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Ranking the 64 best, not most popular, players in Ohio State football history is akin to picking out your favorite food. Pizza, right? Oh, wait, what about a perfectly-grilled burger? Or steak? A plate of pasta, made just right, is hard to beat. Or are you in the mood for lobster?
See where this is headed? Some players are no-brainer top-10s. Mr. Only Two-Time Heisman Winner comes to mind, as does the Pancake Man, Orlando Pace. Troy Smith beat Michigan three times as a starter. Chic Harley was so good he got Ohio Stadium built.
But what to do with current phenom Jeremiah Smith? Maurice Clarett likewise played less than one full season, yet his impact on the 2002 national championship team is unmistakable. Does Will Howard deserve to be included among the best 64? (Answer: Close but no cigar).
And before sending a gentle, or angry, comment that we forgot someone, know that we didn’t forget. We just didn’t include them in a list that could have gone 100 players deep or more.
The good news is we don’t have to decide the best of the best. You do. We’ve created a 64-player bracket – some madness in July, anyone? – that gives readers the power to put their vote where their argumentative voice is.
Each round runs through 6 a.m. the following Tuesday. We’ll crown our champion in August.
Let the debating begin.
All-time Ohio State Buckeyes bracket (listed with seeding)
(1) Orlando Pace, OT, 1994-96
Only two-time winner of the Lombardi Award; 2006 Outland Trophy.
(2) Archie Griffin, RB, 1972-75
Only two-time Heisman Trophy winner; first in career rushing attempts (924 ) and yardage (5,589).
(3) Charles “Chic” Harley, RB, 1916-17, ‘19
The Babe Ruth of OSU football; Ohio Stadium built in part because of his popularity.
(4) Troy Smith, QB, 2003-2006
Won 2006 Heisman and Davey O’Brien Award; 3-0 as starter vs. Michigan.
