The state of Ohio has always been football country with their NFL teams in Cleveland (Browns) and Cincinnati (Bengals) being historically good.
When it comes to college football, Ohio State football is one of the most historically successful programs in college sports. They have produced many fine college athletes.
But with almost 100 years of Buckeye history and countless players who have come and gone, it’s almost impossible to create a list of the 5 greatest Buckeyes graduates of all time. So, here’s what we managed to come up with…
5 Best Ohio State Buckeyes Football Graduates:
5. Eddie George
When it comes to size and speed, no one used to his advantage as well as Eddie George did in Columbus.
George owns many of the rushing records, like most yards rushing in a season with 1,927, the most yards in a single game with 314 yards against Illinois, and 12 100-yard games in a single season.
His performances won him multiple awards, including the Maxwell Award, the Doak Walker Award, and the Heisman Trophy.
In the NFL, he was a durable workhorse of a running back. In his first 8 years, all with the Tennessee Titans; he never missed a start while amassing 10,009 rushing yards. The only other running back to rush for 10,000 yards before missing a start was the legendary Jim Brown.
George is the all-time rushing leader in Tennessee Titans history.
4. Lou Groza
Lou Groza was in the NFL for an astounding 21 seasons. Though known for his kicking skill, he was also a great offensive tackle, earning nine trips to the Pro Bowl.
His kicking numbers don’t look like much today; he made less than 55% of his kicks. Even so, “The Toe” was the first great kicker and put special teams on the map, in fact, a trophy given to college football’s best kicker is named after him.
3. Paul Warfield
One of the most talented runners in Buckeye history, Paul Warfield showcased the explosive ability that earned All-Big Ten twice.
Warfield was the quintessential speedster of his era, and became a terror at the pro level.
The star runner was named to the All-Century Team and is one of five Buckeyes in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. NFL Network rated Warfield as the 71st greatest player of all-time.
He was one of the greatest wide-outs of all-time.
2. Archie Griffin
Two Heisman Trophies. That’s all you need to say about Archie Griffin.
By the time his career in Columbus was finished in 1975, Griffin shattered records in rushing yards (5,589) and 100-yard rushing games (32). He scored 26 touchdowns and eclipsed the 1,400 yard rushing mark in each of his last three seasons.
Griffin and former USC and now Texans’ linebacker Brian Cushing are the only two players to ever start in four Rose Bowl Games.
In addition to the two Heismans, Griffin won the Big Ten MVP in 1973 and 1974, the Maxwell Award in 1975, and was the first player to have his number retired in any sport by Ohio State.
Griffin remains an active member of the community.
1. Cris Carter
If Ohio State ever had a gold standard at wide receiver, Cris Carter would be the mold.
Carter had 168 receptions in his Buckeye career and was the first ever OSU wide receiver to be an All-American in his junior season. His claim to Buckeye fame was his unbelievable body control and his route running, which made him a star in the NFL.
Carter had great hands, helping him become one of the greatest receivers in history. In terms of sheer numbers, he’s right near the top placing 3rd in career receptions, 4th in touchdown receptions and 8th in receiving yards.
Carter is the all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns in Minnesota Vikings history.
Who are other Buckeye greats which you think are on this list? Be sure to check out the latest odds and lines for the next game of OSU and other college teams in our sportsbook. Game On!
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