20 All Time Greatest Football Players From Ohio State

Chris “Beanie” Wells left an indelible mark on the Ohio State program. From his freshman year TD against rival Michigan to his electrifying runs in the pros, Beanie’s legacy is one of explosive speed, and an unforgettable nickname.

Beanie was a Heisman hopeful and racked up over 1,600 yards and 15 TDs by his junior year (2007). He finished his career with 3,382 yards, ranking fourth all-time at Ohio State that time.

Wells was also a key element in Ohio State’s run to the 2007 BCS National Championship Game.

Drafted 31st overall by the Arizona Cardinals in 2009, Beanie’s NFL career started with a bang. in his rookie year, he rushed for 793 yards and had 7 TDs. However, injuries derailed his career.

A two-time All-American Linebacker under the legendary coach Woody Hayes, Tom Cousineau’s name echoes through the Ohio State football halls like a thunderclap.

Cousineau was the heart and soul of the Buckeye defense from 1976 to 1978. He made up a then-school record 569 tackles and is still the second-most in Ohio State history. His single-season tackle record of 176 stood for 32 years, a testament to his relentless pursuit of ball carriers.

In his collegiate career, Cousineau led the Buckeyes to three Big Ten championships and four bowl games, earning MVP honors in the 1977 Orange Bowl.

A first overall draft pick by the Buffalo Bills in the 1979 NFL Draft, Tom went on to play for the Cleveland Brown and 49ers. He racked up 10 interceptions in his entire NFL journey.

Before Archie Griffin carved his name into legend, Jim Otis was the Buckeyes’ king of the gridiron. He was a powerhouse in scarlet and gray, leaving defenders in his dust as he ripped through record books.

Otis led Ohio State to a national championship in 1968, becoming the first 1,000-yard rusher. He finished seventh in the Heisman voting.

He tormented Michigan, rushing for over 100 yards in three of their epic clashes. His punishing runs, dubbed “Otis Express,” earned him a spot in the All-American honors and Ohio State All-Century team.

Even today, he ranks second only to Griffin in career rushing yards per game, a display of his legendary power and speed. 

Few names echo the legendary power in the annals of Ohio State football like Rex Kern. A player with a national championship, 27-2 record, and a Heisman runner-up – his story is carved in grit, grace, and an unyielding Buckeye spirit.

Kern was a maestro behind the center, leading the “Super Sophomores” to an undefeated 1968 season and etching his name forever in scarlet and gray.

The QB passed for 2303 yards in his 3-year OSU journey, followed by great scrambles for 1550 yards. He was inducted into the Ohio State Football All-Century Team in 2000.

His leadership earned him the respect of teammates and coaches alike. Moreover, he was an All-Ohio athlete in three sports, a master of the gridiron, and starring in basketball and baseball.

Ohio State Linebacker Randy Gradishar was a force of nature. A two-time All-American, Gradishar’s relentless pursuit and powerful tackles left the running backs quaking in their cleats. He also received 6th position in the 1973 Heisman. 

His 22 tackles in a single game against Washington State in 1973 were recorded as the second-highest in the OSU. His 320 career tackles were the most in Buckeye history for decades.

“The Minister of Defense” was a fond nickname that Randy earned for his ability to shut down opposing offenses.

A 14th overall Broncos selection, Gradishar triumphed on the NFL stage too. He became the 1978 Defensive PoY and 7-time Pro Bowler.

Jim Stillwagon was a juggernaut of a defensive lineman for OSU. A part of the “Super Sophomore” 1968 team, he anchored a defense that propelled the Buckeyes to an undefeated season and national championship.

He continued his dominance, receiving two-time All-American honors. He also became the first-ever recipient of the prestigious Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award.

Stillwagon drew double and triple teams, freeing up teammates like Jack Tatum and Mike Sensibaugh to shine. His leadership and drive were powerful, making him a crucial part of the Buckeye defense.

Though his NFL career didn’t match his NCAA brilliance, his legacy at OSU remains secure. He is honored into both the Ohio State Athletics Halls of Fame and is forever remembered as a disruptive defensive lineman.

Ted Ginn Jr.’s name is synonymous with electrifying speed and game-breaking plays. As an Ohio State Buckeye, he etched his name into the OSU program’s lore as a legend.

Ginn’s explosiveness was evident right from the start. He burst onto the scene in 2004, setting up 359 receiving yards and 113 rushing ones. His dazzling talent wasn’t limited to offense.

He was also a punt return demon, crossing 900 yards and 6 TDs over his three-year period. He electrified crowds with his cheetah-like bursts down the sideline.

His signature TD celebration, the “Ginn and Juice,” became a fan favorite, displaying his joy and passion for the game.

“Big Kat,” Andy Katzenmoyer is one of the greatest linebackers that ever graced the OSU roster. A Freshman phenomenon, he became the first Buckeye to wear Archie Griffin’s iconic #45, and he lived up to its legacy with fearsome intensity and tackles

His 50 tackles-for-loss record still stands, and he is the only Buckeye to claim the Butkus Award (NCAA football’s top linebacker honor). Katzenmoyer’s passion for the Buckeyes burned brightly, even after injuries cut short his NFL career.

Andy returned to Ohio State for coaching duties. He remains a beloved figure in Buckeye lore. “Big Kat” isn’t just a legend, he’s living proof that the heart of a Buckeye never truly leaves the field.

A college player known for lockdown defense and electrifying playmaking, Antoine Winfield isn’t just an Ohio State legend, but one of the greatest cornerbacks to ever grace the gridiron.

From the moment he donned the OSU uniform, Winfield’s talent was undeniable. He quickly established himself as a shutdown corner, making highlight-reel interceptions look routine and blanketing wide receivers.

His accolades paint a dazzling picture: Jack Tatum and Jim Thorpe Awards winner (1998) and two-time All-American, solidifying his status as an elite DB.

Winfield’s legacy extends far beyond the Buckeye faithful. He went on to a stellar NFL career for the Vikings and Bills, racking up Pro Bowl appearances and being honored as the “50 Greatest Vikings”.

Howard Cassady is a former NCAA highlight reel who earned his nickname “Hopalong” from the electrifying hops that propelled him past defenders. Cassady, the 1955 Heisman Trophy winner, is an OSU legend whose impact on the gridiron transcends generations.

Cassady’s four-year reign from 1952 to 1955 redefined Buckeye rushing. He accumulated 2,374 yards and 30 TDs from rushes, leaving a mark as the team’s all-time leading rusher until 1969. His agility and vision were a thing to fear for the opponents.

His leadership, passion, and undeniable talent became a cornerstone of the legendary Woody Hayes era.

Today, Cassady’s name resonates throughout the OSU Stadium. His iconic #22 hangs in the rafters, a constant reminder of the “Hopalong Hustle” that once electrified the venue.

Undersized but unyielding, QB Troy Smith rewrote the OSU quarterback narrative. Uncertainties swirled about his height, but his heart was a giant. His accurate throws and electrifying speed carved a path to two national championship appearances and a Heisman Trophy in 2006.

Smith led the Buckeyes to a perfect 12-0 regular season in the 2006 season, before losing to the Florida Gators in the Championship game. His Houdini-like escapes and laser throws to Ted Ginn Jr. are etched in Buckeye lore.

Furthermore, his “The Spin” against Michigan is a legend, his 4-TD performance in the Fiesta Bowl cemented his legacy.

He silenced critics, proved size is just a number, and embodied Buckeye grit. Troy Smith is truly the embodiment of “anything is possible” in scarlet and gray.

Orlando Pace wasn’t just an Ohio State legend, he was a force of nature. A 6’7″ giant that tipped the scales at 325 pounds, his agility defied his size, making him a wall and a nightmare for opposing defenses.

Pace is a two-time unanimous All-American who anchored the Buckeyes’ offensive line, paving the way for national championship aspirations. He received the 4th position in the 196 Heisman.

The OT’s dominance earned him the nickname “Big O,” a moniker that echoed throughout OSU Stadium as he protected Buckeye QBs like a personal fortress and bulldozed defense.

Drafted first overall by the Rams, Pace carried the Buckeye spirit to the NFL and became a Hall of Famer. He solidified his place as one of the greatest OLs in American football.

The OSU’s number 44 forever echoes through the Horseshoe, its legacy intertwined with OSU’s glory. That number belongs to legendary linebacker AJ Hawk.

Arriving at OSU in 2001, Hawk became a key element in the 2002 National Championship team. His interceptions and powerful tackles turned him into a fan favorite.

The following years saw Hawk ascend to legendary status. He racked up 121 tackles in his senior year (2005 season). Many accolades have showered upon him: the Jack Lambert Trophy, and two All-American honors.

The Green Bay Packers made him the fifth overall draft pick in 2006. Hawk continued his reign of terror in the NFL. He became a Super Bowl XLV champion and became a top Packers’ all-time leading tackler (922).

From his freshman year in 2005, Malcolm Jenkins exuded talent. He established himself as a lockdown DB, earning All-Big Ten honors and putting his name in the record books with interceptions and pass deflections. 

Jenkins’ senior year was a masterpiece. He earned the coveted Jim Thorpe Award, given to the nation’s best defensive back, becoming the first Buckeye to receive the honor since Antoine Winfield in 1998. He also led the Buckeyes to a national championship, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest defensive backs in OSU history.

He then transitioned seamlessly to the NFL, carving out a decade-long career filled with accolades. He won two Super Bowls (XLIV, LII) and played three Pro Bowls. 

Chase Young was a force of nature who redefined defensive dominance in the Big Ten. Young terrorized quarterbacks from 2017 to 2019, and racked up 30.5 sacks, second all-time in Buckeye history. He also had a staggering 46 tackles for loss.

His signature “bull rush” move became a fan favorite, leaving quarterbacks scrambling for cover.

Young’s junior season was nothing short of phenomenal. He won the prestigious Nagurski Trophy, awarded to the nation’s best defensive player, and the unanimous All-American honors. He finished third in Heisman Trophy voting, the highest for a defensive player since 2004.

Young’s dominance at OSU earned him the second overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. He continues to wreak havoc in the NFL, carrying the swagger of Buckeyes greatness. 

Before Archie, Troy, and the horseshoe, a legend named Chic Harley displayed OSU brilliance. Born in 1895, the Columbus boy became a three-time All-American, leading the Buckeyes from obscurity to national prominence.

His electrifying punts, dazzling runs, and unyielding spirit redefined Buckeye football, paving the way for the gridiron dynasty we know today.

He led the Ohio State football team to a 21-1-1 overall record in just three seasons. But Chic’s legacy extends beyond stats. He was also the catalyst for building the Ohio Stadium, drawing in record crowds to watch his running game.

Harley went on to play for the Chicago Staleys in 1921. He tragically suffered from Dementia praecox that disrupted his playing career.

A relentless pass rusher with a fiery edge, Joey Bosa terrorized offensive lines for three seasons, leaving a trail of QBs flattened and records shattered. His 26.5 career sacks still stand as the Buckeyes’ all-time mark, a testament to his dominance.

Bosa’s signature sack celebration, a ferocious “gator chomp”, became a rallying cry for Buckeye Nation. He embodied the blue-collar work ethic and swagger of Ohio State football, quickly becoming a fan favorite.

After a powerful OSU career, Bosa got drafted third overall by the 49ers. He won the Defensive PoY for the 49ers in the 2022 season.

Arriving in Columbus in 2013, QB JT Barrett took the reins of the OSU team under coach Urban Meyer.

Barrett transformed into a legend in his four-year stint. He became the first-ever three-time captain in Buckeyes history, a testament to his leadership and unmatched dedication. He amassed 9,434 passing yards and 3263 rushing yards, quite an amazing feat. His 104 TD passes display his Ohio Sta’s greatness.

But Barrett’s legacy goes beyond stats. He led the Buckeyes to an appearance in the College Football Playoffs, three Big Ten Championships, and countless thrilling wins in the Horseshoe.

Ezekiel Elliott was a supernova in Scarlet and Gray. From freshman phenom to national champion, Elliott electrified the OSU Stadium with his blend of speed and grace. He ripped off runs like a cheetah, juked defenders with Houdini-like moves, and bulldozed through the defense with the heart of a lion.

Zeke’s career was pure magic, with an impressive 3961 yards and 43 touchdowns from rushes. His Heisman Trophy campaign was cut short only by injury.

But Zeke didn’t need individual awards. He carried the Buckeyes to the promised land with his game-winning TD in the 2014 Sugar Bowl. This match will forever showcase his greatness.

His infectious smile and “Zeke pose” became iconic, turning him into a cultural phenomenon and a loved Buckeye icon.

Archie Griffin is more than just an Ohio State legend; he’s a college football icon. He is the only two-time Heisman Trophy winner in history. Archie left a powerful legacy on the Buckeyes.

Starring from 1972 to 1975, Griffin was a scoring machine at OSU. He rushed for 5,177 yards, which still stands as the school record. He led Ohio State to four Big Ten titles and four Rose Bowl appearances. Moreover, he never lost a home game during his NCAA career.

His dazzling running style, added to his infectious smile and humility, made him a fan favorite and a national sensation. He became the face of OSU football and received the 1975 Unanimous All-American honors and 2 Big Ten MVP.