Best College Football Players of All Time
College football has over a century of rich history and is engrained in the culture of America. We have seen many great players, but a special few were able to reach legendary status.
Here’s a list of the 10 best college football players of all time. Read the full list below and see why these players cemented their legacies as icons of the college grid-iron.
10. Charles Woodson(Michigan, 1995-1997)
Starting off the best college football players of all time list is the Michigan legend Charles Woodson. During his 3-year tenure in college, Woodson lit the world on fire.
Charles was a terror on both sides of the field and was one of the first and greatest kick returners. He made history by becoming the first primarily defensive player to ever win the Heisman Trophy.
Woodson recorded 18 interceptions 5 TDs, and recorded a total of 2,347 yards on offense, defense, and special teams. Charles cemented his legacy in his last year by leading Michigan to the national title and hitting his iconic Heisman pose.
9. Tommy Frazier(Nebraska, 1992-1995)
Before Woodson was the, Tommy Frazier made his mark as one of the best college football players of all time. During the early 1990s, Tommy Frazier exploded onto the CF scene and made Nebraska a powerhouse.
Frazier was one of the original dual-threat quarterbacks, who was fast with a cannon arm. Tommy set Nebraska school records as a QB in both receiving and rushing.
Recording over 3,521 passing yards, 1,955 rushing yards, and a total of 79 touchdowns. All while. However, Frazier’s greatest feat was leading Nebraska to two-consecutive national titles in 1994 and 1995 for the 2nd-time in school history.
8. Jim Brown
The late Jim Brown is unquestionably one of the greatest football players to ever play the game. Before becoming an NFL legend, Brown made his mark as one of the best college football players of all time.
In his 3-seasons at the University of Syracuse, Jim Brown was the best back in the country. He broke the school record for rushing yards with 2,091 yards and scored 43 points in his last college game.
Then as we all know, Brown became one of the greatest NFL players in the history of the sport.
7. Ricky Williams(Texas, 1995-1998)
During the 1990s, there were many incredibly talented players, but none were quite like Ricky Williams. As a freshman, Williams stunned the college football world by averaging a staggering six yards from scrimmage.
In his next three years, Ricky only got better and became one of the best college football players of all-time. The Texas Longhorn recorded over 7,206 yards from scrimmage and 75 TDs during his college career.
All while breaking the college rushing record and becoming a Heisman trophy winner his senior year.
6. Tony Dorsett(Pittsburgh, 1973 to 1976)
From the moment Tony Dorsett entered college, many knew he’d be one of the best college players of all time. As a freshman, Dorsett made history by becoming the first in 29 years to earn All-American honors.
He’d earn that honor two more times in college, while breaking nearly every running back record during his tenure. Dorsett saved his best season for last as he won the Heisman trophy, national title, and broke the NCAA rushing record.
Tony’s record of total rushing yards of 6,082 stood for 22 years until Ricky Williams broke the record in 1998.
5. Tim Tebow(Florida, 2006-2009)
From some, Tim Tebow might be a controversial pick to be on the best college football players of all time list. However, if you saw Florida play during the late 2000s, you wouldn’t argue against the choice.
Tebow was a born leader, who just knew how to win football games. He made history by becoming the first sophomore in history to win the Heisman Trophy.
All while winning the college football national title twice and earning MVP honors in his second national title game. This Florida Gator team under the leadership of Tebow is considered one the greatest college teams ever.
4. Barry Sanders(Oklahoma State, 1986 to 1988)
Not only is Barry Sanders considered one of the best college football players ever, but he reached legendary status. Before Sanders became one of the greatest NFL players in history, he destroyed defenses in college.
In his first two years in college, Barry was the backup QB, but was a dual threat as a RB and kick returner. As a junior, Sanders was an unstoppable force, who rushed for over 2,850 yards with 42 touchdowns.
After winning the Heisman, Sanders moved to the pros and became one of the greatest football players ever.
3. Bo Jackson(Auburn, 1982-1985)
Nobody would ever argue the inclusion of Bo Jackson’s name on the list of the best college football players of all time. On top of being a great football player, many considered Jackson to be one of the greatest all-around athletes ever.
Bo was a force of nature at the University of Auburn during his tenure in college. At times, he was almost impossible to tackle as he earned 4,303 yards and 46 touchdowns playing at Auburn.
After winning the Heisman in 1985, Jackson became a successful two-sport athlete. He had great careers both as a football and baseball player.
2. Herschel Walker(Georgia, 1980 to 1982)
Herschel Walker is easily one of the best college football players of all time. As a freshman, Walker made history by leading the University of Georgia to the national title.
From then on, the powerful RB laid a path of destruction in college football as he dominated the sport. In his four years playing at Georgia, Walker rushed for 5,249 yards, scored 49 touchdowns, and won the Heisman.
Herschel then went on to become one of the best NFL running backs during the 1980s and 1990s.
1. Archie Griffin(Ohio State, 1972 to 1975)
Number one of our list of the best college football players of all time goes to the Ohio State icon Archie Griffin. In the history of college football, Archie Griffin is the only player in history to earn 2 Heismans.
To further add to Griffin’s excellence, he’s the only player to ever start in 4 Rose Bowl games. Archie ended his legendary college career 5,589 rushing yards, 26 touchdowns, and 4 Big 10 titles.
