In a stunning proclamation that has rocked the college football world, ESPN has officially named Archie Griffin, the legendary Ohio State Buckeyes running back, as the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in college football history. This monumental distinction places Griffin ahead of some of the game’s most iconic names, including Herschel Walker (Georgia), Tim Tebow (Florida), and Earl Campbell (Texas)—a formidable trio whose legacies have long shaped the college football landscape.
Yet, when the dust settled from months of polling, analytics, and heated debate among fans, analysts, and former players, it was Griffin’s legacy that stood tallest. The only two-time Heisman Trophy winner in history has been solidified as the definitive symbol of collegiate excellence.
A Legend Cemented in Time
Archie Griffin’s selection is not a result of recency bias or regional favoritism; rather, it is the product of an unparalleled résumé, grounded in consistency, humility, leadership, and historic achievement.
Griffin’s collegiate career spanned from 1972 to 1975, a golden era for Ohio State football under the legendary coach Woody Hayes. During his tenure, Griffin amassed an astonishing 5,589 rushing yards, which at the time was an NCAA record. Even more impressive was his streak of 31 consecutive 100-yard rushing games, a record that still stands.
But the crown jewel of Griffin’s resume remains his back-to-back Heisman Trophies, earned in 1974 and 1975. No other player in the award’s prestigious history has managed to win it twice, let alone in consecutive years. That alone makes Griffin not just a college football legend, but a singular figure in the sport’s pantheon.
The Voting Process: How ESPN Made the Call
ESPN’s selection was the culmination of a six-month project involving historical analysts, former players, coaches, and sports journalists. The network used a blend of statistical modeling, historical impact, team success, and longevity to weigh candidates. Fan voting also played a critical role, with over 3 million votes cast on the network’s digital platforms.
Griffin’s name continually rose to the top in every category. While Walker, Tebow, and Campbell each had compelling cases—dominating their respective eras and winning national titles—none could match Griffin’s unique combination of sustained individual brilliance, team success, and historical impact.
ESPN College GameDay analyst Kirk Herbstreit, a former Buckeye quarterback himself, remarked,
“This isn’t about who had the flashiest highlights or biggest single season. This is about the total body of work. Archie Griffin was consistently excellent, a consummate leader, and the heart of one of the greatest stretches in Ohio State history.”
Herschel Walker: The Bulldozer Falls Short
Herschel Walker, Georgia’s bulldozing back who helped lead the Bulldogs to a national championship in 1980, was long believed to be Griffin’s primary competition for the GOAT title. Walker’s 5,259 rushing yards, 49 touchdowns, and 1982 Heisman Trophy paint a picture of total dominance.
What hurt Walker’s case, however, was the narrow window of excellence. While his impact was immediate and massive, he played only three seasons and never managed to capture the rare back-to-back dominance that defined Griffin.
Still, Walker issued a statement congratulating Griffin:
“Archie’s a class act. I’ve always admired how he carried himself and how he played the game. If anyone deserves this, it’s him.”
Tim Tebow: The Face of Modern College Football
There’s no denying the gravitational pull of Tim Tebow’s legacy at Florida. A two-time national champion and 2007 Heisman winner, Tebow was the heart and soul of Urban Meyer’s Gators from 2006 to 2009.
Tebow’s combination of power, leadership, and charisma revolutionized the quarterback position. His 145 total touchdowns, 88 passing and 57 rushing, are among the most in NCAA history for a QB.
But Tebow’s inability to win a second Heisman or maintain statistical superiority in his final seasons was enough for ESPN to put Griffin ahead. Even Tebow, ever gracious, applauded the decision:
“Mr. Griffin’s career is untouchable. It’s an honor to even be in the same conversation.”
Earl Campbell: The Texas Workhorse
If raw power were the only factor, Earl Campbell might have run away with the GOAT title. Known as the “Tyler Rose,” Campbell was a force of nature at the University of Texas. His 1977 Heisman Trophy-winning season, where he ran for over 1,700 yards, remains one of the most dominant ever.
Yet, much like Walker, Campbell played just three collegiate seasons, and his overall impact was more limited by comparison. That said, his name frequently came up in fan polls and expert rankings as a top-four pick.
In a recent interview, Campbell reflected on the honor:
“Archie Griffin is a class gentleman and one of the greatest to ever play. It was a pleasure to compete in the same era and to watch him run. He’s truly deserving.”
Legacy at Ohio State
Griffin’s influence at Ohio State transcends his playing days. He has remained deeply involved in the university, serving as President and CEO of the OSU Alumni Association and becoming a mentor to generations of Buckeye athletes.
Current Ohio State head coach Ryan Day spoke glowingly about Griffin’s impact:
“When we talk to recruits, we mention Archie Griffin’s name. Not just because of his records, but because of the person he is. He represents everything this program stands for.”
Ohio State fans across the country have erupted in celebration. Murals, social media tributes, and commemorative merchandise are already flooding Columbus and beyond. The university is reportedly planning a GOAT celebration event for the 2025 football season to honor Griffin’s selection.
A GOAT for All Generations
The debate over the greatest of all time will always be subjective. Some fans will argue for Vince Young’s championship heroics, Reggie Bush’s electrifying agility, or Barry Sanders’ uncatchable 1988 campaign. But when combining achievement, consistency, integrity, and historical uniqueness, Archie Griffin stands alone.
ESPN’s analyst Rece Davis put it succinctly:
“You can’t tell the story of college football without Archie Griffin. But more importantly, you can’t tell it truthfully without putting him at the very top.”
Even beyond statistics, Griffin’s impact on the sport was spiritual. In an era before NIL, before TV contracts ballooned into billions, and before social media made stars overnight, Griffin earned his legend the old-fashioned way—on the field, through grit, grace, and greatness.
What This Means for the Sport
ESPN’s declaration could mark a pivotal moment in how the college football community views greatness. With the modern era full of dazzling one-and-done players, Griffin’s four-year career is a reminder that longevity and consistency remain the gold standard.
In a time when the Heisman Trophy has become harder to win multiple times—due to shifting media narratives and stiff competition—Griffin’s double crowning now seems even more miraculous.
The announcement also gives college football a rare moment of unity, a chance for fans across generations to tip their cap to a man whose greatness has stood the test of time.
Final Word
Archie Griffin may have retired from football decades ago, but his name has never faded. Now, with ESPN officially anointing him as the Greatest of All Time, his place atop the mountain is more secure than ever.
In the end, Griffin didn’t just beat out Walker, Tebow, and Campbell—he outlasted them. Through humility, hard work, and unmatched achievement, the Ohio State legend has reminded the world of what it means to be truly great.
