The Top 50 Ohio State Football Players in Buckeye History

50. Terry Glenn, WR 1993-1995

Many remember Ohio State for the longest time as a power football team.

But that reputation quickly changed as the Buckeyes began producing high caliber wide receivers in the 1990s including Glenn.

Glenn had a spectacular season in 1995, becoming the only Buckeye WR to win the Fred Biletnikoff Award for top WR in the country, and was one of four All-Americans. He then went on to have a successful career in the NFL.

49. David Boston, WR 1996-1998

One of the players who followed in Glenn's footsteps to wide receiver success at OSU was David Boston.

Boston still holds the record for career receptions with 191 and had 2,836 receiving yards and 36 touchdowns.

But the Texas native is best known in Buckeye nation for catching the game-winning TD pass from QB Joe Germaine to upset Arizona State in the 1997 Rose Bowl with 19 seconds left.

48. John Frank, TE 1980-1983

As far as tight ends go at Ohio State, John Frank is the gold standard when receiving is concerned.

Frank ranks tops among TEs in receptions (121) and yards (1,481) and was named team MVP in 1983.

But in addition to these on-field accomplisments, Frank was a two-time Academic All-American and a Rhodes Scholar nominee.

If TEs at Ohio State want a gold standard, look no further than Frank.

47. Pete Johnson, FB 1973-1976

When you think of 1974 and '75, you think of Archie Griffin running through defenses on the way to two Heisman Trophies.

But the forgotten man in the backfield was the fullback Pete Johnson.

In Griffin's defense of his Heisman Trophy, Johnson ran for over 1,000 yards and scored a record 25 touchdowns.

Johnson still holds the career record for rushing TDs in OSU history with 58 to go with 2,308 yards on the ground.

46. Bobby Hoying, QB 1993-1995

Ohio State has never been the type of school that has produced spectacular pro quarterbacks.

But one of the Buckeyes best under center was Bobby Hoying, who many fans remember as being the leader in career TD passes at OSU with 58.

Hoying is also the leader in completions and threw for over 7,000 yards in three seasons under center.

As a senior, he threw for 3,269 yards and was tenth in Heisman voting, won in 1995 by fellow Buckeye Eddie George.

Though he had a difficult career as a pro, Hoying had some solid success captaining John Cooper's offense in the mid-1990s.

45. Wes Fesler, TE 1928-1930

If one word could define the career of Wes Fesler as a player at OSU, it would have to be versatility.

Fesler played both at end and fullback for the Buckeyes and was a three-time All-American, in addition to being named Big Ten MVP in 1930.

But instead of moving onto the NFL, Fesler went on to coach college football, including four years at OSU and a Rose Bowl title in 1949.

His career at OSU ended after losing to Michigan in the infamous Snow Bowl game of 1950 9-3, a game where the visiting Wolverines never earned a first down.

44. LeCharles Bentley, C 1998-2001

The first of the list to play in the Jim Tressel era, Bentley enjoyed a four-year career where he was a force in the interior lines.

Bentley was a two-time All-Big Ten selection and a first-team All-American in 2001, and won the Rimington Trophy in 2001 as the country's best college center.

After a solid career in the NFL, Bentley was forced to retire after knee problems made him unable to perform.

Though center in football is among the unsung positions of the game, Bentley was certainly one of the best.

43. Bob Ferguson, FB 1959-1961

Considered by most to be the greatest fullback ever to play at Ohio State, Ferguson is remembered most by his senior year in 1961.

Joined by Paul Warfield and Matt Snell, Ferguson ran his way to the Maxwell Award and was runner-up to the Elmira Express, Syracuse's Ernie Davis in the race for the Heisman Trophy.

Ferguson ran for 2,162 yards in his three years at OSU, but most significantly was never thrown for a loss in his entire career in Columbus.

42. Jim Marshall, T 1956-1958

Most remember Jim Marshall for the infamous "Wrong Way" play he made while with the Minnesota Vikings.

But Marshall was a part of three talented teams during his career at Ohio State, including the 1957 national championship team.

Marshall's final year at Ohio State was spectacular, as he was one of three Ohio State All-Americans that season.

41. Mike Sensibaugh, DB 1968-1970

A member of the OSU All-Century Team, Mike Sensibaugh set his own gold standard for performance in the secondary.

Sensibaugh is the current leader in interceptions for a career with 22 and most in a season with nine.

He was one of the famous "Super Sophs" along with Rex Kern and Jim Stillwagon, and was one of six Ohio State All-Americans in 1970, Woody Hayes' last championship team.

40. Chris Gamble, DB/WR 2001-2003

Gamble was a major contributor to an OSU squad that played in consecutive BCS games in 2002 and 2003, including the first-ever 14-0 team in FBS history.

One of the rare two-way players in the modern era, Gamble was a third-team All-American in 2002 for his performances as a DB, receiver, and a kick returner, being one of the few ironmen of the 2000s in college football.

Gamble finished his career with eight interceptions, 21 pass breakups, and 605 receiving yards before becoming a talented DB in the pro level.

His versatility was critical in helping Ohio State pulling off the unexpected upset of Miami to win the 2003 national championship.

39. Cornelius Greene, QB 1972-1975

Greene made Ohio State history becoming the first African-American to start at QB for the Buckeyes and put up some very good numbers.

Along with those numbers came great accolades, being named Big Ten MVP in 1975 and the 1974 Rose Bowl Game MVP after beating USC 42-21.

But what set him as one of the best was despite receiving death threats early in his career, he performed admirably as one of OSU's best signalmen.

38. Jim Parker, G 1954-1956

Jim Parker was a cornerstone of the offensive line that helped guide Woody Hayes to his first national championship in 1954.

Parker continued his great successes at OSU, becoming a two-time All-American and winner of the Outland Trophy in 1956.

His size and versatility which allowed him to play on both sides of the ball made him a valuable asset to Hayes during his three years as a Buckeye.

37. Ahmed Plummer, DB 1996-1999

Plummer was yet another of those talented OSU DBs that went on to a solid pro career after success in Columbus.

His best year was the 1999 season, where he was named team MVP but was part of a team that finished only 6-6, a far cry from a very good 1998 team.

Plummer's successes were enough to earn him first-round draft status, and he was one of the last great players that ended his career with John Cooper.

36. James Laurinaitis, LB 2005-2008

The son of the famous wrestler nicknamed "The Animal", James Laurinaitis was one of the most talented defensive players in the Jim Tressel era.

A three-year starter, Laurinaitis racked up the awards, winning the Nagurski Award as best defensive player in 2006, and the Butkus Award for top linebacker in 2007, and was also a three-time All-American at LB.

Laurinaitis finished his career with 365 tackles, 15 sacks, and nine interceptions, but drew a lot of criticism after being part of defenses that gave up big points in consecutive seasons in BCS National Championship Game losses to Florida and LSU.

Regardless, No. 33 was one of the best LBs OSU has seen in some time, and played with an infectious intensity.

35. Malcolm Jenkins, DB 2005-2008

Joining alongside Laurinaitis was shutdown corner Malcolm Jenkins to become one of the more talented defensive duos OSU has seen in a long time.

A three-year starter as well, Jenkins was first-team All-American in 2008 and the winner of the Jim Thorpe Award as top cornerback in the country.

Jenkins recorded 11 interceptions in three seasons, but unfortunately carried the same stigma as his teammate of being unable to win the big game.

But unlike his teammate, Jenkins did win a Super Bowl ring as a nickel corner in his rookie season in 2009.

34. Joey Galloway, WR 1991, 1993-1994

Forced to follow in the footsteps of Cris Carter, Joey Galloway did not disappoint.

The speedster tore up the Big Ten in his junior season, racking up 11 touchdown receptions and 946 receiving yards, which helped him earn first-team All-Big Ten honors.

His career totals are among the best in OSU history, ranked second in TD receptions with 19, and 1,894 receiving yards.

The big game-breaker speed of Galloway was evident in his 17.5 yards per catch average as a Buckeye, which is a dramatic total.

33. Pepper Johnson, LB 1982-1985

Though many schools have so-called linebacker factories, few have produced such talents as Ohio State, and Johnson may have been one of the most underrated.

Johnson lettered in all four years as a Buckeye under Earle Bruce and was the team's leading tackler in his final two seasons.

Finishing his four-year career with 379 tackles, Johnson earned All-American status in 1985.

Johnson remains as one of the more underrated Buckeye linebackers, but like most, had a very solid pro career after graduation.

32. Cameron Heyward, DT 2007-present

*Spoiler Alert* This is the only current Buckeye on the list.

Though it is unconventional to put a current player on the list of all-time greats, Heyward has earned his place among some of the best in OSU lore.

The son of Craig "Ironman" Heyward, Cameron has been a dominant force as a DT or 3-4 DE with great versatility.

Heyward is already being considered a top draft pick in 2011, especially if he has a year similar to what Ndamukong Suh had in Nebraska.

But his physical play has made him the anchor of very stout defensive lines for the past three seasons, and what is expected to be outstanding in No. 97's final year.

31. Mike Doss, SS 1999-2002

Another important cog in the infamous 2002 Silver Bullets defense, Doss was probably one of the most talented safeties ever to don the scarlet and gray.

A three-time All-American, Doss became very feared and was one of the most balanced safeties as far as run stopping and ballhawking was concerned.

Doss started 40 games in his career, and had 331 tackles with eight interceptions and six sacks from his safety position.

His final game featured a critical interception of Miami QB Ken Dorsey which helped to frustrate the Hurricanes in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl.

30. Will Smith, DE 2000-2003

Probably the most talented lineman of that 2002 national championship squad was big Will Smith.

In that championship season, Smith had 5.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss, and an interception, proving to be a disruptive force.

He was named an All-American in 2003, recording a spectacular 10.5 sacks, which merited his first round status in the 2004 NFL Draft.

Smith's 49 sacks in six seasons with New Orleans is a testament to the type of player he became while a Buckeye.

29. Mike Vrabel, DE 1993-1996

Before Mike Vrabel became a star linebacker and goal line receiver with the New England Patriots, he was a stud DE in Columbus.

Vrabel set school records from his DE position in sacks with 36 and tackles for a loss with a staggering 66.

He was named first-team All-Big Ten for his last two seasons and a first-team All-American his senior year.

Being both an athletic and academic star, Mike Vrabel remains a model of what Ohio State defenders should strive to be.

28. Dan Wilkinson, DT 1992-1993

"Big Daddy" Wilkinson showed in two seasons in Columbus why, although he busted in the NFL, he was drafted first overall in 1994.

In two seasons, Wilkinson recorded 90 tackles as the anchor of the defensive line, and 23.5 tackles for a loss.

Those years earned him All-Big Ten status in both years and was an All-American in 1993.

Though his career at Ohio State was short, Big Daddy was as talented and disruptive as they came up front.

27. Shawn Springs, DB 1994-1996

The 1990s featured a tremendous crop of talented DBs that went on to have amazing pro success. And Shawn Springs was yet another in a long line of stud DBs.

Springs started 37 games after being redshirted his freshman year, and the Virginia native never looked back.

His final year in Columbus saw him earn Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors in 1996, and he was drafted third overall in the following NFL Draft.

Springs still enjoys a long NFL career heading into his 15th season, and is still a shining example of the type of DBs Ohio State has produced in the past 20 years.

26. Antoine Winfield, DB 1995-1998

As good as Springs and Plummer were, Antoine Winfield as a DB was in a class by himself despite his small stature.

At 5'9'', Winfield made his mark by being extremely physical and the type of corner that took half of the field away.

Winfield had a reputation as a heavy hitter from the corner spot, a reputation that earned him two All-American honors in 1997 and 1998.

He also became the first Buckeye to win the Jim Thorpe Award in 1998, and is still creating havoc in the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings.

25. John Hicks, OT 1970, 1972-1973

Hicks was truly one of the top linemen in the Woody Hayes "three yards and a cloud of dust" era of football which required road graders up front.

The big tackle, despite missing 1971 due to a knee injury, came back with two All-American seasons in '72 and '73 and even finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1973.

Hicks also became the first player to start in three Rose Bowls, including the 1974 contest where Ohio State rushed for over 300 yards behind the big offensive tackle.

All of those factors combined to make Hicks the top lineman that Hayes felt he ever coached in over 25 years at Ohio State.

24. Ted Ginn, Jr., WR 2004-2006

There may never have been a more electrifying returner in the Jim Tressel era than possibly one of the fastest players ever to put on the Buckeye uniform.

Ginn made an immediate impact his freshman season in 2004, returning four punts for touchdowns, which earned him one of three first-team All-American awards as a returner or all-purpose player.

He finished his career with 26 total touchdowns and over 4,000 total yards as a returner, rusher, and receiver.

Unfortunately for Buckeye fans, they were saddened to see the end of the Ginn era happen after taking the opening kickoff against Florida for a touchdown and getting injured in the ensuing celebration in the 2007 BCS National Championship Game.

He never returned another kick for the Buckeyes.

23. Art Schlichter, QB 1978-1981

Schlichter was the last QB to ever play under Woody Hayes, and was a four-year starter as a Buckeye.

He still holds the record for most career passing yards with 7,547 and the OSU single game passing record with 458 in 1981 against Florida State.

The Big Ten MVP in 1981 and a constant in Heisman balloting during his final three seasons, Schlichter was drafted fourth in 1982 by the Baltimore Colts.

But ultimately, his gambling addictions cost him his pro career as he spent 10 years in multiple prisons.

Art Schlichter despite his problems remains among the best QBs the Buckeyes have ever had.

22. Jack Tatum, DB 1968-1970

One of the most ferocious defenders in football history, Jack "The Assassin" made a name for himself with his hitting.

One of the famous Super Sophs, Tatum was All-Big Ten throughout his three seasons, and a unanimous All-American in 1969 and 1970.

Tatum was probably among the most intimidating players of OSU's 1968 championship squad because he could knock out almost any offensive skill player, from receivers to backs.

As a tribute to Tatum's ferocity, Jim Tressel created an award, the Jack Tatum Hit of the Week Award, which is awarded to the Buckeye with the best defensive hit every week since 2001.

21. Chris "Beanie" Wells, RB 2006-2009

Wells did not take long to showcase his freakish combination of size and speed when he stepped foot on campus in 2006, such as his 52-yard TD run against Michigan in the epic 2006 clash.

In his three years, Beanie scored 30 touchdowns and was an All-American in 2007, where he rushed for over 1,600 yards.

Unfortunately, injuries in 2008 kept Wells from the Heisman Trophy, though he did have productive numbers.

What made him special was his famous stiff arm, which he displayed quite frequently and his incredible size and speed combination.

20. Paul Warfield, HB/WR 1961-1963

One of the most talented runners in Buckeye history, Paul Warfield showcased the explosive ability that earned him a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

In his three years in Columbus, Warfield was All-Big Ten twice and starred on the Buckeyes track team as a sprinter.

Warfield was the quintessential speedster of his era, and became a terror at the pro level.

The star runner was named to the All-Century Team and is one of five Buckeyes in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

19. Tom Cousineau, LB 1975-1978

Tom Cousineau was one of the many reasons why the number 36 is so fabled among Ohio State defensive players.

Cousineau dominated in the 1970s from the LB position, as a two-time All-American and set the Buckeyes record for tackles in a season with an astounding 211 in 1978.

The star backer recorded a school-best 29 tackles in the 1977 Orange Bowl, receiving the MVP award.

He currently ranks second in school history with 569 tackles.

18. Cris Carter, WR 1984-1986

If Ohio State ever had a gold standard at wide receiver, Cris Carter would be the mold.

Carter had 168 receptions in his Buckeye career and was the first ever OSU wide receiver to be an All-American in his junior season.

His claim to Buckeye fame was his unbelievable body control and his route running, which made him a star in the NFL.

Carter currently coaches at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Florida, and his son Duron is a current Buckeye wide receiver.

Despite his academic issues, many expect Carter's son to play just like his father.

But if it was not for the success Carter had in Columbus, it would be hard to tell whether or not the Buckeyes would have been able to have produced as much receiver talent as they have in the past 20 years.

17. Jim Otis, FB 1967-1969

Yet another piece of the talented 1968 championship team, Jim Otis was the epitome of the prototypical Woody Hayes offense.

Otis led the team in rushing during all three seasons at Ohio State, and was named an All-American in his final year of 1969.

In 1968, Otis scored 16 touchdowns, including four in a 50-14 blowout win over Michigan.

Otis still ranks second all-time in rushing yards per game, behind Archie Griffin, with 94.1 yards per game.

The big fullback was definitely a driving force to three outstanding seasons at Ohio State and becoming one of the best along the way.

16. Randy Gradishar, LB 1971-1973

As far as linebackers go, few may ever be better in Buckeye country than Randy Gradishar.

In three seasons, Gradishar recorded 320 tackles, including 132 in his senior season, showing his full set of skills.

He was voted an All-American twice and finished sixth in Heisman Trophy voting in 1973, being one of three Buckeyes to finish in the top ten in balloting.

Woody Hayes called Gradishar "The best linebacker I ever coached." Truly this is high praise for one of the best to put on the scarlet and gray.

15. Rex Kern, QB 1968-1970

Rex Kern was the leader of the Super Sophs, a group that won two national championships.

Kern was part of a freshman class in 1967 that featured 11 high school All-Americans that went 27-2 in three full seasons.

The QB ran for over 500 yards in all three seasons as a starter, and was a top five Heisman candidate twice.

In 1969, Kern was voted an All-American after guiding an offense that averaged a staggering 46 points per game, but suffered their first ever loss, a 24-12 defeat to Bo Schembechler's Wolverines.

There were not too many better and tougher signalmen than Rex Kern at Ohio State.

14. Jim Stillwagon, DL 1968-1970

Stillwagon was known as the anchor of the stout Super Sophs defense as Kern led the offense.

His career was something to admire, as he led a very talented defense that featured Jack Tatum among others to a 27-2 record over three seasons.

In addition, Stillwagon was a two-time All-American, the Outland Trophy winner in 1970, and was the first player to receive the Lombardi Award.

Stillwagon was clearly one of the best Ohio State had pass through its doors, and his impact is still great today.

13. A.J. Hawk, LB 2002-2005

On the way to the 2006 Fiesta Bowl, Ohio State discovered a gem in an unheralded recruit from Centerville, Ohio named A.J. Hawk.

And by the time his career ended, Hawk had cemented his place as one of the best OSU had seen pass through their doors.

Hawk led the Buckeyes in tackles three times and was Big Ten Defensive MVP twice, in 2004 and 2005.

In addition, Hawk was the Lombardi Award winner in his senior year of 2005.

Hawk's career numbers include 394 tackles, 15 sacks, and seven interceptions.

12. Keith Byars, RB 1982-1985

Throughout his career in Columbus, Keith Byars was a tough man to bring down as he ran his way to becoming one of the best Buckeye backs.

But the year he may have been best known for was 1984, where he was runner up to Doug Flutie in Heisman Trophy balloting.

Byars rushed for 1,764 yards and 22 touchdowns, five of which came in a comeback win against Illinois.

He was named Big Ten MVP and a unanimous All-American, but injuries kept him from having a spectacular 1985 season.

In total, Byars rushed for around 3,200 yards and 50 touchdowns, which is still second best in Buckeye history.

11. Andy Katzenmoyer, LB 1996-1998

Andy Katzenmoyer was as much of an imposing physical specimen as Ohio State has ever had at linebacker.

Katzenmoyer started all 37 of his games in three years at OSU and was a two-time All-American, including becoming the first OSU inside linebacker to win the Butkus Award.

In his career, Katzenmoyer recorded 197 tackles and 18 sacks, with 50 tackles for a loss.

He only played three full seasons, but Katzenmoyer was as good as they come and feared throughout the Big Ten in the John Cooper years.

10. Howard Cassady, RB 1952-1955

When Woody Hayes first arrived in Columbus, he found he had a horse in Hopalong Cassady that he rode to his first national championship.

Cassady was chastized once in practice for being too fast to execute certain plays, but he was also too fast for most opponents to stop.

And his speed helped him earn two All-American awards and a slew of awards in 1955, including the Maxwell Award, AP Player of the Year, and the Heisman Trophy.

Cassady finished his career with 4,403 all purpose yards, a record that stood for almost 20 years, and 37 touchdowns.

His play on the field was what helped Hayes to win his first national championship.

9. Troy Smith, QB 2002-2006

If it wasn't for the collapse in Glendale, who knows how high Troy Smith would have been on this list?

Smith came to Columbus as an unpolished product, but turned out to be probably the most prolific passing QB to step into the Horseshoe.

Troy finished his Buckeye career with almost 8,000 total yards rushing and passing with an astonishing 68 touchdowns, including 31 in 2006.

He raked in the awards during that 2006 season, including the Heisman and the Davey O'Brien Award, the only OSU QB to win those awards.

But what keeps from being a top-five player was the poor performance in the 2007 BCS National Championship Game, where he had more sacks than completions.

Still, his reputation as one of the best dual-threats in the game remains intact.

8. Orlando Pace, OT 1994-1996

There was no more imposing presence up front from a blocking standpoint in the 1990s than Orlando Pace.

His dominance was so great at times that it merited his own stat: the pancake block, which is when an offensive lineman knocks a defender on his back. And Pace made this a regular event in Columbus.

The second true freshman to start on opening day of his freshman year in Buckeye history, Pace made an immediate impact.

By the time his career ended in Columbus, Pace brought in as many accolades as any lineman could have received.

Pace was a two-time Lombardi Award winner, and the Outland Trophy winner in 1996, in addition to finishing fourth in Heisman voting in 1996.

It was this success that made him the top pick of St. Louis in the 1997 NFL Draft, and had a spectacular pro career.

Pace was truly one of the best ever at Ohio State.

7. Les Horvath, RB 1940-1942, 1944

Les Horvath enjoyed a strong Buckeye career playing two-way football during a period of war.

The program's first Heisman Trophy winner, Horvath also led the team to its first national championship in 1942.

He came back from the war in 1944 and put up 1,248 all purpose yards after a year off of football.

Though his stats may not have been the best ever, Horvath was simply a winner who began the tradition of championships in Columbus.

This makes it no surprise that his number was retired and that his banner has its place in Ohio Stadium.

6. Bill Willis, DL 1942-1944

One of the first to break the racial barrier, Bill Willis was also one of the best that ever set foot on Buckeye gridiron.

Under the coach that made him a professional hall of famer in Paul Brown, Willis was a track star before he made the jump into football.

His quickness made him a force on the defensive front, and he was a crucial part of that 1942 championship squad.

Willis was ineligible for military service due to a medical condition, but came back to be all-Big Ten in 1943 and an All-American in 1944.

His number was retired in 2007, and his impact is not only felt in his performance, but in society itself.

5. Chic Harley, RB 1916-1917, 1919

Of all the superstars to step through Ohio State football, few might have done so if it was not for Chic Harley.

Harley was able to lead Ohio State to its first ever victory over rival Michigan, as a two-way star and a talented placekicker as well.

Chic scored 23 touchdowns and eight field goals in 24 career games, and only lost one career game.

He would become the first of many All-Americans and still holds the record for most interceptions in a game with four in that historic win against Michigan.

If it wasn't for Harley, Ohio State football might not be what it is now.

4. Vic Janowicz, RB/K 1949-1951

If one phrase could describe Vic Janowicz, it would be one of the ultimate athletes of his time.

Janowicz could play both ways, run and pass effectively, and be a very good placekicker as well.

He displayed all of these feats in an 83-21 win against Iowa in which he ran for two touchdowns, threw for four more, and kicked 10 extra points, which is a Big Ten record.

These skills are what helped him to win the Heisman Trophy in 1950 despite the fact that his team was only 6-3.

Few ever played with the deep wealth of talent that Janowicz displayed in so many positions, which was why his number 31 was retired.

3. Eddie George, RB 1992-1995

When it comes to size and speed, no one used to his advantage as well as Eddie George did in Columbus.

George owns many of the rushing records, including most yards rushing in a season with 1,927, the most yards in a single game with 314 yards against Illinois, and 12 100-yard games in a single season.

His 1995 season was truly remarkable, with 24 touchdowns, second only to Pete Johnson for most in a season, and setting the single season rushing record, which won him immense accolades.

His performances won him multiple awards, including the Maxwell Award, the Doak Walker Award, and the Heisman Trophy, just barely edging out Nebraska's Tommie Frazier.

The Philadelphia native ranks second all-time in rushing wards with 3,768, and third in rushing touchdowns with 44.

They just don't make backs like George too often, and his number 27 was retired in 2001.

2. Chris Spielman, LB 1984-1987

With all of the great defensive players to come from Ohio State, none might ever have the heart and talent that Chris Spielman brought with him.

Like Tom Cousineau, Spielman wore the #36 like a badge of honor from his linebacker spot.

Spielman was a three-time All-Big Ten and two-time All-American winner, and won the Lombardi Award in 1987.

He holds many OSU records including most solo tackles 283 and third in total tackles with 546.

Aside from those numbers, Spielman remains a larger-than-life figure in the city of Columbus.

After a very good pro career, Spielman returned to Columbus where he hosts a daily radio show.

But his biggest fight is the one he has against breast cancer, which cost him his wife Stefanie in 2009.

To this day, Chris Spielman is very involved in the fight to beat breast cancer and he puts as much heart into it as he did on the field, a true warrior in every sense of the word.

1. Archie Griffin, RB 1972-1975

Two Heisman Trophies. That's all you need to say about Archie Griffin.

By the time his career in Columbus was finished in 1975, Griffin shattered records in rushing yards (5,589) and 100-yard rushing games (32).

Griffin and former USC linebacker Brian Cushing are the only two players to ever start in four Rose Bowl Games.

Archie scored 26 touchdowns and eclipsed the 1,400 yard rushing mark in each of his last three seasons.

In addition to the two Heismans, Griffin won the Big Ten MVP in 1973 and 1974, the Maxwell Award in 1975, and was the first player to have his number retired in any sport by Ohio State.

Like Spielman, Griffin remains an active member of the community.

And although his mark of being the only college player to win two Heismans was threatened twice in the past two seasons by Florida's Tim Tebow, he has his place that cannot be touched in Buckeye lore.

The Future?

The process of finding the top 50 players in Ohio State history was almost an impossible task in itself.

And in ten or twenty years, that could become even harder with the types of players that Ohio State brings in year after year.

Plus if 2010 goes according to plan, this list may have to find a place for Terrelle Pryor.

As was mentioned earlier, Cameron Heyward was the only active player to be a part of the list.

Pryor may one day find his place along with many other different players, but he will have to earn his place like all the others.

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