Archie Griffin Crowned College Football’s GOAT by ESPN
In a landmark moment for college football history, ESPN has named Ohio State legend Archie Griffin as the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in college football, placing him ahead of other iconic figures such as Georgia’s Herschel Walker, Florida’s Tim Tebow, and Texas’ Earl Campbell.
Griffin, the only player in history to win the Heisman Trophy twice (in 1974 and 1975), was a cornerstone of Ohio State’s dominance in the mid-1970s under legendary coach Woody Hayes. During his illustrious collegiate career, Griffin rushed for 5,589 yards, a record at the time, and helped lead the Buckeyes to four Big Ten titles and four Rose Bowl appearances.
ESPN’s panel of analysts and historians pointed not only to Griffin’s exceptional statistics but also his enduring influence on the game and reputation for humility and leadership. His consistency is unmatched—he rushed for at least 100 yards in 31 consecutive games, a feat that remains remarkable nearly five decades later.
“This recognition isn’t just about stats, it’s about legacy,” said one ESPN analyst. “Archie Griffin represented everything great about college football: talent, perseverance, sportsmanship, and class.”
Despite fierce competition from other college greats—such as Herschel Walker’s dominant 1982 season at Georgia, Tim Tebow’s leadership and two national championships with Florida, and Earl Campbell’s bruising running style that won him the Heisman in 1977—Griffin’s long-term excellence set him apart.
Fans and former players have taken to social media to congratulate Griffin, who remains a beloved figure at Ohio State and in the broader football community. As the only two-time Heisman winner, his place in history was always secure—this latest honor from ESPN merely reaffirms what many Buckeye fans have long believed: Archie Griffin is the greatest college football player of all time.
