College Football: 50 Greatest On-Field Leaders in History

On-the-field leadership can be measured in many ways, and it is extremely important in college football. When looking at a team coming into a season, many look to see the kind of senior leadership the group has coming back to help determine the level of success the team is capable of.

Judging on-field leadership takes into account many factors; some players led through their individual efforts, while others were determined to not let their team lose.

Leadership does not always stop outside the lines, as some coaches have been able to take their words on the sideline and put them into action on the field.

With as many players and coaches as have come through college football, here are 50 of the best to lead their programs.

No. 50: Lou Holtz

Lou Holtz's coaching career begin in 1960 as an assistant coach at Iowa. His head coaching career began in 1969 when he took over at William & Mary.

Holtz spent his best years with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and was able to lead them to a national title.

In 2008, Holtz received his latest honor when he was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame, but he will forever be remembered for his ability to fire up his team and lead it onto the field.

No. 49: Joey Harrington

Joey Harrington was often referred to as Captain Comeback during his time at Oregon, and for good reason. Frequently, Harrington would take over a game in the fourth quarter and lead the Ducks to a victory.

Harrington's ability to win big games and do so in dramatic fashion also allowed him to land on the Heisman ballot in 2001, where he finished fourth.

No. 48: Byron Leftwich

Although playing at a small school like Marshall, not many people left the lasting impression that Byron Leftwich did. While his career numbers and record may not impress many, it was the way that Leftwich would give up his body for his team that did.

Most remember the scene of Leftwich being carried by his linemen up and down the field during a game where he broke his shin. While you can question his numbers, you cannot question his leadership.

No. 47: Dick Butkus

During a time where the Heisman Trophy was largely biased towards offensive players, more so than now, Duck Butkus found a way to finish sixth and third in voting during the 1963 and 1964 seasons, respectively.

Butkus played center and linebacker for Illinois and left such a lasting impact that he has had an award named after him. The award is given out to the nation's top linebacker every year.

No. 46: Andy Katzenmoyer

A player infamous for going 100 percent from sideline to sideline was Andy Katzenmoyer. Katzenmoyer was one of the most talented defenders to play for the Buckeyes and was also a winner of the Butkus Award in 1997.

With high hopes for a NFL career, Katzenmoyer saw things cut short by a neck injury that eventually led to his release.

No. 45: Mike Hart

Mike Hart had a great career for Michigan and spent four years with the Wolverines.

As a freshman, he set the Michigan freshman rushing record with 1,455 yards, and he finished his career with 5,040 yards. Hart could have had even more success if he did not miss time during his sophomore season with an injury.

Hart was an outspoken leader on the Michigan team who often spoke out but then allowed his effort and performance to back up his mouth.

No. 44: Steve Young

Steve Young was an example of how hard work could pay off. After making the choice to attend BYU, Young faced a situation where coaches thought about replacing him as starter.

With his tireless work effort, Young truly broke out as a senior, throwing for 3,902 yards and 33 touchdowns and setting the NCAA single-season record for completion percentage.

No. 43: John Elway

While Stanford struggled to find success, it was not due to a lack of talent from the quarterback position. When his time at Stanford was over, John Elway left the program with almost every passing record it had.

After his career was over at Stanford, Elway made some questionable choices regarding the draft, but that should not distract from the leadership he showed in college.

No. 42: Barry Alvarez

Barry Alvarez got his start at Notre Dame coaching linebackers and then defense but then moved to Wisconsin in 1990.

Alvarez was responsible for turning around a team that went 1-10 in 1990 to a 10-1-1 team that won the Big Ten in 1993. Later in his career, Alvarez would add two more Big Ten titles to his résumé and back-to-back Rose Bowl victories.

Alvarez would go on to be inducted into the College Hall of Fame.

No. 41: Lawrence Taylor

While with North Carolina and into his career in the NFL, Lawrence Taylor was an example of a player that gave it his all every play.

Taylor played linebacker for North Carolina and led that defense with his tireless work ethic. That work ethic would lay the groundwork for him becoming a NFL Hall of Fame player.

No. 40: Eddie George

Eddie George had a great career at Ohio State but had to earn his way up the ranks while being with the Buckeyes. Early on-field setbacks limited his playing time as a freshman and sophomore.

In George's junior and senior year, he stepped up and grabbed a leadership role by leading through example. During his senior season, George broke the school record for rushing yards in a season with 1,927 and finished off his career by winning the Heisman Trophy.

No. 39: Ronnie Lott

Ronnie Lott entered USC with the ability to play either running back or safety. With fellow freshman Marcus Allen coming to the Trojans, Lott accepted and thrived in the coaches' choice to play him on defense.

Lott was part of a Trojan program that won a national championship and also played in two Rose Bowls. He finished his career at USC as one of the team's captains.

No. 38: Sammy Baugh

Sammy Baugh did something that players rarely do today: He passed up on big money to finish out his college career.

Baugh was a multiple-sport athlete that excelled at football, baseball and basketball but made the biggest impact at TCU playing football. He is also a member of both the College Football and NFL Halls of Fame.

No. 37: Doug Flutie

While Doug Flutie grabbed the attention of the nation with his Hail Mary toss against Miami, Flutie had the attention and respect of his teammates long before.

As a leader on his team, Flutie would win the Heisman Trophy, Walter Camp Award, Maxwell Award and Davey O'Brien Award.

Flutie's leadership skills would take him through college and into the USFL, CFL and NFL.

No. 36: Adrian Peterson

In Adrian Peterson's freshman season, he broke the rushing record for a freshman by running for 1,925 yards. He also found himself in the running for the Heisman Trophy but ended up finishing second. He finished his career with 4,045 rushing yards and 41 touchdowns.

Peterson was the model of consistency and could be relied on to turn a game with a single run or play out of the backfield. Oklahoma enjoyed a good amount of success during his time and rode his legs to victory after victory.

No. 35: Frank Beamer

Beamerball has been alive and well for years at Virginia Tech. Since 1987, Frank Beamer has been the undeniable leader of the Virginia Tech program.

Since taking over, Beamer has elevated the program to a national contender over the years. He has won seven conference titles and led the Hokies to a national title game appearance.

Beamer has secured more than 240 victories in his career and appears to have plenty more left in him.

No. 34: Eric Dickerson

One half of the Pony Express at SMU was Eric Dickerson. Regardless of what happened off the field, on the field there were very few players at his level.

For most of his career, Dickerson shared carries in the SMU backfield yet still found a way to finish third in the Heisman voting in his senior year.

No. 33: Archie Manning

When you have the endorsement of Bear Bryant saying you were one of the best quarterbacks he had ever seen, you know that Archie Manning stood out.

Manning spent his college years at Ole Miss and was able to do more with less than a lot of other quarterbacks. He started for three years, and in 1989 he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

No. 32: Dan Marino

Dan Marino immediately gained the respect of his team by starting as a freshman and then leading the Panthers to a victory over West Virginia in his first Backyard Brawl. That wouldn't be his only big victory in college, as Marino would lead Pittsburgh to many dramatic victories.

During his junior season, Marino threw 37 touchdowns and had his best statistical campaign.

No. 31: Peyton Manning

Peyton Manning's ability to be a field general started during his days at Tennessee. While he was not projected to start as a freshman, injuries provided him with the opportunity to be the Vols starter, and he would not relinquish that position until leaving school.

The only knock against Manning and the reason he does not appear higher on this list is he failed to lead the Vols to victories in their bigger games. He lost three straight years to Florida and then lost as a senior to Nebraska.

No. 30: Les Miles

Les Miles is one of the most unpredictable coaches in the nation, but his players are consistently behind him no matter what.

In his six seasons with the Tigers, Miles has led them to four 10-win seasons, an SEC title and a national championship in 2007.

With the 2011 season right around the corner, Miles is ready to help LSU challenge for another BCS title.

No. 29: Earl Campbell

Earl Campbell did not need time to get up to speed as a collegiate athlete. While at Texas, Campbell was named the conference's running back of the year each season he played.

In his final year, Campbell led the nation in rushing with 1,744 yards and was named the Heisman Trophy winner.

No. 28: Woody Hayes

While Woody Hayes was an outstanding coach, his leadership on the field went one play too far. During the 1978 Gator Bowl against Clemson, Hayes struck a player and saw his time at Ohio State end.

During his time with the Buckeyes, Hayes won three national championships and 13 Big Ten championships.

No. 27: Eric Crouch

Eric Crouch spent the early part of his career trying to earn playing time on a crowded depth chart. Crouch had contemplated leaving Nebraska after his sophomore season but decided to stick it out.

His choice ended up being a good one, as he had a great junior season and an outstanding senior year where he won the Heisman Trophy, Walter Camp Award and Davey O'Brien Award.

Crouch finished his career at Nebraska with a 35-7 record.

No. 26: Steve Spurrier

When looking at a leader, you think about people who can get the best out of others. During Steve Spurrier's three seasons with Duke, he went 20-13-1, an impressive feat.

Spurrier also spent time at Florida and South Carolina. While with the Gators, Spurrier won one national title and led them to six conference titles.

He has picked up 186 wins in his career and is on his way to 200.

No. 25: Bo Schembechler

Some could argue that the spirit of Bo Schembechler still leads the Michigan program through his memory.

Bo was a Wolverine icon, earning 234 total wins and 13 Big Ten titles during his time as the head coach of Michigan.

Late in his life, Bo was prepared to see Michigan and Ohio State take each other on at the end of the 2006 season with national title implications for both teams, but he passed away the day before kickoff.

No. 24: Tony Dorsett

From the time that Tony Dorsett stepped foot on campus until the day he left, he led by example on the field. During his four years, Dorsett was named a first-team All-American three times and was a second-team All-American once.

Dorsett led Pittsburgh to an outstanding run in 1976 where it won the national title and Dorsett also picked up the Heisman Trophy.

No. 23: O.J. Simpson

O.J. Simpson spent his time in Southern California playing for the USC Trojans. Simpson was a dynamic runner that let his play do the talking during his college career.

During his time at USC, Simpson won the Heisman Trophy, Walter Camp Award and Maxwell Award.

No. 22: Doak Walker

Doak Walker left such a lasting impression on college football that the award given to the best running back in the nation is named in his honor, the Doak Walker Award.

Walker spent his time at SMU, where he became a natural leader, playing offense, defense and special teams. While with SMU, Walker won the 1948 Heisman Trophy.

No. 21: Ernie Davis

During a time and place where being an African-American athlete was as difficult as it has ever been, Ernie Davis stepped forward as a leader and also as the first African-American athlete to win the Heisman Trophy.

His story was so well known that the movie The Express was made to help chronicle the life of Davis.

No. 20: Marcus Allen

Marcus Allen spent his time at USC and was one of the many great backs to come through USC. Allen was the first college back to break the 2,000-yard mark and has had his number retired by USC.

No. 19: Roger Staubach

Roger Staubach was the leader of Navy and also won the 1963 Heisman Trophy. During that season, Staubach led the nation in passing accuracy.

Staubach ended up leading Navy to a victory over Notre Dame in 1963, something that was not repeated until 2007.

Once his career was over, Roger Staubach was a member of both the College Football Hall of Fame and NFL Hall of Fame.

No. 18: Chris Weinke

Chris Weinke came to Florida State with age and maturity on his side. These advantages gave him the ability to be a leader to players that were younger than him.

Weinke was able to lead the Seminoles to a national championship while also winning the Heisman Trophy, Johnny Unitas Award and Davey O'Brien Award.

No. 17: Ken Dorsey

While Ken Dorsey did have a lot of talent around him, he was able to lead that offense and team to a record of 38-2 as starting quarterback and guide them to a national title in 2001.

Dorsey would also be a finalist for the Heisman twice in his career and got Miami back to the 2002 national title game but fell short to Ohio State.

No. 16: Matt Leinart

Matt Leinart was put into a different league at USC now that his number has been retired. Regardless of what has happened off the field to the USC program, Leinart was still at the heart of the successes they had on it.

As a leader, Leinart was able to lead the Trojans to three national championship game appearances, winning two and losing a tight game to Texas.

No. 15: Tommie Frazier

Tommie Frazier was the leader of one of the most potent offenses in college football history. Frazier was at the focal point of that offense and was the first quarterback to lead his team to back-to-back national titles in 1994 and 1995.

No. 14: Nick Saban

One of the best active coaches and recruiters is Nick Saban. Saban does a great job leading his program both on and off the field.

Most recently, Saban has spent time with both LSU and Alabama, has led them to the mountain top and would not have been able to do so without a team and program that believed in him.

So far Saban is 134-53-1, and that win total will continue to grow in 2011.

No. 13: Knute Rockne

Knute Rockne is one of the best coaches in history and led Notre Dame to a great deal of success. During his tenure, Rockne put together a record of 105-12-5.

Not only did Rockne rack up the wins as head coach for Notre Dame, but he also won five national championships for the Fighting Irish.

No. 12: Barry Sanders

Barry Sanders was in a class of his own when it came to leading by example. From the time that Barry stepped on the field through the time that he finished a run in the end zone, he set the example of how to hold yourself to a higher standard.

During 1988, Sanders had a season that was considered by many to be the best year of any college running back in history. He was able to finish that season off by winning the Heisman Trophy.

No. 11: Bobby Bowden

Bobby Bowden took over as Florida State's head coach in 1976 and coached until 2009. As coach of the Seminoles, Bowden became an icon while also becoming one of the top coaches in the history of college football.

Bowden earned 377 victories over his coaching career, two national championships and 12 ACC titles. He is a figure that will always by synonymous with Florida State football.

No. 10: Charles Woodson

Charles Woodson was the leader of one of the best defenses that Michigan has ever seen. During his time with the Wolverines, Woodson played cornerback but also would get in the game at receiver and punt returner.

In 1997, Woodson had the ability to shut down an entire side of the field and force an offense to always go the other direction. His leadership was a large part of a Michigan national championship.

No. 9: Colt McCoy

After redshirting the 2005 season, McCoy took over as the starting quarterback for Texas in 2006 and never let go of the starting job.

McCoy led the Longhorns to 45 wins during his time, which made him the winningest quarterback in college football history.

The downside for McCoy is he reached the national championship in his final game only to get hurt early on and never make it back into the game.

No. 8: Archie Griffin

Archie Griffin is the owner of a distinction that has yet to be matched by any college football player in history. In 1974 and 1975, Griffin led the Buckeyes to back-to-back impressive seasons but more impressively won the Heisman in both years.

No. 7: Joe Paterno

The last time that Penn State had to make a choice for who should lead its football program was 1966, the year Joe Paterno took over.

Paterno has continued to coach at a high level and keep Penn State in contention. He has won 401 games, two national titles and three Big Ten crowns.

No. 6: Herschel Walker

Herschel Walker was simply a winner while playing at Georgia. The impressive part about his time in college is Walker never finished lower than third in the Heisman voting, something accomplished by no other player in NCAA history.

In the same year that he helped lead Georgia to a national title, Walker won the Heisman Trophy and finished off an outstanding year.

No. 5: Vince Young

Another Texas quarterback on the list is Vince Young. When it comes to on-field leaders, Young was amongst the best.

During his time at Texas, the defense knew that in a close game, if it could get the ball back to the offense, Young would lead the team to a victory. This was never more true than when Young put the Longhorns on his back and led them to a BCS championship victory over USC.

No. 4: Tom Osborne

Not many won games like Tom Osborne did during the '90s with the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Osborne spent 25 years as the head coach and won 255 games, three national championships and 13 conference titles.

Most impressive about Osborne was that he ended his career with an .835 winning percentage.

No. 3: Jim Brown

Before Ernie Davis finally broke through with his Heisman Trophy, Jim Brown was carrying the ball for the same team, Syracuse.

Brown was an All-American at Syracuse and should have won the Heisman Trophy in his final year in college.

Not only was Brown a leader on the football field, but he was also an All-American lacrosse player in college.

No. 2: Bear Bryant

When you mention Alabama football, most college football fans immediately associate it with Bear Bryant.

Bryant won 323 games, six national championships and 14 SEC titles. Not only did he put himself into the Alabama record books, but college football history will never forget him and his ability to win.

No. 1: Tim Tebow

Regardless of the statistics, the national titles or the Heisman Trophy that Tim Tebow won, he was a kind of leader that had never been seen before.

Hate him or love him, the one thing that most could agree about with Tebow was he genuinely cared about his team and the program.

His breakthrough moment came after a loss in 2008 in which he promised the nation and the Gator fans that no team or player would ever play as hard as Florida and he were about to play. This speech has been immortalized by Gator fans and the program.