Ohio State’s Icon Archie Griffin Crowned College Football’s Greatest of All Time, Surpassing Herschel Walker in Historic ESPN Ranking

Ohio State’s Icon Archie Griffin Crowned College Football’s Greatest of All Time, Surpassing Herschel Walker in Historic ESPN Ranking

In a groundbreaking and historic declaration by ESPN, college football has found its ultimate icon: Archie Griffin, the legendary Ohio State running back, has been named the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in college football history. This distinction places Griffin above a pantheon of all-time greats, including Georgia’s Herschel Walker, whose legacy as one of the most dominant college football players ever is nearly mythological. But in ESPN’s comprehensive ranking, Archie Griffin’s achievements, impact, and legacy have solidified his status as the unparalleled best in the sport’s storied history.

Griffin’s selection as the GOAT of college football is not simply a nod to his extraordinary statistics or a nostalgic favor to Buckeyes fans; it is a recognition of sustained greatness, unmatchable consistency, and a unique place in college football lore that has never been equaled. Griffin remains the only player in college football history to win the Heisman Trophy twice—first in 1974, then again in 1975—an achievement that has stood the test of time across decades and generations of players.

Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Archie Griffin was more than a local hero. He embodied the soul of Ohio State football, and by extension, the pride of a region that lives and breathes the sport. Recruited by legendary coach Woody Hayes, Griffin quickly made his mark. As a freshman in 1972, he rushed for 867 yards—a school record at the time for a first-year player—and by his sophomore year, he had already become a household name in college football. His 1,577 rushing yards in 1973 led the Buckeyes to a 10-0-1 record and a Rose Bowl appearance.

But it was in 1974 and 1975 when Griffin reached heights that no other player has since duplicated. In those two seasons, he ran for 1,695 and 1,450 yards respectively, earning him back-to-back Heisman Trophies. The rarity of even winning one Heisman underscores how exceptional Griffin’s feat truly is. Countless elite players—Herschel Walker, Tim Tebow, Barry Sanders, Bo Jackson—have won the award once. None of them, despite all their prowess, could capture it twice. That unique status, that enduring historical asterisk beside his name, is a primary reason for Griffin’s elevation to the GOAT title.

It’s worth noting the nature of Griffin’s greatness. While other players dazzled with explosive plays or spectacular highlight reels, Griffin was the epitome of consistency. He rushed for at least 100 yards in 34 straight games—still an NCAA record. His vision, balance, and relentless drive allowed him to become the backbone of a dominant Ohio State team that won four Big Ten titles during his tenure. He was the steady pulse of an offense that outperformed and outlasted its competition year after year.

Some critics have argued that other players had more raw athleticism or gaudier single-season stats. Herschel Walker, for instance, was a physical marvel. In his three seasons at Georgia (1980–1982), he rushed for 5,259 yards and scored 52 touchdowns. His 1981 season, in which he gained 1,891 rushing yards despite playing with a dislocated shoulder early on, is widely regarded as one of the toughest and most productive in college football history. Walker was a national champion, a Heisman winner in 1982, and a consistent All-American.

But when evaluating the GOAT, ESPN’s analysts took into account not only physical stats and accolades but also legacy, influence, and the degree to which a player elevated their program and inspired future generations. In this broader lens, Griffin’s unmatched combination of success, humility, leadership, and sustained excellence gave him the edge.

Another aspect that elevates Griffin’s case is the era in which he played. The 1970s were a grind-it-out period of football. Offensive lines were big and slow, defensive schemes were rudimentary but punishing, and the game relied more on resilience than finesse. Running backs, more than quarterbacks, bore the burden of offensive production. Griffin’s ability to stay healthy and productive over four years in such an environment speaks volumes about his durability and mental toughness.

Moreover, Griffin was a true student-athlete. In an age before name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals, social media, and national marketing campaigns, he let his play do the talking. He graduated with a degree in industrial relations and has continued to represent Ohio State with integrity long after his playing days. He served as the president and CEO of the Ohio State Alumni Association for over a decade, demonstrating a commitment to the university that extended far beyond football.

His contributions to the sport have not gone unnoticed over the years. Griffin was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1986, and his number 45 jersey is one of the few retired by Ohio State. His legacy was further cemented when the Big Ten created the Graham-George Offensive Player of the Year award in 2011, an honor he was the inaugural namesake of.

Griffin’s post-football impact has also helped solidify his GOAT status. He has been a mentor to countless players, a role model for student-athletes, and a powerful advocate for education, discipline, and character. His visibility and respect within the college football world remain remarkably high, even four decades after he played his last snap. This long-lasting relevance and dignity are rare, even among the greatest players.

It’s also important to consider the emotional and cultural resonance of Griffin’s success. In the heartland of America, where football is almost a religion, Griffin’s humble background and work ethic resonated deeply with fans. He wasn’t a brash showman or a controversial figure. He was dependable, focused, and honorable—a rare trifecta in any generation of athletes. That purity of image has helped his story endure and grow, not just in Ohio but nationwide.

Herschel Walker’s candidacy for GOAT remains incredibly strong and credible. His college career was iconic, and in many ways, he revolutionized the role of the running back with his speed, power, and agility. But ESPN’s selection of Griffin over Walker may also reflect a subtle shift in how greatness is being defined—not only by stats and spectacle but by lasting influence, character, and the totality of a college football career.

Others in the running for the GOAT title included Jim Brown, Bo Jackson, Tim Tebow, Vince Young, and Reggie Bush—all titanic figures in their own right. But none could match the holistic resume Griffin brings to the table. From freshman sensation to senior leader, from Heisman winner to respected elder statesman, Archie Griffin’s journey through college football is a blueprint of greatness that is likely never to be replicated.

In today’s college football landscape—where players often leave early for the NFL, where loyalty to programs is tested by the transfer portal, and where off-the-field noise often eclipses on-the-field performance—Griffin’s story serves as a throwback to an era where the sport’s purity and passion defined its heroes. His name now stands alone atop the mountain of college football, not because of one magical season, or one transcendent moment, but because of a sustained, extraordinary, and uniquely impactful career.

As ESPN’s comprehensive ranking reaffirms, greatness in college football is not just measured by yards, touchdowns, or trophies, but by legacy. And in that regard, Archie Griffin isn’t just one of the greats—he is the greatest.