Top Five Ohio State Running Backs of All Time

In Ohio State's history there have been some great running backs. In total, the running backs of the Buckeyes have five Heisman Trophies between them.

It was no easy task to rank them but here they are: The five greatest RB's to put on an Ohio State uniform. I hope you enjoy!

5. Howard Cassady

Howard Cassidy ran for 2,466 yards in his career as a Buckeye. He scored 37 touchdowns for a Woody Hayes coached team.

In his Junior season he took Woody's Buckeye team to the National Championship Game.

In 1995 he won the Heisman Trophy, the Maxwell Award, and Associated Press Athlete of the Year.

4. Keith Byars

In his junior season he rushed for 1,764 yards and was one of the most productive seasons by a Buckeye.

The highlight of 1984 was the Illinois game, when Byars rallied the Buckeyes from 24 points down. His fourth touchdown of the game was this 67-yard run. His fifth touchdown was the winner in a 45-38 win.

Byars totaled 274 rushing yards in the game, a new school record.

His career rushing yards is 3,200; and 50 career touchdowns

3. Chris Wells

This could be an argument by some people but there is no doubt in my mind Chris Wells is one of the best to play at Ohio State.

His athleticism, his strength, and his play making ability makes him one of the best.

His second season with the Buckeyes was his most remember able rushing for over 1,600 yards, the best among any sophomore’s at Ohio State.

Like Troy Smith, Chris Wells has been a Michigan killer. Since he's played with the Buckeyes their streak against Michigan has continued with three more wins over the Wolverines.

Not only did Wells win the games he played against Michigan he had his best game against them in 2007. He rushed for 222 yards, which is the most given up by a Michigan team in their long history.

All big games were like that running his best against teams like LSU, Texas, and Michigan.

With this type of résumé he is up there with the best to ever go into the backfield for the Buckeyes.

2. Eddie George

Eddie George was the best running back as far as numbers, but as far as being the very best he falls short.

His Senior season he rushed for a school record 1,927 yards 27 touchdowns, and averaged 152 yards a game.

That year he received the Heisman Trophy.

The best game of his career and the best of any Buckeye was when he rushed for 314 yards against Illinois. It was the most of any Buckeye in a single game.

He was second in all time rushing at Ohio State with 3,768 career rushing yards. He scored 44 career touchdowns finishing third in that category.

He took his team to a near undefeated season, losing their last two games.

His No. 27 was retired.

1. Archie Griffin

The best running back ever to step in Ohio State's backfield is Archie Griffin. There is no doubt about it when to look at the major accomplishments Griffin has had.

Griffin is the only player in NCAA history to receive two Heisman Trophies.

His freshman year was the only time he didn't have a thousand yard year.

His best year was his Junior, when he received his first Heisman. That year he rushed for 1,695 yards averaging over six and a half yards per carry.

He received his second Heisman his Senior year rushing for 1,450 yards.

He received other major awards such as Walter Camp twice and the Maxwell.

Griffin is not only the best in Ohio State history, he is one of the best in College Football history.

What could have been?

Maurice Clarett had a phenomenal Freshman year, but got too cocky. What could have been? He may have been able to be on his list if it wasn't for his immaturity.