Archie Griffin of Ohio State, who defeated Earl Campbell of Texas, Tim Tebow of the Florida Gators, and Herschel Walker of Georgia, was declared the greatest college football player of all time.
In the pantheon of college football legends, few names resonate as profoundly as that of Archie Griffin. Born on August 21, 1954, in Columbus, Ohio, Griffin’s journey from a local high school standout to a two-time Heisman Trophy winner is a testament to his unparalleled skill, dedication, and impact on the sport. His achievements not only set records but also redefined excellence in college football.Wikipedia+1Football Foundation+1
Growing up in Columbus, Griffin attended Eastmoor High School, where he quickly made a name for himself on the football field. In his senior year, he rushed for an astounding 1,787 yards and scored over 170 points in 11 games, including 29 touchdowns. This performance led Eastmoor to the Columbus City League championship. His remarkable high school career set the stage for his collegiate success.Wikipedia+2Heisman+2Football Foundation+2
Griffin’s college football journey began at The Ohio State University in 1972. Despite being undersized at 5’9″ and 182 pounds, he quickly proved that heart and determination could overcome physical limitations. Under the guidance of legendary coach Woody Hayes, Griffin became the starting tailback and led the Buckeyes to a 40–5–1 record over his four seasons. His consistency and performance were exceptional; he rushed for at least 100 yards in 34 games, including a record 31 consecutive regular-season games, a feat that remains unmatched in NCAA history.Wikipedia+1Heisman+1
Griffin’s impact was not limited to regular-season games. He was the only player to ever start in four consecutive Rose Bowls, showcasing his durability and importance to the team. His college career rushing total of 5,177 yards was an NCAA record at the time, and he scored 26 touchdowns during his tenure at Ohio State.Heisman+2Wikipedia+2Football Foundation+2Football Foundation
In 1974, Griffin became the first player in history to win the Heisman Trophy, awarded to the best college football player in the nation. He repeated this achievement in 1975, making him the only player to win the prestigious award twice. His 1974 Heisman voting results were impressive: 483 first-place votes, 198 second-place votes, and 75 third-place votes, totaling 1,920 points. In 1975, he secured 454 first-place votes, 167 second-place votes, and 104 third-place votes, totaling 1,800 points .AxiosHeismanHeisman
These victories were not just a reflection of his on-field prowess but also his consistency and leadership. Griffin’s ability to perform under pressure and maintain high standards throughout his college career solidified his status as a football icon.
Beyond his Heisman victories, Griffin’s contributions to college football have been recognized through numerous accolades. He was a three-time first-team All-American and a two-time Big Ten Most Valuable Player. In 1986, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s greats. His No. 45 jersey was retired by Ohio State, and in 2020, he was ranked No. 4 on ESPN’s list of the Top 150 players in college football history .Wikipedia+1Heisman+1
Griffin’s influence extends beyond his playing days. After retiring from professional football, he returned to Ohio State, where he served as the President and CEO of the OSU Alumni Association for over a decade. His commitment to the university and its community underscores his enduring impact on college football and his alma mater.Heisman
While Griffin’s achievements are unparalleled, it’s interesting to compare his career with other college football legends. Earl Campbell of Texas, Tim Tebow of the Florida Gators, and Herschel Walker of Georgia are often mentioned in discussions about the greatest college football players.
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Earl Campbell: Known for his powerful running style, Campbell won the Heisman Trophy in 1977 and led Texas to a national championship. His dominance on the field was evident, but Griffin’s back-to-back Heisman wins and consistent performance set him apart.
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Tim Tebow: Tebow won the Heisman Trophy in 2007 and led Florida to two national championships. While his versatility and leadership were exceptional, Griffin’s sustained excellence over four years gives him an edge in this comparison.
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Herschel Walker: Walker was a dominant force at Georgia, winning the Heisman Trophy in 1982 and leading the Bulldogs to a national championship. His impact was significant, but Griffin’s record-setting achievements and consistency over his college career are unparalleled.
In conclusion, while each of these players left an indelible mark on college football, Archie Griffin’s unique combination of individual accolades, team success, and lasting legacy solidify his place as the greatest college football player of all time.
