In a declaration that will resonate through generations of college football fans, ESPN has officially named Archie Griffin — the legendary Ohio State running back and the sport’s only two-time Heisman Trophy winner — as the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in college football history. Griffin topped a star-studded list that included Georgia’s Herschel Walker, Florida’s Tim Tebow, and Texas’s Earl Campbell, among others, in a ranking that sparked passionate debate across the nation.
For Buckeye Nation, however, the news is affirmation of what they’ve long believed: that Archie Griffin’s brilliance on the field, leadership off it, and enduring legacy place him in a league of his own. The honor from ESPN serves not only as a celebration of Griffin’s extraordinary career but also as a moment of pride for the Ohio State program, which has long been one of the crown jewels of college football.
Griffin’s accolades are well-known but bear repeating in light of this historic distinction. From 1972 to 1975, Archie Griffin was the heart and soul of the Ohio State Buckeyes. Over four remarkable seasons, he rushed for 5,589 yards — a school record that stood for decades — and became the first and only player in college football history to win the Heisman Trophy twice, in 1974 and 1975. He also remains the only player to start in four Rose Bowls, an achievement that underscores not just individual greatness, but also consistent team success under legendary head coach Woody Hayes.
Griffin’s statistical dominance is only part of the story. What truly separated him from the pack — and what ultimately elevated him above fellow legends like Walker, Tebow, and Campbell in ESPN’s eyes — was his consistency, humility, and class. Week after week, season after season, Griffin carried the weight of one of college football’s most storied programs on his shoulders and never once flinched. He didn’t just meet expectations; he redefined them. In an era when defenses were tougher, fields were rougher, and passing games weren’t nearly as developed, Griffin still managed to produce eye-popping numbers and breathtaking moments with a grace and humility that few could emulate.
Those who played with him, against him, and coached him have never stopped singing his praises. Hayes himself once called Griffin “the greatest football player I’ve ever seen.” Teammates often recount his unmatched work ethic and his ability to lead by example without ever demanding the spotlight. He was, in every sense of the word, a throwback — someone who let his actions speak louder than his voice and whose quiet confidence inspired those around him.
When ESPN launched its GOAT project, analysts and fans alike knew the competition would be fierce. College football has seen a pantheon of greats, each with unique cases for the title. Herschel Walker was a once-in-a-generation power back who bulldozed his way through SEC defenses at Georgia. Tim Tebow brought unmatched leadership and a trophy case full of wins to Florida, including two national championships and a Heisman of his own. Earl Campbell was a devastating force at Texas, combining strength and agility in ways the sport had rarely seen.
Yet in the end, it was Griffin who stood above them all.
The panel cited several reasons for its decision, starting with Griffin’s historic Heisman double — a feat that remains untouched nearly 50 years later. While many players have had dominant single seasons, no one else has been able to sustain such excellence across multiple years and still walk away with the Heisman more than once. His career, marked by unrelenting excellence, showcased not just talent, but a relentless will to improve and a refusal to plateau. It’s that longevity and elite production, paired with Ohio State’s success during his tenure, that pushed Griffin to the top.
Furthermore, Griffin’s impact extends far beyond the numbers and the awards. After his playing days, he became a symbol of class and integrity — not just for Ohio State, but for the entire college football world. He’s served in numerous leadership roles, including as President and CEO of the Ohio State Alumni Association, and he remains a revered figure in Columbus and beyond. His speeches, community involvement, and ongoing mentorship to young players have made him a role model in every sense.
When ESPN revealed the results of their GOAT rankings, the response from Buckeye fans was instantaneous and emotional. On social media, tributes poured in. Former players called Griffin “the standard,” “the heart of Ohio State,” and “the one who made us believe.” Fans who had watched him play in the ’70s reflected on the chills they felt seeing him break tackles and lead the Buckeyes to glory. Younger fans, who’ve only seen highlights and heard stories, now have yet another reason to hold him in reverence.
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day congratulated Griffin publicly, calling him “the most deserving legend in our sport.” Athletic director Gene Smith echoed the sentiment, saying, “Archie Griffin embodies everything that is right about college athletics — excellence, humility, perseverance, and impact.”
Even some of his fellow GOAT contenders offered praise. Tim Tebow, never one to shy away from his faith and values, said in a televised interview, “If you’re going to lose out to someone in this conversation, Archie Griffin is the man to lose to. What he did for the game, and how he’s carried himself afterward, is just incredible.”
The ESPN special also highlighted Griffin’s most iconic moments, including his record 31 straight games rushing for over 100 yards — a streak that stood for decades. Analysts pointed out that while the college football landscape has changed drastically, with more high-flying offenses and fewer true workhorse backs, Griffin’s production remains staggering even by today’s standards. His vision, patience, and explosiveness would translate in any era.
Griffin himself responded to the news with characteristic humility. In an interview after the announcement, he thanked his teammates, coaches, and Ohio State fans for their unwavering support throughout his journey. “This isn’t just about me,” he said. “This is about the people who believed in me, who blocked for me, coached me, and cheered for me. I’ve always said football is the ultimate team sport, and I wouldn’t be here without that team.”
For Ohio State fans, the honor brings a sense of closure and triumph. While the program has had many stars since Griffin’s time — Eddie George, Troy Smith, Ezekiel Elliott, and most recently C.J. Stroud and Marvin Harrison Jr. — Archie Griffin remains the name that defines the Buckeye brand. His combination of athletic dominance and personal dignity has set the bar for every player who walks through the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.
The recognition from ESPN comes at a time when conversations around college football history are gaining renewed interest. With the expansion of the College Football Playoff, increased focus on player legacies, and the rise of NIL opportunities, fans are revisiting the roots of the sport and the legends who built it. Griffin’s name, once again, rises to the top of those conversations — not just because of what he did, but because of how he did it.
In a sport filled with passion, pride, and pageantry, Archie Griffin’s story is the kind that transcends generations. He wasn’t flashy. He wasn’t brash. He just showed up, gave everything he had, and led his team with humility and heart. That’s why, nearly 50 years after his final college game, he’s still being honored. That’s why his number 45 jersey remains sacred in Columbus. And that’s why ESPN’s declaration matters — because in naming Griffin the GOAT, they’ve reminded the world that greatness is not just measured by what you do, but by how you do it.
As college football continues to evolve, with new stars emerging every season, one truth remains: no one has done what Archie Griffin did. And now, officially, no one is greater.
