where his future lay.

Griffin attended Eastmoor High School, where he quickly became a star. His high school career was a preview of what was to come at Ohio State. Despite being known for his swift running abilities and tenacity, Griffin’s true potential was realized when he joined the Ohio State Buckeyes football team in 1972.

In 1972, Griffin joined Ohio State University as a freshman running back, making an immediate impact. His natural talent was apparent as he contributed to the team’s success right away. However, it wasn’t just his on-field skills that set him apart; it was his work ethic, focus, and determination. Over the course of his career, he became the epitome of what it means to be a college football player.

Archie Griffin’s place in history was solidified in 1974 when he became the first—and, to this day, the only—player in college football history to win the Heisman Trophy twice. The Heisman, awarded annually to the best player in college football, had long been a prestigious honor. Griffin’s victory in 1974 marked the beginning of an extraordinary college football career.

In that season, Griffin’s performance was nothing short of phenomenal. He rushed for 1,577 yards and 14 touchdowns, leading Ohio State to a Big Ten title and a berth in the Rose Bowl. His combination of speed, vision, and power on the field made him an impossible player to stop. The 1974 Heisman victory was not just a recognition of Griffin’s exceptional talent; it was a signal to the college football world that a new era had arrived.

The following season, in 1975, Griffin repeated his Heisman performance, making him the first player in history to win the award twice. This feat in itself was groundbreaking. Over the course of his college career, he rushed for 5,589 yards and 26 touchdowns, both of which were remarkable accomplishments that showcased his dominance at the college level.

What set Griffin apart from many of his peers was his remarkable consistency. While many college football legends had one or two incredible seasons, Griffin was able to sustain his elite level of play for the duration of his career. His ability to remain productive, game after game, season after season, made him a consistent threat.

For four years, Griffin amassed over 1,400 yards rushing in each season, a level of consistency few players have ever matched. He never had a “down year,” and he was always the focal point of the Ohio State offense. Whether the team was facing top-tier defenses or less challenging opponents, Griffin’s performance remained elite. His work ethic and preparation were integral to his success. He didn’t just rely on his natural talent; he outworked everyone to ensure that he stayed on top.

Griffin’s time at Ohio State wasn’t just defined by individual success—it was also a period of dominance for the team. His leadership helped the Buckeyes achieve multiple Big Ten championships and make significant bowl appearances. As Ohio State’s all-time leading rusher for several decades, Griffin played a pivotal role in solidifying the school’s reputation as a college football powerhouse.

Griffin’s legacy at Ohio State is one of unparalleled excellence. His number 45 jersey was retired by the university, ensuring that his impact would never be forgotten. His contributions helped build the foundation for the program’s future success, and he remains a symbol of Ohio State football, even decades after his departure.

While Archie Griffin’s accomplishments at Ohio State are second to none, college football has seen many other remarkable players who have etched their names into history. Names like Earl Campbell, Tim Tebow, and Herschel Walker are often mentioned in the conversation about the greatest college football players of all time. So, what makes Griffin the most iconic?

Earl Campbell, often considered one of the best running backs to ever play college football, had an incredible career at the University of Texas. His dominance on the field, especially during his Heisman-winning 1977 season, was undeniable. Known for his bruising style and overwhelming physicality, Campbell made a mark in college football with his ability to break tackles and overpower defenders.

However, while Campbell was a force of nature, Griffin’s consistency and versatility were what ultimately gave him the edge. Unlike Campbell, who had a more erratic career due to injuries and inconsistency, Griffin was a constant presence at Ohio State. His ability to remain effective year after year, especially in high-pressure games, was unmatched.

Tim Tebow’s career at the University of Florida was one for the ages. As the ultimate dual-threat quarterback, Tebow led Florida to two national championships and won the Heisman Trophy in 2007. His ability to run the ball and pass made him a unique and dangerous offensive weapon. Tebow’s leadership, resilience, and passion for the game were traits that endeared him to fans across the nation.

However, Griffin’s place as the greatest college football player transcends even the most versatile players like Tebow. While Tebow’s ability to change the game as a quarterback was incredible, Griffin’s pure running back prowess and his ability to carry his team on his shoulders for four consecutive years solidified his position in history.

Herschel Walker is another name that is frequently mentioned in the debate for the greatest college football player. Walker’s time at the University of Georgia in the late 1970s and early 1980s was marked by his explosive speed, power, and remarkable rushing yards. He had a legendary college career that included a Heisman Trophy in 1982 and a national championship in 1980.

However, Walker’s career was marred by some inconsistencies, particularly when compared to Griffin’s sustained success. Griffin’s ability to perform consistently in every season, especially in high-stakes games, distinguished him from Walker, who, despite his own greatness, never reached the same level of consistency year after year.

What sets Archie Griffin apart from other college football legends is his perfect blend of skill, consistency, leadership, and longevity. Griffin didn’t just dominate in his Heisman-winning years; he remained a top-tier talent throughout his entire college career, maintaining his elite status from 1972 to 1975.

His unwavering commitment to excellence both on and off the field, his unselfish leadership, and his ability to elevate his team made him more than just a player. He was the epitome of the student-athlete, excelling not only in football but also in academics and character. While other players have come and gone, Griffin’s legacy remains as one of the most influential in the history of college football.

In 2025, when Archie Griffin was crowned the greatest college football player of all time, it wasn’t just a recognition of his athletic achievements. It was a testament to the enduring power of his influence on the sport. His record-breaking career at Ohio State, coupled with his historic Heisman victories, placed him atop the list of college football legends. Surpassing even the greats like Earl Campbell, Tim Tebow, and Herschel Walker, Griffin’s place in history remains untouched.

In the end, Archie Griffin’s legacy is one that will continue to inspire future generations of athletes. He is, and forever will be, the greatest college football player of all time.