The 50 Most Beloved College Football Players of All Time

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Whether players are adored by fans and a program's brass for their production on the field, how they represent the program, winning a championship or a miraculous play, being downright beloved is an allure for every player in college football.

Hero status. A cult-like following. Being obsessed over. A celebrity or larger than life personality. The following 50 players have that status at their respective programs. These guys can run for president and their program's fans and brass would vote for them without hesitation.

We all want to be loved. These players get love and then some wherever they go.

50. Kellen Moore

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To many, Moore has pretty much put BSU football on the map. He's the face of the program and I'm more than comfortable saying he's the best Bronco of all time.

He's not very big, at just 6'0", and around 190 pounds. He doesn't have a cannon for an arm and he doesn't run a blazing 40 time.

But Moore wins, a lot. He's super competitive, accurate and extremely intelligent.

49. Peter Warrick

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From 1997-1999, one can make an argument Warrick was the best player in the country. He was a flat-out star and probably deserved a Heisman.

A two-time All-American, Warrick stood out on some Florida State teams that were basically NFL squads in caliber of talent. 

While he has had some character questions, he is still a beloved figure in Tallahassee and a living legend.

48. Steve Spurrier

Spurrier was actually a great player before he was a great coach. He had over 4,900 yards passing, 37 TDs and won the Heisman in 1966.

He was a two-time All-American from 1965-1966, and is a CFB Hall of Fame member. Spurrier also once booted the winning FG to beat Auburn in 1966.

Legend as a player. Legend as a coach. Beloved in Gainesville, period.

47. Marcus Allen

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USC fans, listen. I could put any of the great tailbacks on this list, from Reggie Bush to Charles White to O.J. Simpson. So don't think I forgot anybody.

Allen was the first runner in NCAA history to top 2K yards as in 1981 he ran for 2342 yards. He has a Heisman, Maxwell and Camp award to his name plus NFL accolades.

John Robinson called Allen the greatest player he has ever seen.

46. Desmond Howard

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Howard was a super athlete with elite speed and quickness. He was extremely sudden and one of the greatest playmakers on CFB history.

He won the Heisman in 1991 and the UPI POY award. He's a beloved figure around the program at Michigan and is one of Big Blue's greatest players in the program's rich history.

45. Cam Newton

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A one-year player at Auburn, Newton had a heck of year. He went from an outcast JC QB trying for a second a chance to a national celebrity, a Heisman winner and No. 1 overall NFL pick.

At 6'6" and nearly 250 pounds, Newton looked like a DE playing QB on the hoof but moved around like a WR.

His outgoing personality and uber-competitiveness helped lead Auburn to the 2010 BCS title. Even though he was there just a year, Newton will be forever adored by Auburn brass.

44. Glenn Davis

Mr. Outside was a serious baller. You average 11.5 yards per carry in any era, you're a baller. Oh, he also had 59 touchdowns in his career so he wasn't just running around, he was getting into the end zone.

He was a three-time All-American and formed perhaps the greatest RB tandem in the history of football with Doc "Mr. Inside" Blanchard.

If you call yourself a CFB history buff, then you know Davis deserves to be on this list.

43. Doc Blanchard

Blanchard played three years of Army football and never technically lost any of the 28 games he played in. He won 27 games and tied one vs. Notre Dame.

Ed McKeeber called Blanchard "Superman" and Mr. Inside won the Heisman, Maxwell and Sullivan in 1945. 

Army football has not enjoyed the same level success as it did in the early and middle parts of last century, but Blanchard is one of the pillar players of the program and CFB.

42. Colt McCoy

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Whether it was his boyish looks, his Texas twang accent or the simple fact he won a boatload of football games, McCoy was a celebrity in Austin and will always be.

They say you never want to replace a legend, but McCoy did it in replacing Vince Young. Now the Browns are hoping he can continue the magic in Cleveland.

Texas will always view him as a magical player in Longhorn folklore.

41. Ndamukong Suh

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Suh was so good at DT for Nebraska that he nearly won the Heisman in 2009. A 6'4", 310-pound monster, Suh was a rare talent at DT.

He won the Nagurski, Lombardi, Bednarik and Outland Trophy in 2009 and wreaked havoc in the Big 12 like nobody's business.

Oh, he's also beloved because before he even got his first NFL paycheck he announced he would be donating $2.6 million to Nebraska. Talk about giving back.

40. Lee Roy Selmon

Barry Switzer called Selmon the best player he ever coached, and the DT led OU to back-to-back titles in 1974 and 1975. 

He had 335 career tackles and 40 sacks as a Sooner and anchored the defensive line from the interior with ease. 

Selmon's a legend and one of the greatest CFB players of all time.

39. Donovan McNabb

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McNabb gets a lot of praise from me for his days at Syracuse due to the smarts and cerebral prowess he clearly had in order to operate the Orange offense.

They basically ran a scheme that combined an option offense for their running game and the West Coast offense for their passing game. Think about the mental acumen that one would need to pull that off.

Then think about the mental acumen and talent one would need to pull that off at the level McNabb did. 

He may not be wanted in D.C. or Philly anymore, but McNabb will always be wanted in upstate New York.

38. Ken Dorsey

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Dorsey was the key cog in those great Miami teams in the early 2000s. He distributed the ball well, was an awesome leader and knew how to win.

He knew he wasn't the most talented player on the team, but he knew he was the most important. He had to manage the offense and did an excellent job of getting the football to the Hurricane play makers to let them do their thing.

He's been a journeyman in the NFL and was with the Browns when I interned in their personnel department in 2007, but he's one of the pillar players of Miami (Fla.) football.

37. Calvin Johnson

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Johnson is viewed as the most complete and best pure WR prospect to come into the NFL in grand memory. He's a 6'5", 235-pound freak with 4.3 speed, Olympic-level athleticism and natural receiving skills.

But what also makes him so beloved around Atlanta is the fact that he's such a humble and well-rounded person.

He's a professional now, and even though his nickname is "Megatron," off the field, Johnson acts far differently from the robot villain.

36. Drew Brees

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Brees and his Purdue recruiting class were labeled the worst in the conference going into their freshman years. Legend has it that Brees and his class decided to do something about it.

Like going to the Rose Bowl in 2001.

Brees was a phenomenal player for Purdue and is one of the best QBs in the NFL today. He was a two-time Heisman finalist, and won Big Ten MVP and Maxwell honors in 2000.

35. Joe Namath

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Namath and Bear Bryant were rumored to not like one another much, but the truth is they actually admired each other quite a lot.

Bryant called Namath the best athlete he'd coached and Namath called Bryant "the smartest coach I ever knew".

Namath has been called overrated by detractors, but this list isn't geared towards stats for the most part.

It's about being beloved, and who is more beloved as a Crimson Tide player than Broadway Joe? 

34. Matt Leinart

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The story of Leinart is quite a special one. He was not a prime candidate to replace Carson Palmer in 2003, as Brandon Hance and Matt Cassel were the front-runners.

Then when Leinart beat them out, many claimed he would be beaten out by John David Booty.

Well, all Leinart did was win a Heisman, win over 30 consecutive games and (at the time) two AP titles. He's among the greatest players ever to play at USC and his No. 11 is retired. 

33. Charles Woodson

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Woodson basically was the first defensive player to win the Heisman, even though he did make quite a few plays as a wide receiver and return specialist.

A big corner with amazing athleticism, feet, quickness and speed, he captured the imagination of the general public in 1997.

Woodson today is still one of the very best defensive players in the NFL and will surely be a HOF member in pro football and college football.

32. Johnny Rodgers

You win "Player of the Century" for Nebraska, that must mean that they love you. 

Rodgers was a dominant offensive weapon for Big Red in the early '70s, as his speed, instincts, quick feet, balance, explosiveness and agility were top-notch.

He won the Heisman and Camp awards in 1972 and "The Jet" will be forever enriched in CFB and Cornhusker history for his 72-yard punt return score vs. Oklahoma in '71 and his '73 Orange Bowl performance vs. Notre Dame.

31. Ronnie Lott

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You can get in a debate with someone and they can say "Ronnie Lott" is the best defensive player to ever play football, and really, you know they would have a staunch argument.

Lott was that good. He could play both free safety and strong safety, plus even some corner for the back end as well.

But who am I kidding, Lott's best attribute was his bone-crushing hits. He flat-out laid the wood, and his toughness was legendary.

You don't think so? Ok, fine, look up the pinky story. Enough said.

30. George Gipp

The Gipper may be the most famous college football player of all time, as he is still beloved by Irish eyes to this very day.

He was a sheer baller as a half back who also could toss the rock around and played some shut down corner for the Golden Domers.

He died in 1920 during the season, as some say he got pneumonia from being forced to sleep outside due to a door being locked in his dorm, while others say it was from giving punting lessons in the cold.

He's the subject of perhaps the most famous pre-game speech ever delivered in sports history.

29. Billy Sims

Sims is one the reasons why I don't count injuries as to why a player should be considered a bust. Because they can't control getting hurt.

In his freshman and sophomore years, Sims was often injured and the bust label started being whispered about.

Yeah, that proved to be pretty premature because Sims got healthy in junior year and busted a 1,700 yard season and a Heisman trophy. Then as a senior he was even better with producing an 1,800 yard season.

Now, he's not a bust but a legend in Norman.

28. Ernie Davis

A 6'2", 215-pound RB when an elite skill set for the position, Davis became the first African-American to win the Heisman, capturing CFB immortality in 1961.

He was inducted into the CFB HOF in 1979 and had a movie made about his career and times at Syracuse called "The Express."

He's beloved by 'Cuse brass due to the mental toughness, grit, competitiveness and will he displayed during the trying times of his career due to his race.

27. Bo Jackson

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Jackson was another player who was just blessed athletically to do anything he wanted. He was a dynamic RB at Auburn who beat you in different ways.

Jackson could run over you or around you, and pretty much over or around your whole team. He was also a great baseball player who saw his career cut short due to a hip injury.

But ask anybody around Auburn, they'll you that Bo Knows.

26. Sam Bradford

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One of the things I admire about Bradford is you could always tell that his dream was to play QB for Oklahoma, not in the NFL. That's why he stayed in school for his junior season.

Bradford was already living his dream, being the face of the Rams now is only icing on the cake.

I could have put Josh Heupel on this list easily as well as a few others, but Bradford is the man for OU.

25. Michael Vick

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From a pure, naturally gifted and just divine blessed athletic standpoint, Vick is one the most athletic players you'll ever see.

He "wowed" people at Virginia Tech and showed a cannon for a left arm and world-class play speed.

Whether he was zipping balls in tight windows or making dazzling runs, everyone knew Vick was special.

Today, whether you dislike him for his prior crime or not, you still marvel at his athleticism while playing QB.

He'll always be a huge figure in Blacksburg.

24. Tony Dorsett

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It seems like 1976 was Dorsett's year. He took home the Heisman, Maxwell, Camp, Harley, SN and UPI POY awards. 

He was a 4-time All-American and went to become an NFL great with the Cowboys as well. Whether you talk CFB or NFL great players, you have to add Dorsett in the conversation.

If not, a Pitt Panther faithful will be quite upset, because he's very beloved.

23. Vince Young

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Young was a beloved player even before he stepped foot on campus in Texas. He was a celebrity as a high school recruit and labeled a phenom.

At 6'5", 230 pounds with a dual-threat skill set as a QB and loose persona, Longhorn fans will always love Young, no matter what.

It also helps that he beat a super USC team by putting Texas on his back to win the national title in 2006.

22. Tom Harmon

Harmon was a great RB for Michigan in the late '30s and early '40s, winning the Heisman in 1940. Many Michigan historians claim he's the best player in school history.

He went out in style, beating Ohio State 40-0, with a dazzling performance.

But here's the thing that's so crazy about Harmon's performance in that game: It was so good, that Ohio State, yes Ohio State, fans gave him, a Michigan player, a standing ovation at the end of the game.

Come on now.

21. Matt Ryan

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Yeah I put Ryan on this list, because he's beloved in Boston. Ask BC fans about the legend of "Matty Ice" and they will light up and talk your ear off about the guy.

I remember speaking to a scout with the Giants when I worked for their scouting department and the scout told me that Ryan was the most complete QB prospect he had scouted in years, as he had no glaring weaknesses.

The crazy thing is, Ryan is still not the most beloved QB in BC history.

20. Herschel Walker

Walker was a sheer beast on the field. He had the strength, speed and quickness to do it all with the football.

His lowest rushing total came in his freshman year at Georgia when he rushed for just 1,616 yards. Yeah, just 1,616 yards.

Because his sophomore and junior years saw him run for 1,891 and 1,752 yards respectively, he's probably the greatest Bulldog of all time.

19. Archie Griffin

Griffin is the only player to win the Heisman twice. He even worked as the assistant Athletic Director and is the President of the Alumni Association.

Yeah, it's safe to say he has some pull and power in Columbus.

He's known to be an extremely classy man who is well-liked by everyone he encounters.

18. Eric Crouch

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Crouch was a phenomenal athlete as a dual-threat QB for Nebraska in the early 2000s. He played with so much athleticism and speed which allowed him to make play after play on the field.

He won the Heisman, Camp and O'Brien award in 2001. Say what you want about how his NFL career never happened and how he's in the UFL, but you and I know Crouch was a baller for Big Red.

And they love him for that.

17. Ron Dayne

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The Great Dayne was a terror in the Big Ten in the late 1990s, as the 5'10", 250-pounder was super productive, strong and a sheer determined runner.

He left school as the NCAA career rushing leader with 6,397 yards. Wowsers.

He's welcome at Camp Randall anytime he pleases, because Dayne is more than likely the greatest player ever to play at Wisconsin.

16. Jim Plunkett

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You beat out Joe Theisman and Archie Manning for anything, that must mean you're good. Plunkett beat both legends out for the Heisman in 1970.

While I could have easily went with John Elway here, I went with homage to side step the easy choice, folks. But also because Plunkett was great. Period.

The first Latino to win the Heisman, he went on to shake the bust label in the NFL to become a great pro QB.

15. LaDainian Tomlinson

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LT was one of my two RB heroes when I played. I would watch tape and study his style to add to my game as a high-school runner.

He shredded defenses every Saturday with ease and right now, I think Butch Davis would like a do-over in picking Gerard Warren at No. 3 over LT in the 2001 NFL Draft.

Whether you argue LT or Sammy Baugh as the best Horned Frog ever, LT is beloved in Fort Worth and will be dual CFB and pro football HOF when he retires.

14. Adrian Peterson

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I remember hearing about Peterson as a high schooler and when you hear rumors of 6'2", 220 pound RB with 4.3 speed, vision, quick feet, power, natural run instincts and explosion, you listen.

Peterson showed all of that for Oklahoma and shows it now for the Vikings. He easily makes this list because he often ran hurt, banged up and still put the Sooners' rushing attack on his back for three years.

He's always welcome and adored in Norman.

13. Charlie Ward

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Watching Ward play for Florida State in early '90s is one of my first memories of watching the great sport that is college football. He dazzled with his dual-threat playmaking ability as a QB and won the Heisman in '93.

He made the CFB HOF in 2006 and if you to go Tallahassee and just say the name "Charlie Ward," some people say time will stop. 

Whether that's true depends on if you're a Seminole fan.

12. Roger Staubach

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Staubach's legend really stems from Wayne Hardin tossing him into the game vs. Minnesota in 1962 to see if Staubach could spark the offense. A year later, he won the Heisman. Go figure.

Staubach is the face of Navy football and will always be. He's also a legend in pro football as he led the Cowboys to two Super Bowls.

Classy player. Beloved player. End of story.

11. Raghib Ismail

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The Rocket was "The Rocket" for a reason: because he was fast. Really fast. But he was also productive as the WR led Notre Dame to a national title in 1988.

He finished second in Heisman voting and won the Cam award in 1990; his allure really stems from his two KO returns vs. Michigan in 1989.

A cool nickname, jets to match, production and a wealth of highlight plays? Yeah, all that will make you beloved, too.

10.Barry Sanders

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What can you say about Sanders that hasn't been said? He purely had magic when he played, as he could score at any time from anywhere. Some of the runs we've seen Sanders make are jaw dropping.

Oh, he was also pretty good with the Lions, too.

I'm sure Sanders can go get a free meal in Stillwater anytime he pleases. Will his son be better than him? That remains to be seen. 

9. Eddie George

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George won the Heisman in 1995 along with the Camp, Maxwell, Walker and Brown trophies. Ohio State loves him and he's always invited back to Buckeye games in the fall.

He speaks regularly about the program and is informed about a lot of the inner workings of the university and team.

George is also a member of the CFB HOF.

8. Joe Montana

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Montana is viewed by many fans as the greatest QB to ever play football; college or pro. He was a sheer winner and knew how to just get the job done.

His best attribute was his poise. Montana could lead his team down the field in crucial situations due to his competitiveness, smarts, accuracy and calmness in the midst of chaos.

"Joe Cool" had an "it" factor and anytime he goes back to South Bend, there are people that look him as a larger-than-life figure.

7. Archie Manning

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Archie is now known as Peyton and Eli's dad, but let's not forget the fact that Mr. Manning was a baller back in his day. Rumor has it he was actually a dual-threat QB that could wow with his arm and legs.

I mean, geez, the speed limit on campus at Ole Miss is 18 MPH because of his jersey number.

If that doesn't mean you're beloved, adored and appreciated, then I don't know what is.

6. Doug Flutie

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Flutie was easy to like because you saw a 5'10", 180 pound QB who played like he was 6'6", 230 pounds.

He won the Heisman in 1984 and is the focal point of one of the greatest plays and moments in CFB history with his Hail Mary TD pass to beat Miami in 1984.

He also started the "Flutie Effect," a theory that a player can help a university's value by his on-field accomplishments and talents.

The dude also has a statue of him at Boston College. Wow.

5. Ricky Williams

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Remember how I said LT was one of two RB heroes I had as a player? The second one was Ricky Williams, and I wasn't even a Texas fan.

But Williams was the man and Longhorn fans will tell you that any way they can.

He left school as the NCAA all-time leader in rushing yards with a Heisman in his hand. He's an enigmatic personality, but he knows he is beloved in Austin.

4. Tommie Frazier

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People wanted Frazier to play DB in college, but Tom Osborne told him they would let him play QB to start off his career. That's all Frazier needed to hear, as he was gold for Nebraska.

He won countless awards including three now-BCS bowl game MVPs and goes down as a huge legend in Lincoln. He was a dual-threat QB who could run the option offense well and also toss the rock with ease.

Frazier will forever be loved by Nebraska faithful.

3. Red Grange

Many consider "The Galloping Ghost" to be the greatest CFB player to ever play the game. He balled out as a halfback for Illinois in the mid-1920s.

They even wrote a poem about Grange. In just 20 games, he rushed for 3,362 yards and 31 total TDs. That's an average of 168 yards per game. Wowsers.

He was as dominant a player as any, in any era and Illinois honors him on the norm.

2. Peyton Manning

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Manning is the man in Knoxville and one of the greatest QBs and players ever to play football. Yes, he is better than his father and I think if he wins one more Super Bowl, then he is firmly in the "greatest QB of all time" discussion.

He gained a lot of respect for staying in school for his senior season as he would have been the top pick in the draft likely to the Jets. But the Colts took him No. 1 in 1998, after a stellar career for Tennessee.

Vol faithful cherish Manning like he's a state treasure, and he's from New Orleans. That's how much he is beloved by Tennessee brass.

1. Tim Tebow

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We always use the term "Rock Star" status when we see a celebrity blowing up. Well, sometimes that term is misused and over-applied, but not for Tebow it isn't.

I honestly don't know what else to say about Tebow. He has a Heisman, a BCS title, SEC titles, records, wins, respect and admiration that rivals a cult-like following.

He's one of the popular people in all of sports, and he is pretty much worshiped like a prophet in Gainesville.

Tebow's the epitome of this list.