Top 10 Ohio State Football Players of All Time

10. Chic Harley – Running Back (1916–1919)

Chic Harley is one of the most important figures in Ohio State football history. Before Harley, Ohio State was a regional program. With him, it became a national power. Harley led the Buckeyes to their first Big Ten championship and put Ohio State football on the map.

He was so influential that Ohio Stadium—“The Horseshoe”—was built largely because of his popularity. Harley’s impact transcends statistics; he created the foundation of Buckeye football culture. Without Chic Harley, there is no modern Ohio State program.

The Untold Story of Chic Harley and Ohio State’s Championship Glory

9. Joey Bosa – Defensive End (2013–2015)

Joey Bosa was the prototype for the modern Ohio State defensive lineman: explosive, technically refined, and relentless. From the moment he stepped on the field in 2013, Bosa was one of the most disruptive defenders in college football. He recorded 26 career sacks, consistently facing double teams and still overwhelming Big Ten offensive lines. His best season came in 2014, when he was the defensive anchor of Ohio State’s College Football Playoff National Championship team, terrorizing quarterbacks throughout the postseason.

Bosa was named a consensus All-American and won the Smith-Brown Defensive Lineman of the Year Award. What set him apart was his combination of power and hand usage—he didn’t rely solely on athleticism, but beat linemen with precision. His dominance carried directly to the NFL, where he became an immediate star. At Ohio State, Bosa helped usher in a new era of defensive line excellence that continues today.

Shrug Life || Ohio State DE Joey Bosa 2015 Highlights ᴴᴰ

8. Troy Smith – Quarterback (2003–2006)

Troy Smith was the leader of one of the most dominant Ohio State teams ever. In 2006, he won the Heisman Trophy, throwing for 2,542 yards with 30 touchdowns while adding another 204 rushing yards and five scores. Smith’s poise, accuracy, and decision-making made Jim Tressel’s offense nearly unstoppable.

Smith guided Ohio State to a 13–0 regular season, including wins over Texas and Michigan. His ability to extend plays and avoid mistakes defined the Buckeyes’ identity during the mid-2000s. Though his NFL career was limited, Smith’s impact at Ohio State is unquestioned. He remains one of the most efficient quarterbacks in school history and a symbol of Buckeye excellence under center.

The Ohio State Buckeyes Troy Smith Top 5 Plays

7. C.J. Stroud – Quarterback (2021–2022)

C.J. Stroud authored one of the most prolific and efficient quarterback careers in Ohio State history, redefining modern Buckeye passing offense. Taking over as the starter in 2021, Stroud immediately elevated Ryan Day’s system, throwing for 4,435 yards and 44 touchdowns as a redshirt freshman while leading the nation in passer rating. He followed that season with an even more complete 2022 campaign, totaling 3,688 yards, 41 touchdowns, and just six interceptions, finishing his career with a staggering 85 passing touchdowns in two seasons.

Stroud was a two-time Heisman Trophy finalist (4th in 2021, 3rd in 2022), becoming one of only a handful of Ohio State quarterbacks to finish in the top five multiple times. His defining moment came in the 2022 College Football Playoff semifinal vs. Georgia, where he delivered a legendary performance—348 passing yards, four total touchdowns, and elite off-schedule play—nearly toppling the eventual national champions.

While Ohio State fell short of a title during his tenure, Stroud’s accuracy, pocket poise, and late-career growth as a runner cement him as one of the greatest quarterbacks the program has ever produced and a cornerstone of the modern Buckeye era.

CJ Stroud throws 6 touchdowns in Rose Bowl, Ohio State highlights

6. Jack Tatum – Safety (1968–1970)

Jack Tatum was the most feared defender of his era. Nicknamed “The Assassin,” Tatum redefined safety play with his physicality and instincts. He was a two-time All-American and a leader of Ohio State’s dominant late-1960s defenses, helping the Buckeyes to consecutive Rose Bowl appearances.

Tatum’s style changed how defensive backs played the game—he intimidated receivers before the ball even arrived. His college success translated directly to the NFL, where he became a Raiders legend. At Ohio State, Tatum’s legacy is about tone-setting: when he was on the field, opponents felt it. Few Buckeyes ever controlled games defensively the way Tatum did.

A Tribute to Jack Tatum

5. Chris Spielman – Linebacker (1984–1987)

Chris Spielman was the emotional leader of Ohio State football in the 1980s. A two-time consensus All-American, Spielman recorded 283 career tackles, a school record that still stands. He was relentless, instinctive, and fearless, embodying everything Ohio State football represents.

Spielman’s leadership extended beyond the field; he was the soul of the team. His preparation and intensity raised the level of everyone around him. Though Ohio State didn’t win a national title during his tenure, Spielman’s individual excellence remains unmatched at linebacker. His NFL career further cemented his legacy as one of the toughest players ever produced by the program.

Chris Spielman | Ohio State Highlights

4. Eddie George – Running Back (1992–1995)

Eddie George is one of the most iconic players in Buckeye history. His 1995 season remains legendary: 1,927 rushing yards, 24 touchdowns, and a Heisman Trophy. George embodied power football, punishing defenders with his physical running style while maintaining elite vision and balance. He finished his Ohio State career as the school’s all-time leading rusher at the time.

Beyond statistics, George symbolized Ohio State toughness in the John Cooper era. He carried the offense in big moments, including dominant performances against Notre Dame and Michigan State. George’s Heisman win helped elevate Ohio State’s national profile during the 1990s. He later became an NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and Pro Bowler, reinforcing that his college success was no fluke.

Classic Tailback – Eddie George Ohio State Highlights

3. Jim Parker – Offensive Lineman (1954–1956)

Jim Parker is arguably the greatest lineman Ohio State ever produced. A two-time All-American, Parker won the Outland Trophy and anchored the Buckeyes’ 1954 National Championship team. His dominance at tackle was unprecedented for the era.

Parker later became a Pro Football Hall of Famer, excelling at multiple offensive line positions in the NFL. At Ohio State, he was the cornerstone of Woody Hayes’ early success. His legacy is one of versatility, intelligence, and sustained excellence at the highest levels of football.

Jim Parker Highlight

2. Orlando Pace – Offensive Tackle (1994–1996)

Orlando Pace is widely considered the greatest offensive lineman in Ohio State history. He won both the Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award in 1996 and finished fourth in Heisman voting, an extraordinary feat for a lineman. Pace anchored the line for Eddie George’s Heisman season and dominated elite pass rushers weekly.

His combination of size, agility, and technique was unmatched. Defenses schemed entire game plans away from his side. Pace later became a Pro Football Hall of Famer, validating his collegiate dominance. At Ohio State, he set the standard for offensive line play and helped build the Buckeyes’ reputation as a trench powerhouse.

Orlando Pace | Ohio State Highlights

1. Archie Griffin – Running Back (1972–1975)

Archie Griffin stands alone as the only two-time Heisman Trophy winner in college football history. From 1972 to 1975, Griffin rushed for 5,589 yards, a mark that remains among the greatest ever. He led Ohio State to four Big Ten titles and four Rose Bowl appearances.

Griffin’s consistency, durability, and humility made him the ultimate Buckeye. He carried the ball at least 25 times in nearly every game and never fumbled once in his college career. Archie Griffin is not just Ohio State’s greatest player—he is one of the most important figures in college football history.

Classic Tailback – Archie Griffin Ohio State Highlights