The 5 Best Ohio State NFL Players of All Time

Archie Griffin built his Ohio State career around sustained rushing production, finishing with 5,589 yards and two Heisman Trophies. His run of 31 consecutive 100-yard games gives that career total added meaning: he repeatedly supplied substantial yardage rather than relying on a handful of enormous outings. He also played in four Rose Bowls, making his work in the Buckeyes’ run-centered offense a continuing presence on a prominent stage.

Griffin’s ranking rests on the combination of individual recognition and longevity. The Heisman honors establish his peak, while the rushing streak shows how consistently he maintained a high level. For Ohio State, that balance makes his college contribution especially compelling: exceptional seasons were part of an extended body of work.

Orlando Pace gave Ohio State an offensive tackle whose college recognition extended well beyond his position. He won the Lombardi Award twice, received the Outland Trophy, and finished fourth in Heisman voting. That Heisman finish is a particularly striking part of his résumé because his contribution came through blocking rather than accumulating passing, rushing, or receiving totals. He later became the first overall selection in 1997.

Pace’s place in this group is grounded in what he accomplished for the Buckeyes before that professional transition. Repeated Lombardi recognition supports a case built on more than a single celebrated season, while the broader award attention underscores the significance of his line play. His career gives Ohio State’s offensive front a strong presence alongside its decorated ball carriers.

Eddie George’s Ohio State career developed from a difficult beginning as a backup into a Heisman-winning senior season. In 1995, he rushed for 1,927 yards and 24 touchdowns, with a 314-yard performance against Illinois providing a concentrated example of his production. Those accomplishments make his final college season the clear centerpiece of his Buckeye résumé, while his earlier role gives that finish a meaningful career arc.

George’s ranking argument is strongest when focused on that peak rather than treating every season as equivalent. His senior production combined substantial yardage with frequent scoring, and the Heisman supplied national recognition of that work. For Ohio State, his rise from reserve to decorated featured back adds depth to a case already supported by a remarkable final season.

Chris Spielman made middle linebacker a defining part of his Ohio State legacy, pairing substantial tackling production with the 1987 Lombardi Award. His 29-tackle game against Michigan stands out as a concrete example of how heavily he could figure in the defensive action. That rivalry performance and his national award provide two distinct ways to understand his college career: a memorable individual outing and recognition that reached beyond one game.

Spielman belongs in this discussion because his résumé gives defensive work weight alongside Ohio State’s celebrated offensive accomplishments. The Michigan performance illustrates his involvement at the center of the defense, while the Lombardi honor strengthens the broader case for his standing. Together, they support a ranking based on both a signature performance and a nationally recognized peak.

Troy Smith’s Ohio State career reached its individual peak in 2006, when he won the Heisman Trophy by a wide margin after throwing 30 touchdown passes against six interceptions. His contribution also included a 3–0 record against Michigan, giving his résumé a strong connection to the rivalry that carries particular significance in Columbus. As a quarterback, he combined pocket play with the ability to escape pressure.

Smith’s case brings together a decorated season and repeated success in a defining school matchup. The balance between touchdown passes and interceptions helps explain the strength of his Heisman year without relying solely on the award itself. His rivalry record adds a separate dimension, making his Ohio State standing about both national recognition and accomplishments with lasting importance to the program.