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Ohio State officially formed a football team in 1890, but the Buckeyes didn’t win a national championship until 1942. Since then they have 8 National Titles and 41 Conference Titles. Ohio State has been one of the most successful programs in FBS history. The caliber of players coming through this program has been nothing short of legendary. Here are the best to don the scarlet and gray.
Marvin Harrison Jr. (2021-23)
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Ohio State Stats: 37 games played (25 starts), 155 receptions, 2,613 yards, 31 TD (+1 rushing), 98 punt returns, 959 yards, 2 TD, 2x All-American, 2023 Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year
Having only had five receptions for 68 yards in Harrison’s first regular season, he would make his first career start in the 2022 Rose Bowl after Wilson and Olave declared for the 2022 NFL Draft. In the Rose Bowl, he caught six passes for 71 yards and three touchdowns in a 48–45 victory over the Utah Utes.
Entering his sophomore season, Harrison quickly asserted himself as a key figure in the Buckeyes’ offense. Notably, in a breakout game against Arkansas State, Harrison delivered a stellar performance, amassing 184 yards and three touchdowns. This trend continued as he notched impressive stats against various opponents, including a career-high 185 yards against Penn State. Harrison’s stellar season culminated in him being recognized as a unanimous All-American and earning the Richter–Howard Receiver of the Year award for his remarkable tally of 1,263 yards and 14 touchdowns. Entering the 2023 season, Harrison was widely considered to be the best receiver in college football. He won the 2023 Fred Biletnikoff Award after recording 1,211 yards for 14 touchdowns (tied for 3rd most in the FBS). Harrison declared for the 2024 NFL Draft following the season, and was selected by the Arizona Cardinals with the No. 4 overall pick.
C.J. Stroud (2020-22)
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Ohio State Stats: 28 games played (25 started), completed 575-of-830 passes, 8,123 passing yards, 85 TD, 12 INT, 136 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD, 2021 & 2022 Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year
Stroud spent his true freshman year at Ohio State redshirting as a backup to Justin Fields. In his sophomore season, he earned first-team All-Big Ten Honors; was named the Big 10 quarterback of the year; won Big Ten Freshman of the Week six times; was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, and became the only quarterback in Ohio State history to throw five touchdowns against a Big Ten competitor four times in one season. He led the team to a 10–2 record in the regular season.
After an impressive showing in the 2021 season, Stroud entered 2022 widely regarded as one of the game’s top talents and the frontrunner for the Heisman trophy. Stroud’s exceptional performance against Michigan State saw him throwing for six touchdown passes, which gave him the conference record for most 6 passing touchdown games (3). He surpassed Justin Fields to claim the second spot on Ohio State’s all-time passing touchdowns list. In the Peach Bowl semifinal in the College Football Playoff against the top-seeded Georgia Bulldogs, Stroud threw for 348 yards and four touchdowns. Despite missing out on the Heisman, Stroud will go down as one of the best Buckeyes’ quarterbacks of all-time, and is on his way to becoming an NFL superstar for the Houston Texans.
Chris Olave (2018-21)
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Ohio State Stats: 38 games played (38 starts), 176 receptions, 2,711 yards, 35 TD
During his first year at Ohio State, Olave showcased his versatility by playing on both offense and special teams. With 12 receptions for 197 yards and three touchdowns, he immediately left a mark on the field. Notably, in a pivotal clash against Michigan in 2018, Olave’s impact reverberated as he secured two touchdowns and executed a pivotal punt block, aiding Ohio State’s resounding 62–39 victory. His momentum carried into the subsequent Big Ten Football Championship Game, where he demonstrated his knack for clutch plays with five receptions for 79 yards and another touchdown against Northwestern.
Olave’s success continued at Ohio State despite the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in the 2020 season. Despite playing in only seven games in 2020, he showcased his prowess with multiple receiving touchdowns in three games and surpassing the 100-yard mark in five outings. His consistency and knack for finding the end zone again distinguished him, setting the stage for a remarkable 2021 campaign. In the 2021 season, Olave had an impressive tally of 65 receptions for 936 yards and a conference-leading 13 touchdowns. Opting out of the 2022 Rose Bowl to focus on his preparations for the NFL Draft, Olave ended his career at Ohio State as one of the top receivers in school history.
Justin Fields (2019-20)
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Ohio State Stats: 22 games played (22 started), completed 396-of-579 passes, 5,373 passing yards, 63 TD, 9 INT, 867 rushing yards, 15 rushing TD, 2019 & 2020 Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year
In Fields’ first season with the Buckeyes (after transferring from Georgia), he helped lead the team to a Big Ten Championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff. Fields finished third in the running for the Heisman Trophy, was named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year and first-team all-conference. In the 2019 College Football Playoff semifinal against Clemson, he had 320 passing yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions in the 29–23 loss. He finished the season with 3,273 passing yards, 41 passing touchdowns, and three interceptions to go along with 484 rushing yards and ten rushing touchdowns
Fields helped lead the Buckeyes to another undefeated regular season and Big Ten Championship the following season. Ohio State received another bid to the College Football Playoff, playing a rematch against Clemson. Ohio State was victorious in the rematch, 49–28, with Fields throwing 385 passing yards and six touchdowns in the game. The Buckeyes advanced to the College Football Playoff National Championship, where they lost to Alabama, 52–24. Fields finished the shortened 2020 season with 2,100 passing yards, 22 passing touchdowns, and six interceptions, he also added 383 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns on the ground. He repeated as the Big Ten’s Offensive Player of the Year and unanimous first-team all-conference.
Chase Young (2017-19)
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Ohio State Stats: 34 games played (25 starts), 98 total tackles (68 solo), 40.5 tackles for loss, 30.5 sacks, 9 forced fumbles
One of the most dominant defensive players of all-time, Chase Young has the chance to become a superstar in the NFL. When looking at Young’s numbers and highlights, it is easy to see why a franchise spent the No. 2 overall pick on him in 2020. Despite coming off the bench as a freshman, Young made an impact — 3.5 sacks, 5.0 TFL, and one forced fumble. However, once Urban Meyer and Ryan Day elected to move Young to the starting lineup in 2018, the edge rusher started taking over games. Young racked up 10.5 sacks for the Buckeyes — including a three-sack performance in the Big Ten Championship (en route to a Second-Team All-Big Ten selection).
Much to the rest of the Big Ten’s dismay, Young went from being a very good player as a sophomore to being an absolute monster as a junior. Despite missing two games due to a controversial suspension, Young notched an Ohio State-record 16.5 sacks and seven forced fumbles in just 12 games — all while facing double, if not triple, teams. The unanimous All-American won numerous awards (including the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Chuck Bednarik Award). In a testament to his dominance, Young also became just the ninth defensive player since 1982 to be nominated for the Heisman Trophy.
J.T. Barrett (2014-17)
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Ohio State Stats: 50 games played (44 starts), completed 769-of-1,211 passes, 9,434 passing yards, 104 TD, 30 INT, 3,263 rushing yards, 43 rushing TD
At worst, J.T. Barrett is one of the three best quarterbacks to play at Ohio State. There is certainly an argument that can be made for Barrett being the No. 1 QB. As a redshirt freshman in 2014, Barrett excelled behind center. Through the air, Barrett tossed 34 touchdown passes and totaled nearly 3,000 yards. On the ground, the Heisman hopeful gained over 900 yards and scored 11 times. Sadly, after leading the Buckeyes to an 11-1 record, Barrett broke his ankle in the regular season finale against Michigan. Though his performance resulted in a 5th place Heisman finish, Barrett had to watch from the sidelines as Cardale Jones led OSU to the National Championship.
After serving as the backup to Jones in ’15, Barrett reclaimed the starting gig in ’16. The QB led the Buckeyes to an 11-1 regular season and a spot in the College Football Playoff — an eventual 31-0 drubbing at the hands of Clemson. Coming back for his senior year, Barrett put together his finest effort — accounting for 47 touchdowns and a tick under 4,000 total yards. While the Buckeyes fell short of reaching the CFP, Barrett still led his team to a Big Ten title and Cotton Bowl victory over USC. How good was Barrett? Take a look at his standing on Ohio State’s all-time leader board: 1st in passing yards, 1st in passing TD, 1st in total offense, 2nd in wins.
James Laurinaitis (2005-08)
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Ohio State Stats: 51 games played (39 starts), 365 total tackles (159 solo), 24 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, 9 interceptions, 4 forced fumbles (2 recoveries)
Being the son of a famous wrestler, James Laurinaitis entered Ohio State as a known name. His father, a WWE Hall of Famer known as Road Warrior Animal, was one of the biggest personalities in wrestling history. Though he didn’t follow in his father’s footsteps, Laurinaitis brought a similarly intense passion to the gridiron. Despite being a backup for much of his freshman year, Laurinaitis laid the groundwork for an amazing career.
As a sophomore, Laurinaitis broke out with a team-best 115 tackles and five interceptions. He proceeded to win the Nagurski Award — given to the nation’s best defensive player. At the conclusion of his Buckeye tenure, Laurinaitis had claimed the Butkus Award and Lott Trophy, was named a three-time All-American, and led the Buckeyes to four BCS games (two National Championship appearances, two Fiesta Bowls). The tenacious defender went on to enjoy a seven-year career in the NFL, including a stretch in which he started 112 straight games for the St. Louis Rams.
Chris Spielman (1985-87)
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Ohio State Stats: 36 games played (36 starts), 546 total tackles (283 solo), 11 interceptions
As one could probably assume by looking at Spielman’s shoulder pads and neck roll, the three-year starter was a tackling machine. After multiple ankle injuries stymied Spielman’s playing time as a freshman, the Ohio native ran roughshod over the Big Ten from 1985-87. Spielman paced the Buckeyes in tackles twice (’86-87), earned All-Big Ten honors three years in a row, was deemed an All-American two times, and claimed the Lombardi Award in ’87.
Despite playing in just 36 games, Spielman’s 546 tackles — 205 of which came as a junior — rank him third all-time in school history. However, his 283 solo conquests remain a school record. If you want an idea of just how dominant Spielman was, look no further than his performance against Michigan in ’86. Spielman finished that game with 29 tackles. Predictably, Spielman’s game translated to the next level. As a member of the Detroit Lions, Spielman was a three-time All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler.
Randy Gradishar (1971-73)
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Ohio State Stats: 32 games played (32 starts), 320 total tackles
Deemed the “best linebacker I ever coached at Ohio State” by the legendary Woody Hayes, Randy Gradishar was the ultimate linebacker. Capable of making any play, Gradishar would make tackles sideline-to-sideline, behind the line of scrimmage, and in the secondary if necessary. After his team limped to a 6-4 record in 1971, Gradishar took his game to another level in his final two years on campus. As a result, the Buckeyes took off. The College Football Hall of Famer became an All-American in ’72, leading OSU to a 9-2 record and a Rose Bowl appearance.
As a senior, Gradishar was the star of a dominant defense. The unit allowed a total of 64 points on the year and catapulted the Buckeyes to a 10-0-1 season (culminating with a 42-21 triumph over USC in a Rose Bowl rematch). Gradishar ultimately excelled at the next level with the Denver Broncos. From 1974-83, Gradishar was a six-time All-Pro, seven-time Pro Bowler, and won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in ’78. Gradishar retired as the Broncos’ all-time leader in tackles.
Joey Bosa (2013-15)
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Ohio State Stats: 38 games played, 148 total tackles (101 solo), 51 tackles for loss, 26.0 sacks, 5 forced fumbles (2 recovered), 1 interception
A few years before Chase Young dominated off the edge for the Ohio State Buckeyes, Joey Bosa was the man opposing teams lost sleep over. Bosa wasted no time making an impact on his team. Utilizing his immense strength, fast hands, and quickness, Bosa was a mismatch from Day 1. In 10 starts in his freshman year, the future No. 3 overall pick created 13.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. Despite teams fully aware of his prowess, Bosa eviscerated offensive linemen the following year. In helping lead Ohio State to the National Championship, Bosa had a year for the ages — 13.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, 21.5 TFL. In addition to making his first of two All-American teams, Bosa was named the Big Ten’s Defensive Player of the Year.
John Hicks (1970-73)
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Ohio State Stats: 32 games played (32 starts)
Linemen, whether it be offensive or defensive, do not typically garner a ton of attention. However, John Hicks was one of those men to buck the trend. Beginning with his sophomore season in 1970, Hicks became a transcendent offensive lineman at the right tackle position. Hicks started every game for the Buckeyes en route to an appearance in the Rose Bowl, where the then-No. 1 ranked Buckeyes fell short against Stanford. In 1973, Hicks cemented his legacy in Columbus. Not only did he win both the Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award, but Hicks also finished second in the Heisman vote. The first player to play in three Rose Bowls, Hicks remains one of the greatest collegiate linemen of all-time.
Rex Kern (1968-70)
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Ohio State Stats: 29 games played (29 starts), completed 188-of-364 passes, 2,444 yards, 19 TD, 24 INT, 1,714 rushing yards, 24 rushing TD
Rex Kern was a standout athlete. Before opting to pursue a football career, Kern was an MLB draft pick of the Kansas City Royals. He also received scholarship offers to play basketball from both UCLA and North Carolina. In the end, Kern made the correct decision. As a sophomore in 1968, Kern accounted for 15 touchdowns and led the Buckeyes to an undefeated season (10-0). It was capped off with a National Championship-clinching victory over USC in the Rose Bowl. Kern was named the game’s Most Outstanding Player.
Kern and the No. 1 Buckeyes won their first eight games in ’69, only to lose to Michigan in the season finale. Despite the disappointing team result, Kern earned a third-place finish in the Heisman vote. In Kern’s final season on campus, he played well enough to finish fifth for the Heisman and once again led his team to the Rose Bowl. Upon reaching the NFL, Kern was converted to a defensive back. His career quickly fizzled out due to persistent back problems.
Mike Vrabel (1995-96)
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Ohio State Stats: 40 games played, 36 sacks, 66 tackles for loss
In recent years, we have seen dominant defensive ends come through Columbus. The Bosa brothers (Joey and Nick), Will Smith, Vernon Gholston, Cameron Heyward, and Chase Young were all highly-touted prospects selected in Round 1. However, despite each of their successes at Ohio State, none of those talents were able to match Mike Vrabel’s production. Vrabel may have started slow — two sacks as a freshman — but he finished his Buckeye career with a bang. In addition to winning the Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year Award twice, Vrabel was named an All-American in both 1995 and ’96.
As a sophomore, he racked up an impressive 12.0 sacks, only to raise the bar even higher in ’96 with an OSU single-season record 13.0 sacks. Vrabel’s 36 career sacks and 66 TFLs sit atop the OSU all-time lists. A member of three Super Bowl-winning teams in New England, Vrabel returned to his alma mater to coach between 2011-13.
Bill Willis (1942-44)
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At Ohio State: 28 games played, two-time All-American, National Champion
Bill Willis is, without a doubt, one of the best players to ever step on the field for the Buckeyes. Under the guidance of coach Paul Brown — one of the NFL’s greatest coaches of all-time — Willis blossomed into a star. A two-way star playing on both sides of the line, Willis was an anchor for Ohio State’s first National Championship-winning team in 1942. Willis operated as an exquisite blocker on offense and as a bruising tackler on defense. In 1943, despite the Buckeyes struggling to a 3-6 record, Willis earned All-America honors — becoming the first African-American player at OSU to receive the honor.
After another All-American campaign in ’44, Willis was off to the NFL. Playing for the Cleveland Browns, Willis is considered to be the first African-American to start a game at the professional level. A Hall of Famer at both levels, Willis won four AAFC championships, an NFL title (pre-Super Bowl), and was named to the NFL 1940s All-Decade Team. Willis’ No. 99 was retired by Ohio State in 2007.
Wes Fesler (1928-31)
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At Ohio State: 24 games played, three-time All-American, Big Ten MVP
Wes Fesler’s collegiate greatness was not limited to just one sport. While a student at Ohio State, Fesler was a member of the football, baseball, and basketball teams. In 1931, he became Ohio State’s first consensus First-Team All-American on the hardwood. However, Fesler was even better on the gridiron. Playing primarily as a defensive end, Fesler was named an All-American all three years he played. Although he was a defensive standout, the star would occasionally help his team on offense if he was needed.
When his playing days came to an end, Fesler transitioned into coaching. From 1947-50, he was in charge of his alma mater. Some of his accomplishments include winning the Rose Bowl in 1949, coaching the 1950 Heisman winner (Vic Janowicz), and two-time Big Ten MVP Paul Giel at Minnesota. Fesler was enshrined into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1954.
Troy Smith (2003-06)
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Ohio State Stats: 43 games played (28 starts), completed 420-of-670 passes, 5,720 yards, 54 TD, 13 INT, 1,168 rushing yards, 14 rushing TD
One of two Ohio State quarterbacks to own a Heisman Trophy, Troy Smith has to be considered the best quarterback in Buckeye history. When Smith arrived on campus in 2003, coach Jim Tressel had him taking carries out of the backfield and returning kicks. It wasn’t until his sophomore year that Smith began to get a solid look at quarterback. But even then, he started the year as the No. 2 option. When an injury forced the starter to miss action, Smith took over and started five games to end the year.
In 2006, the Smith-led Buckeyes finished tied atop the Big Ten and won the Fiesta Bowl. The soon-to-be Heisman winner unlocked a new level to his game, throwing 30 TD passes to just six interceptions. Smith and the Buckeyes finished the regular season undefeated, setting up a showdown with the Tim Tebow-led Florida Gators (Florida blasted OSU by a score of 41-14).
Jim Parker (1954-56)
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At Ohio State: 28 games played (28 starts), two-time All-American, National Champion
As soon as Jim Parker played his first snap for the Buckeyes, the program knew it had found a superstar. After spending most of his childhood in Georgia, Parker moved to Toledo before his senior year of high school. Parker dominated both sides of the line while in Columbus. Parker played a pivotal role as a freshman — especially on offense — and helped lead OSU to a National Championship. Despite the team suffering two losses the following season, Parker became an All-American — and helped pave the way for his Heisman-winning teammate (Howard Cassady).
As a senior in 1956, Parker was recognized as the nation’s best interior lineman. When his Hall of Fame career with the Buckeyes came to an end, Parker became a member of the Baltimore Colts. In building his Pro Football Hall of Fame case, Parker won two championships and was a 10-time All-Pro selection (nine First-Team honors). In 2019, Parker was named to the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.
David Boston (1996-98)
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Ohio State Stats: 37 games played (37 starts), 191 receptions, 2,855 yards, 34 TD, 98 punt returns, 959 yards, 2 TD
From 1998-2019, David Boston was the all-time receptions leader. In three seasons as a Buckeye starter, Boston hauled in 191 passes and scored a ridiculous 36 touchdowns. His 2,855 receiving yards also rank second all-time (43 yards behind Michael Jenkins). After finding the end zone on 14 of his 73 receptions as a sophomore, Boston was simply unstoppable in 1998. In just 12 games, the stud wideout caught 85 passes for 1,435 yards and 13 touchdowns. After being snubbed from the All-America team in ’97, Boston was justly rewarded with a spot on the ’98 team. As a pro, Boston had one tremendous season with the Arizona Cardinals. The Buckeye nabbed 98 passes for 1,598 yards and eight scores — resulting in his lone All-Pro and Pro Bowl nods.
Pete Johnson (1973-76)
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Ohio State Stats: 47 games played (36 starts), 548 rushes, 2,308 yards, 56 rushing TD, 8 receptions, 78 yards, 2 TD
Unless you are an avid Ohio State fan or a supporter of another Big Ten program, you may not be familiar with the name Pete Johnson. A member of the Buckeyes from 1973-76, Johnson played behind someone named Archie Griffin (from what we hear, that guy was pretty good). Well, Johnson was no slouch. After playing a limited role for much of his first two years, Johnson became more of a focal point in ’75. He responded in a big way, gaining over 1,000 yards on the ground and finding paydirt 25 times. He did this, mind you, while Griffin was busy rushing for 1,400 yards on his way to a second Heisman. To this day, Johnson holds the OSU record for most points in a season (156) and during a career (348).
John Frank (1980-83)
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Ohio State Stats: 47 games played (36 starts), 121 receptions, 1,481 yards, 9 TD
Like many of the nation’s top programs, Ohio State has had its fair share of top-flight receivers. However, the same cannot be said for OSU’s all-time tight ends. The one player who stands above the rest? John Frank. A three-year starter, Frank’s 121 receptions pace all tight ends in school history. The same is true of his 1,481 career receiving yards and 45 catches in a single season.
He was named to two All-Big Ten teams. At the conclusion of his senior season (1983), Frank was named the team MVP. The school’s best TE is also a member of its All-Century Team and Hall of Fame. Frank would go on to win two Super Bowls with the 49ers before retiring in favor of a career in medicine. After receiving his M.D. from Ohio State, Frank has become a hair transplant specialist.
Bob Ferguson (1959-61)
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Ohio State Stats: 27 games played, 423 rushes, 2,162 yards, 26 rushing TD
Another fullback amongst Ohio State’s all-time greats. When Bob Ferguson first suited up for the Buckeyes, he wasn’t supposed to be an immediate factor. Back in 1959, a man named Bob White was coming off a fourth-place Heisman finish and appeared primed to contend once again. Instead, Ferguson outplayed White and took over as the starting fullback. In Ferguson’s two years as a starter, the power back rushed for nearly 1,800 yards and 24 scores. A two-time All-American, Ferguson was taken in the first round of the NFL Draft — though retired after only two seasons. The ’61 Maxwell Award winner is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.
Jack Tatum (1968-70)
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At Ohio State: 29 games played (29 starts), two-time All-American, National Defensive Player of the Year
Before Jack Tatum became an All-Pro and Super Bowl champion with the Oakland Raiders, Tatum spent three years dominating the college game. Upon joining the Buckeyes, an OSU coach had an ‘a-ha’ moment and decided to change Tatum’s position. No longer would Tatum play running back — instead he would play defensive back. Tatum rewarded his coach’s faith and helped shut down opposing receivers en route to the 1968 National Championship. A critical part of two Big Ten title-winning teams, Tatum was a two-time All-American and the 1970 Defensive Player of the Year. His intensity and heavy-hitting ways often intimidated his opponent, giving Tatum a small victory before the game even began. The hard-hitter entered the College Football Hall of Fame in 2004.
Mike Doss (2000-02)
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Ohio State Stats: 50 games played (40 starts), 331 total tackles, 8 interceptions, 8 fumble recoveries, 6 sacks
The first three years Mike Doss spent in Columbus, the team was not impressive — at all. With Doss starting just two games his freshman year, the Buckeyes limped to a 6-6 mark. However, as Doss began to break out as a sophomore, the team began to improve. In earning the first of three-straight All-America nods, Doss led the 8-4 Buckeyes with 94 tackles. The rising star finished his junior campaign with 87 tackles, but his team continued to be a middling squad (7-5). Then, in an unseen twist, Doss and his teammates caught fire in 2002.
For the third year in a row, the stud defensive back was named to the All-Big Ten Team. Seemingly in on every play, Doss recorded 107 tackles en route to being named the Big Ten’s Defensive Player of the Year. Doss captained the preseason No. 13 Buckeyes to an undefeated season, including wins over No. 10 Washington State, No. 17 Penn State, No. 23 Minnesota, No. 12 Michigan, and — in the National Championship — No. 1 Miami. Before Ohio State upended Miami, the Hurricanes had won 34 straight games. Living up to his lofty hype, Doss intercepted a pass and returned it 35 yards.
Tom Cousineau (1976-78)
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Ohio State Stats: 48 games played, 245 rushes, 569 total tackles (259 solo)
From 1975-78, Tom Cousineau was a man amongst boys. During Cousineau’s first season in Columbus, the Buckeyes spent much of the season ranked No. 1. However, with a National Championship on the line, OSU suffered its lone defeat of the season in the Rose Bowl against UCLA — a team they had defeated earlier in the year. While the linebacker showed a ton of promise, nobody could have expected the type of production he put up in 1977 and 1978.
First, Cousineau was named the MVP of the ’77 Orange Bowl. Then, in his closing act, Cousineau collected 211 (!) tackles in ’78. In the season opener against Penn State, the two-time All-American finished with a school-record 29 tackles. Three weeks later, 28 more stops against SMU. Cousineau’s 569 career tackles rank second in Buckeye history. The 211 single-season mark remains the highest in program history. The star linebacker was selected No. 1 overall by the Buffalo Bills in the 1979 NFL Draft but instead elected to play for the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League. When he finally made the jump to the NFL, Cousineau became a Second-Team All-Pro with the Cleveland Browns.
Jim Stillwagon (1967-70)
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At Ohio State: 29 games played (29 starts), Outland Trophy winner, Lombardi Award winner, two-time National Champion
A starter from the day he arrived on campus, Jim Stillwagon made history at Ohio State. A simply dominant defensive tackle, Stillwagon was the main force behind the Buckeyes’ suffocating defense. In 1968, Stillwagon and his teammates ran the table en route to a National Championship — beating the likes of No. 1 Purdue, No. 4 Michigan, and No. 2 USC along the way. In attempting to repeat as champs, Stillwagon and his defense became an unbreakable force. The Buckeyes yielded a total of 93 points in ’69 — finishing the season 8-1 and ranked No. 4.
Still seething over allowing Michigan to score 24 points in their season-ending loss, the Buckeyes’ defense was even better in ’70. The opposition scored fewer than 10 points five times, and only two teams topped 13 points — including Stanford’s 27-17 victory over OSU in the Rose Bowl. Despite the loss, Ohio State was named National Champions (before the Rose Bowl), giving Stillwagon his second title. Individually, Stillwagon was at his best in ’70. He became the first player in college football history to win both the Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award in the same year.
Howard Cassady (1952-55)
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At Ohio State: 36 games played, 2,466 rushing yards, 4,403 all-purpose yards, 222 points
You have to be great at your sport to garner a nickname like “Hopalong.” Sure enough, Howard ‘Hopalong’ Cassady was fantastic at two sports. As a baseball player at Ohio State, Cassady led his team in both home runs and stolen bases. However, his exploits on the diamond didn’t come close to topping his success on the gridiron. A two-way superstar, Cassady was just as good at shutting down receivers while playing defensive back as he was scoring touchdowns from the running back position.
Offensively, Cassady scored 37 touchdowns in 36 games. Defensively, he did not allow a single pass to be completed against him. His sheer dominance helped lead the Buckeyes to the 1954 National Championship. After finishing third for the Heisman that season, Cassady won the Heisman following the ’55 season — as well as the Maxwell Award. The two-time unanimous All-American would go on to win an NFL Championship with the Detroit Lions in ’57.
Ezekiel Elliott (2013-15)
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Ohio State Stats: 35 games played (28 starts), 592 rushes, 3,961 yards, 43 rushing TD, 58 receptions, 449 yards, 1 TD
Despite a standout high school career, Zeke Elliott was not deemed a 5-star recruit. Looking back, that was a clear miss. Elliott’s freshman year at Ohio State entailed backing up future pro, Carlos Hyde. In limited action, Elliott averaged an absurd 8.7 yards per carry. Then, in 2014, Zeke Elliott became a nationally known name. The star back rushed for 1,878 yards and 18 scores over 15 contests. Making things even more impressive, Elliott dismantled the best teams OSU faced.
First, Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship — 220 yards, two TDs. Then, Alabama in the CFP Semifinal — 230 yards. Finally, Oregon in the National Championship — 246 yards, four TDs. The following season, Elliott would finish with 1,821 yards and 23 scores. In total, the mega-talent topped 100 yards 12 times in ’15 — and eclipsed 200 yards five times during his career.
Malcolm Jenkins (2005-08)
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Ohio State Stats: 50 games played, 196 total tackles (124 solo), 13.5 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack, 11 interceptions, 2 TD
From high school to Ohio State to the NFL, Malcolm Jenkins has always been near the top of his class. In high school, Jenkins guided his school to three state championships. The three-star prospect then transitioned to Ohio State, beginning his career playing nickel. Although he played fairly well in Year 1, Jenkins truly turned the corner when he was moved to corner. Jenkins starred for the back-to-back Big Ten champs, nabbing eight interceptions (two returned for TDs) between 2006-07.
The Buckeyes reached two National Championships in a row but lost to both Florida and LSU. The shutdown corner, who was named an All-American in 2007, reached greater heights in his final season. In addition to securing his third All-Big Ten nod, Jenkins was named a consensus All-American.
Antoine Winfield (2016-19)
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Ohio State Stats: 50 games played (29 starts), 278 total tackles (224 solo), 22 tackles for loss, 29 pass breakups, 3 interceptions
Before becoming a three-time Pro Bowler with the Minnesota Vikings, Antoine Winfield ruled the secondary at Ohio State. With good speed and excellent instincts, Winfield was able to cover the entire field. As a result, the cornerback accumulated 278 tackles and 29 pass breakups during his Buckeye tenure. Winfield made his first All-American team in 1997 and was named the team MVP (after he broke up 12 passes, nabbed two interceptions, and made 100 tackles). A year later, Winfield became the first Buckeye to win the Jim Thorpe Award.
Orlando Pace (1995-96)
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At Ohio State: 38 games played (38 starts), 80 pancake blocks, two-time Lombardi Award winner
Orlando Pace is one of the greatest football players of all-time, period. Unless you were fortunate enough to watch Pace play in both college and the NFL, it is hard to do him justice. In three seasons with the Buckeyes, Pace started every game. After earning Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors in 1994, Pace became a historic figure in college football. In ’95, the College and Professional Football Hall of Famer became the first sophomore to ever win the Lombardi Award (an award given to the best lineman or linebacker from 1970-2016).
In ’96, Pace became the first player to win the Lombardi twice. Pace was so excellent, he finished fourth in the Heisman vote — receiving 87 first-place votes. Pace was selected No. 1 overall in the 1997 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams. He went on to earn four All-Pro nods, seven Pro Bowls, and a Super Bowl ring.
Cris Carter (1984-86)
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Ohio State Stats: 37 games played, 168 receptions, 2,725 yards, 27 TD
Take a look at that catch…that was how talented Cris Carter was. As a freshman in 1984, Carter started for an Ohio State outfit that won the Big Ten and played in the Rose Bowl. Carter shined with nine catches for 175 yards in the ‘Granddaddy of Them All’, By that time, Carter had officially arrived. The electric wideout added 950 yards and eight more touchdowns to his impressive résumé the following year. Carter’s time at Ohio State ended with a 69-catch, 1,127-yard, 11-TD, All-American campaign as a junior.
After being deemed ineligible before his senior year, Carter was off to the NFL. To this day, Carter ranks third in receptions, third in touchdowns, and fourth in receiving yards amongst OSU receivers. Upon entering the NFL, Carter became one of the game’s all-time great receivers. He was a three-time All-Pro, three-time touchdown leader, eight-time Pro Bowler, and a Hall of Fame member (class of 2013).
Eddie George (1992-95)
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Ohio State Stats: 49 games played, 683 rushes, 3,768 yards, 44 rushing TD, 63 receptions, 534 yards, 1 TD
When Eddie George’s career at Ohio State was just getting started, he sabotaged his season with fumbles. Only two weeks after George scored three touchdowns against No. 8 Syracuse, the freshman coughed up two costly fumbles against Illinois. George would only receive 12 more carries the rest of the season and 42 more as a sophomore.
When George finally got the starting nod as a junior, there was no stopping him. In 1994, George rushed for 1,442 yards and 12 touchdowns. The secret was out on the Buckeyes’ star but it didn’t matter his senior season. En route to winning numerous awards — Heisman Trophy, Doak Walker Award, Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Player of the Year, Big Ten MVP — George dashed for 1,927 rushing yards (2,344 total) and 25 total touchdowns. The College Football Hall of Famer ranks fourth on Ohio State’s all-time rushing list. George also still has the best single-game mark of 314 yards. The ’95 Heisman winner didn’t slow down once he joined the Oilers/Titans. He retired with two All-Pro nods and four Pro Bowl appearances.
Archie Griffin (1972-75)
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Ohio State Stats: 46 games played, 924 rushes, 5,589 yards, 6,559 all-purpose yards, 26 rushing TD
Archie Griffin rushed for 867 yards as a freshman. For him, that season was a disappointment. From 1973-75, starting with his sophomore season, Griffin cemented his legacy as one of the greatest college football players to ever lace up a pair of cleats.
1973: 1,577 yards, 8 TD, All-American, All-Big Ten, 5th place Heisman finish
1974: 1,695 yards, 12 TD, All-American, All-Big Ten, Heisman Trophy winner, Walter Camp Award, Sporting News Player of the Year
1975: 1,450 yards, 4 TD, All-American, All-Big Ten, won his 2nd Heisman, Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Award, Sporting News Player of the Year
Griffin played in four Rose Bowls, finishing 1-3 — 1-2 vs. USC, 0-1 vs. UCLA — and remains the only player to own two Heisman Trophies.
