**SPN REPORT: Legendary South Carolina Gamecocks player George Rogers surpasses Tim Tebow, Herschel Walker, and others to be named college football’s greatest of all time**

In a shocking yet celebratory turn of events, George Rogers — the pride of South Carolina football and the 1980 Heisman Trophy winner — has officially been named the greatest college football player of all time. In a poll conducted by the SPN College Football Historical Committee, Rogers edged out names such as Tim Tebow, Herschel Walker, Barry Sanders, and Reggie Bush to earn the coveted title, bringing both pride and renewed attention to the Gamecocks football program.

For a name often overshadowed in national debates, this recognition is not only a personal honor for Rogers, but a moment of validation for South Carolina and the broader SEC community that remembers the legendary No. 38 as more than just a Heisman winner — but as a transformative figure who put Columbia, South Carolina, on the national football map.

Born in Duluth, Georgia, George Rogers arrived at the University of South Carolina in 1977 as a raw talent with limitless potential. Standing at 6’2″ and weighing over 220 pounds, Rogers was the prototype for what would later become the modern power back. His blend of brute strength, agility, and an uncanny vision allowed him to dominate SEC defenses week after week, despite playing for a program that was not yet a national powerhouse.

By his senior year in 1980, Rogers had racked up 1,781 rushing yards in just 11 games — leading the nation in total yards while averaging a staggering 162 yards per contest. It wasn’t just the stats that impressed voters; it was the fashion in which he carried South Carolina on his shoulders, elevating a modest team to national relevance through sheer will and force.

“George Rogers didn’t play for championships. He was the championship,” said SPN analyst Marcus Forrester. “He didn’t have the luxury of a loaded roster like some others. He earned every yard.”

In an era dominated by legendary backs, Rogers stood out. The 1980 Heisman race featured some of the stiffest competition in the award’s history, including Pittsburgh’s Hugh Green and Georgia’s Herschel Walker — a freshman phenom. While Walker would go on to have a storied career, it was Rogers who won over voters that year, becoming South Carolina’s first and only Heisman winner.

Accepting the award with a humble smile and his signature Southern drawl, Rogers said, “I’m just proud to represent my team, my school, and my family.” That grace and humility would follow him long after his playing days were over.

Rogers’ career statistics may not be as jaw-dropping as Barry Sanders’ single-season outburst or Tebow’s touchdown totals, but his numbers tell a story of consistency, durability, and greatness in the face of adversity.

• Career rushing yards: 5,204 (most in South Carolina history)
• Career games with 100+ rushing yards: 27
• Consecutive 100-yard games in senior season: 10
• Touchdowns: 31
• Heisman Trophy (1980)
• Consensus All-American (1980)

Moreover, Rogers accomplished these feats during a time when defenses could key in on him almost exclusively, knowing he was South Carolina’s primary — and at times only — offensive weapon.

So why now? Why did George Rogers suddenly leapfrog players like Tebow, Walker, and Sanders in the public consciousness?

According to the SPN Committee, it was a blend of historical reevaluation, new data analytics, and a renewed appreciation for players who carried underdog programs to greatness. A recent documentary series, Gridiron Ghosts, aired on SPN+ and reignited national interest in Rogers’ career. In one emotional episode, former Auburn coach Pat Dye described Rogers as “the only back I ever game-planned against with fear.”

Statistical reanalysis also helped. SPN’s advanced metric — Gridiron Value Index (GVI) — takes into account team strength, opponent quality, and per-touch impact. Rogers finished first all-time in GVI among running backs.

• Tim Tebow won two national titles and a Heisman, but played with a stacked Florida team under Urban Meyer.
• Herschel Walker, though dominant, had a historically elite offensive line and a national title team around him.
• Barry Sanders had the most electric single season in history (2,628 rushing yards in 1988), but only started one full year.
• Reggie Bush lost his Heisman due to NCAA violations, tainting his legacy in the eyes of some voters.

“George Rogers didn’t have the most rings. He didn’t get the national spotlight every weekend. But he was greatness in its purest form — effort, heart, and dominance with no safety net,” said longtime analyst and voter Joel Fitzpatrick.

To this day, the city of Columbia treats Rogers as royalty. A statue of him stands outside Williams-Brice Stadium, and his No. 38 jersey is retired — a symbol of excellence for all Gamecocks to follow.

South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer weighed in on the news, saying, “George Rogers is the heartbeat of this program. Every recruit who steps on this campus hears his name. Now the whole country is finally putting respect on it.”

Rogers has remained active in the South Carolina community, running the George Rogers Foundation, which provides scholarships for underprivileged youth. For him, the GOAT title is just another milestone in a life defined by service as much as success.

“I’ve always said football was a blessing, but what you do after football, how you give back — that’s where you prove who you are,” Rogers said during his acceptance of the SPN GOAT Award in a ceremony attended by family, alumni, and former rivals.

While players like Tebow and Sanders were often seen as poster children of football excellence, Rogers represented something different — a trailblazer for black athletes in the South, rising during a time when opportunities and media exposure weren’t as evenly distributed.

He was the first black athlete at South Carolina to achieve national stardom, paving the way for generations of players across the SEC.

ESPN’s Desmond Howard, a former Heisman winner himself, put it best: “George was the blueprint. Without him, there’s no Bo [Jackson], no Emmitt [Smith] getting that shine at the college level. He broke through walls so others could walk through doors.”

Ultimately, greatness is often a subjective title, but the case for Rogers is ironclad:

1. He was dominant despite minimal support.
2. He changed the trajectory of South Carolina’s football program.
3. He stayed consistent over four years, not just one.
4. He led the nation in rushing without a modern offensive scheme.
5. He had a lasting cultural and social impact beyond the gridiron.

When you compare apples to apples, Rogers’ resume doesn’t just hold up — it shines.

With the announcement, SPN has also committed to producing a full-length feature film titled 38: The George Rogers Story, to be released in Fall 2026. The film will chronicle Rogers’ life from his childhood in Duluth, through his Gamecocks glory, to his NFL career and philanthropic efforts post-retirement.

South Carolina has also announced that its upcoming home game against Georgia will be “George Rogers Day,” with special uniforms, commemorative coins, and a halftime celebration featuring former teammates, coaches, and opponents.