Ohio State Legend Archie Griffin Crowned Greatest College Football Player of All Time
May 16, 2025
In a monumental recognition of collegiate football greatness, Ohio State legend Archie Griffin has been named the greatest college football player of all time, surpassing fellow icons Herschel Walker (Georgia), Tim Tebow (Florida), and Earl Campbell (Texas) in a historic fan and expert poll conducted by ESPN.
Griffin, the only two-time Heisman Trophy winner in NCAA history, solidified his legacy as the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) in college football after months of debate, analysis, and fan voting that captivated sports fans nationwide. The announcement was made Thursday night on ESPN’s special edition of College Football Live, capping off a week-long countdown featuring the sport’s most iconic names.
“Archie Griffin didn’t just play college football—he defined it,” said ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit, who also played quarterback at Ohio State. “His consistency, leadership, and historic back-to-back Heismans make him a legend among legends. This recognition is long overdue.”
Griffin played for Ohio State from 1972 to 1975 under legendary coach Woody Hayes. Over his four seasons, he rushed for 5,589 yards and 26 touchdowns, leading the Buckeyes to four Big Ten titles and four Rose Bowl appearances. Griffin remains the only player to start in four Rose Bowls, and his streak of 31 consecutive 100-yard rushing games remains one of the most unbreakable records in NCAA history.
While all four finalists had compelling resumes, Griffin’s consistent excellence and unmatched legacy ultimately tipped the scales. Herschel Walker, the 1982 Heisman winner, rushed for over 5,000 yards in three seasons and led Georgia to a national title in 1980. Tim Tebow, a two-time national champion and 2007 Heisman winner, revolutionized the quarterback position with his dual-threat prowess. Earl Campbell, the 1977 Heisman recipient, bulldozed his way into history as one of the most dominant power backs the game has ever seen.
Yet none achieved what Griffin did—a feat still unmatched nearly 50 years later.
“Winning the Heisman once is a dream. Winning it twice—it’s hard to put into words,” Griffin said in an exclusive interview with ESPN following the announcement. “To be named the greatest of all time among players I admire so much is humbling. I share this with my teammates, coaches, and the Ohio State community.”
The final rankings were determined through a combination of fan voting (50%), panelist analysis (30%), and statistical/historical metrics (20%). Griffin narrowly edged out Walker, while Tebow and Campbell finished third and fourth respectively.
The decision sparked spirited debate across social media, with fans from SEC and Big Ten schools exchanging passionate takes. However, even critics agreed that Griffin’s resume is bulletproof.
“Archie Griffin didn’t just win games, he set a standard,” said Paul Finebaum. “You can argue for Walker’s dominance or Tebow’s leadership, but no one carried the torch for college football like Griffin.”
As college football continues to evolve in the NIL and transfer portal era, the sport still looks back to legends like Archie Griffin to define its soul. And now, he officially wears the crown as the greatest college football player of all time.
