In a thrilling celebration of college football greatness, ESPN recently unveiled its Top 25 plays since the year 2000, and Clemson fans have every reason to be proud. Former Tigers wide receiver Hunter Renfrow has etched his name into history once again, as his unforgettable “Orange Crush” touchdown snagged a spot on the elite list. This iconic moment, which helped seal Clemson’s national championship win over Alabama in 2017, remains one of the most clutch and symbolic plays in modern college football history.
Renfrow’s game-winning touchdown in the College Football Playoff National Championship isn’t just another score—it’s a story of grit, timing, and triumph that reshaped Clemson’s legacy forever. With just one second remaining on the clock, quarterback Deshaun Watson rolled out to his right and found Renfrow in stride on a perfectly executed pick play. The reception capped off a legendary drive and delivered Clemson’s first national title since 1981.
A Moment That Defined a Dynasty
Nicknamed the “Orange Crush” for its dramatic impact and Clemson’s electric orange uniforms, the touchdown became the exclamation point on one of college football’s greatest underdog stories. Renfrow, a former walk-on who went from overlooked to unstoppable, personified the very heart of Dabo Swinney’s Clemson culture—hard work, faith, and perseverance.
Fans across the nation watched in awe as the Tigers dethroned the mighty Alabama Crimson Tide, a team previously thought to be untouchable. The Renfrow touchdown wasn’t just a play—it was a symbolic passing of the torch, signaling that a new college football powerhouse had arrived.
ESPN Recognition Validates Renfrow’s Legacy
ESPN’s decision to include the “Orange Crush” touchdown among the Top 25 plays since 2000 is a tribute to its magnitude and lasting legacy. With thousands of unforgettable plays occurring across more than two decades of college football, this moment’s inclusion underscores its historical weight.
It’s not every day that a play is remembered not just for its technical execution but for the seismic shift it caused in college football’s landscape. Renfrow’s touchdown did just that—it shook the sport, inspired countless players, and redefined what it means to rise from underdog to hero.
Clemson’s Continued Impact
Since that magical 2016 season, Clemson has remained a dominant force in college football, with multiple College Football Playoff appearances and another national title in 2018. But the image of Renfrow diving into the end zone remains a sacred one for Tiger Nation. It represents a moment where dreams became reality and tradition met destiny.
Hunter Renfrow would go on to be drafted by the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders, continuing his journey as a symbol of perseverance. But to many Clemson fans, he will forever be remembered as the young man who caught the catch that changed everything.
Final Thoughts
The “Orange Crush” touchdown being ranked among ESPN’s greatest plays since 2000 is more than an individual accolade—it’s a tribute to Clemson’s rise, a moment frozen in time, and a powerful reminder that belief and effort can rewrite the script. For every aspiring walk-on, every doubted athlete, and every loyal college football fan, Hunter Renfrow’s story proves that legends are made in moments—one second, one catch, one unforgettable play.
