Top 10 College Football Players of All Time

Top Curiosities and Interesting Information

• The first intercollegiate football game was played on November 6, 1869, between Rutgers and Princeton.
• The Heisman Trophy, awarded annually to the most outstanding player in college football, was first presented in 1935.
• Only two players have won the Heisman Trophy twice: Archie Griffin of Ohio State (1974 and 1975) and Johnny Manziel of Texas A&M (2012 and 2013).
• The University of Alabama has won the most national championships in college football history, with 18.
• The first African American player to win the Heisman Trophy was Ernie Davis of Syracuse in 1961.

10. Tommie Frazier, QB, Nebraska

When it comes to college quarterbacks, few can match the success of Tommie Frazier. He led Nebraska to back-to-back national championships in 1994 and 1995, and his performance in the 1996 Fiesta Bowl against Florida is still talked about today.

But it wasn’t just Frazier’s wins that made him great. He was also a dynamic runner, racking up over 1,000 rushing yards in both his junior and senior seasons. His ability to make big plays with his arm and his feet made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.

9. Archie Griffin, RB, Ohio State

Archie Griffin is the only player in college football history to win the Heisman Trophy twice, and for good reason. He rushed for over 5,500 yards during his career at Ohio State, and his toughness and durability made him a fan favorite.

But what really sets Griffin apart is his humility and work ethic. Despite his incredible success on the field, he remained humble and focused on the team’s success. He’s a true role model for young players everywhere.

8. Roger Staubach, QB, Navy

Roger Staubach is one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in college football history. He led Navy to a 9-1 record in 1963, and he won the Heisman Trophy the following year.

But what really makes Staubach special is his character. He served in Vietnam after graduating from Navy, and he went on to have a Hall of Fame career in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys. He’s a true American hero.

7. Bo Jackson, RB, Auburn

Bo Jackson was a once-in-a-generation talent. He rushed for over 4,300 yards during his career at Auburn, and he also excelled in baseball and track.

But what really made Bo special was his combination of speed and power. He could outrun defenders and run them over, and he was a threat to score every time he touched the ball. He’s one of the most exciting players in college football history.

6. Herschel Walker, RB, Georgia

Herschel Walker is one of the greatest running backs of all time, and his college career at Georgia was nothing short of legendary. He rushed for over 5,200 yards and 49 touchdowns during his three years in Athens.

But what really sets Herschel apart is his work ethic and determination. He was a tireless worker who never gave up on a play, and he inspired his teammates to be better every day. He’s a true legend in the sport.

5. Red Grange, RB, Illinois

Red Grange, also known as The Galloping Ghost, is one of the most iconic players in college football history. He burst onto the scene in 1924, scoring four touchdowns in his first game against Michigan.

But what really makes Grange special is his impact on the game. He was one of the first players to become a national celebrity, and he helped to popularize college football across the country. He’s a true pioneer of the sport.

4. Barry Sanders, RB, Oklahoma State

Barry Sanders is one of the most electrifying players in college football history. He rushed for over 2,600 yards and 37 touchdowns during his Heisman Trophy-winning season in 1988.

But what really makes Barry special is his ability to make defenders miss. He had an incredible knack for finding holes in the defense and making big plays, and he was a joy to watch on the field.

3. Jim Brown, RB, Syracuse

Jim Brown is one of the greatest athletes of all time, and his college football career at Syracuse was nothing short of dominant. He rushed for over 2,000 yards during his senior season, and he also excelled in lacrosse and basketball.

But what really sets Jim Brown apart is his sheer physicality. He was a bruising runner who could run over defenders or outrun them, and he was a force to be reckoned with every time he touched the ball.

2. Earl Campbell, RB, Texas

Earl Campbell is one of the most powerful runners in college football history. He rushed for over 4,400 yards and 40 touchdowns during his career at Texas, and he won the Heisman Trophy in 1977.

But what really makes Earl special is his toughness. He was a punishing runner who could take a hit and keep going, and he inspired his teammates with his never-quit attitude. He’s a true legend of the game.

1. Jim Thorpe, RB/QB, Carlisle

Jim Thorpe is not only the greatest college football player of all time, but he’s also one of the greatest athletes in history. He excelled in football, baseball, and track, and he won Olympic gold medals in the decathlon and pentathlon.

But it was Thorpe’s college football career at Carlisle that truly set him apart. He was a dynamic runner and passer who could do it all on the field. He was also a tough defender who could make big plays on defense.

But what really makes Jim Thorpe special is his impact on the game. He was one of the first Native American players to achieve national fame, and he helped to break down racial barriers in sports. He’s a true legend and an inspiration to us all.

FAQs

1. Who is the greatest college football player of all time?

Jim Thorpe is widely considered the greatest college football player of all time, thanks to his incredible athleticism and impact on the game.

2. Who is the only player to win the Heisman Trophy twice?

Archie Griffin of Ohio State is the only player in college football history to win the Heisman Trophy twice, in 1974 and 1975.

3. Which college football team has won the most national championships?

The University of Alabama has won the most national championships in college football history, with 18.

4. Who is the most exciting college football player of all time?

Bo Jackson is widely considered one of the most exciting college football players of all time, thanks to his incredible speed and power.

5. Who is the toughest college football player of all time?

Earl Campbell is widely considered one of the toughest college football players of all time, thanks to his punishing running style and never-quit attitude.