Archie Griffin has been honored as the Greatest College Football Player of All Time, surpassing legendary figures like Herschel Walker, Tim Tebow, and Earl Campbell. This recognition underscores Griffin’s unparalleled achievements in college football.
Griffin’s tenure at Ohio State from 1972 to 1975 was marked by extraordinary accomplishments. He remains the only player to have won the Heisman Trophy twice, securing the award in 1974 and 1975. During his career, he amassed 5,589 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns, setting an NCAA record for consecutive 100-yard games with 31. His consistency and dominance on the field were pivotal in leading Ohio State to four consecutive Rose Bowl appearances.
While Herschel Walker, Tim Tebow, and Earl Campbell are celebrated for their remarkable college careers, Griffin’s achievements set him apart. Walker, a 1982 Heisman winner, was recognized in an ESPN coaches’ poll as the greatest college football player of all time, edging out Griffin. Tebow, known for his leadership and dual-threat capabilities, and Campbell, a 1977 Heisman winner, also left indelible marks on college football history.
Beyond his playing days, Griffin’s influence continues. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1986, and his number 45 jersey was retired by Ohio State in 1999. Griffin’s legacy is not only defined by his on-field prowess but also by his character and contributions to the sport.