ESPN Names Texas Longhorns’ Icon Earl Campbell the Greatest College Football Player Ever, Surpassing Tebow, Walker, and Griffin

In a landmark moment for college football and an emotional celebration for the state of Texas, ESPN has officially declared Earl Campbell as the greatest college football player of all time. Beating out a field of legendary figures that included Georgia’s Herschel Walker, Florida’s Tim Tebow, and the only two-time Heisman Trophy winner in history, Ohio State’s Archie Griffin, Campbell’s selection stunned some, but thrilled those who’ve long argued the Tyler Rose never got his full due in the national conversation.

The announcement was made during ESPN’s “College Football 150 Greatest Players” special, a project aimed at identifying the most iconic and impactful figures in the sport’s storied history. After months of debate, expert panels, statistical deep dives, fan votes, and historical comparisons, the honor went to the bruising running back from the University of Texas who dominated college football in the 1970s and embodied everything it meant to be a Longhorn.

Earl Campbell, a native of Tyler, Texas, wore the burnt orange with a rare blend of power, speed, vision, and heart that left fans in awe and defenders bruised. From 1974 to 1977, Campbell carved out a legacy at Texas that transcended box scores. Yes, he won the Heisman Trophy in 1977. Yes, he led the nation in rushing that season. But beyond the numbers was a player whose game left an indelible imprint on college football history. He wasn’t just great—he was unforgettable.

When asked why Campbell topped such a loaded list of contenders, ESPN analyst and former coach Lou Holtz summed it up: “Earl Campbell was a force of nature. He ran through defenders. He changed games. He was everything you want in a football player, and he did it with class.”

There’s no denying the greatness of the men he surpassed. Herschel Walker’s three-year stint at Georgia from 1980 to 1982 redefined dominance, capped by a Heisman Trophy and a national championship. Tim Tebow is widely viewed as the most influential quarterback of the 21st century college game, winning two national championships and a Heisman while elevating Florida’s program to a new stratosphere. Archie Griffin’s two Heismans have stood untouched for decades, a feat often thought to be impossible to surpass in terms of individual achievement.

But Campbell’s impact resonated beyond the trophies. In many ways, he represented the soul of Texas football. He played with an edge that mirrored the rugged identity of the state. Under the leadership of Coach Darrell Royal and later Fred Akers, Campbell became the physical and emotional centerpiece of the Longhorns. His 1977 campaign is widely regarded as one of the greatest seasons ever by a running back, amassing 1,744 yards and 18 touchdowns. Those numbers might seem tame in today’s high-octane offenses, but in an era when defenses were brutal and offensive schemes more conservative, they were monumental.

Beyond the stats and accolades, Earl Campbell simply passed the eye test—he was a player you couldn’t stop watching. His signature runs, bulldozing through linebackers and breaking into the open field like a freight train, remain etched in the memories of those lucky enough to see him play live. Even grainy footage of Campbell evokes awe in modern viewers, as defenders bounce off him or are dragged several yards before he finally touches the ground.

To Texas fans, Campbell’s elevation to GOAT status feels long overdue. For decades, his legend has been retold at tailgates, in living rooms, and through highlight reels. He was the kind of player who didn’t just win games—he inspired a state. From humble beginnings in East Texas to national acclaim, Campbell carried the pride of Texas on his shoulders, and he never let it fall.

And even now, nearly five decades after his college career ended, Campbell’s influence remains strong. His No. 20 jersey is retired at Texas. He remains a symbol of toughness and humility, often speaking to young players about the importance of hard work, faith, and resilience. His professional career with the Houston Oilers only added to his myth, but for many, it’s his time in college that shines brightest.

ESPN’s panel highlighted not only his individual brilliance but also his influence on how the running back position was played and perceived. Campbell forced teams to adjust their defenses, to bring extra tacklers, to prepare for pain. He was as feared as he was respected. “He made football feel like combat,” said former Alabama linebacker Barry Krauss, who faced Campbell in college. “You didn’t just tackle Earl. You survived him.”

One key point of the evaluation, according to ESPN’s lead historian Ivan Maisel, was the blend of dominance, legacy, and character. “When you evaluate greatness, it’s not just about what you did—it’s how you did it, and what you left behind,” Maisel said. “Earl Campbell was a program-changer, a game-changer, and a life-changer. He lifted Texas to new heights, inspired a generation, and redefined toughness. That’s the total package.”

The selection sparked spirited debate online, especially among fans of the other finalists. Many Georgia supporters were vocal about Herschel Walker’s unmatched college dominance and argued his early departure to the USFL unfairly shortened his college legacy. Florida fans pointed to Tebow’s leadership, championships, and impact on modern spread offenses as reasons he should have earned the crown. And Ohio State faithful were understandably protective of Griffin’s unmatched record of back-to-back Heismans.

But even many of those fans acknowledged Campbell’s greatness with begrudging admiration. “I still think Walker was the best I ever saw,” one Georgia fan tweeted, “but if anyone else had to win it, I’m glad it’s Earl. That man was a beast.”

Campbell himself responded with humility and grace, saying, “To even be mentioned in the same breath as those guys is a blessing. I never played for the accolades. I played because I loved the game, loved my teammates, and loved the University of Texas. This means the world to me and my family.”

The Texas football program celebrated the announcement with tributes, including a video narrated by Matthew McConaughey and a commemorative “GOAT” mural that will be painted near Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium. UT Athletic Director Chris Del Conte said the university is planning a special event this fall to honor Campbell during a home game.

“Earl Campbell is more than just a football player,” Del Conte said. “He’s part of the heartbeat of Texas. He’s what we want all our athletes to strive to be—not just great players, but great people. This recognition is fitting, and honestly, it feels like the college football world is just catching up to what we’ve always known.”

As college football continues to evolve, debates like this one will always rage on. New stars will emerge, records will fall, and fans will argue passionately about who truly deserves the “GOAT” label. But for now, and perhaps for a long time to come, Earl Campbell stands atop the mountain—Texas tough, eternally respected, and finally, officially, the greatest of all time.