ESPN REPORT: Earl Campbell Voted Greatest College Football Player of All Time, Surpassing Herschel Walker, Tim Tebow, and Archie Griffin

In a groundbreaking and emotional culmination of decades of college football history, Texas Longhorns icon Earl Campbell has been named the greatest college football player of all time in an ESPN poll that gathered the opinions of football historians, analysts, and fans alike. The poll, which took place over the course of several months, resulted in Campbell finishing ahead of formidable competitors such as Georgia’s Herschel Walker, Florida’s Tim Tebow, and Ohio State’s Archie Griffin, all of whom have long been regarded as some of the best players to ever step onto the gridiron. But in the end, it was Campbell’s combination of dominance, skill, and unforgettable moments that solidified his place at the top.

For many, the announcement was a long-anticipated event, a fitting tribute to one of the most electrifying and dominant forces to ever play college football. With a career that spanned from 1974 to 1977, Campbell’s contributions to the game helped redefine the position of running back and elevate the entire sport. His name is etched into the hearts of Texas Longhorns fans and college football enthusiasts across the nation as a symbol of excellence and greatness.

Earl Campbell’s Legacy: A Force of Nature

Campbell’s rise to the pinnacle of college football lore is not a surprise to those who remember his time at the University of Texas. Known affectionately as the “Tyler Rose” due to his roots in Tyler, Texas, Campbell was a phenomenon from the moment he stepped onto the field in Austin. He embodied what it meant to be a running back in the late 1970s: powerful, fast, and able to carry a team on his shoulders.

Campbell’s college career was nothing short of spectacular. He racked up 4,444 rushing yards and 40 touchdowns during his time with the Longhorns, making him one of the most prolific players in the program’s storied history. But numbers alone don’t do justice to his dominance. What set Campbell apart was the sheer physicality he brought to the field. Standing 6 feet tall and weighing in at over 230 pounds, Campbell was a bruising force that could break tackles with ease, yet he also had surprising speed for his size, often outrunning defenders once he got into the open field.

But it wasn’t just his on-field performance that made Campbell a legend—it was his leadership, his character, and his ability to make the big play when it mattered most. In his senior year, Campbell led the Longhorns to a National Championship Game appearance against the Alabama Crimson Tide, cementing his place as one of the most accomplished players in the history of college football.

Campbell was awarded the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 1977 after a historic season in which he rushed for over 1,700 yards and 19 touchdowns. His Heisman win was a testament to his excellence on the field and his ability to rise to the occasion, even in the most pressure-filled moments. That season remains one of the best individual campaigns in college football history.

Yet, as much as Campbell’s stats were impressive, it was the visual image of him bulldozing through defenders, dragging tacklers for yards after contact, that made him unforgettable. Campbell’s ability to impose his will on the field is something that no player in the history of college football has done to the same extent. He remains one of the most iconic running backs the sport has ever seen.

The Competition: Herschel Walker, Tim Tebow, and Archie Griffin

While Earl Campbell’s place at the top may seem like a natural fit for many college football purists, the competition for the title of greatest college football player of all time was intense. The poll pitted Campbell against three other players who are frequently mentioned in the conversation about the best of all time: Herschel Walker, Tim Tebow, and Archie Griffin.

Herschel Walker (Georgia):
Herschel Walker’s name is synonymous with Georgia football. Widely regarded as one of the most physically gifted athletes to ever play the sport, Walker’s college career at the University of Georgia was a true showcase of power, speed, and stamina. In his three seasons with the Bulldogs (1980-1982), Walker rushed for an astonishing 5,259 yards and 49 touchdowns, making him one of the most dominant running backs in NCAA history. His performance helped lead Georgia to a National Championship in 1980, and his Heisman win in 1982 further solidified his place as one of the greatest players of all time.

Walker’s combination of size and speed—standing at 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing in at 225 pounds—made him nearly impossible to tackle, a nightmare for defenders who had to try to stop him. He was the very definition of a workhorse, often carrying the ball 30 or more times a game without slowing down. But even with his incredible statistics and impact on the game, Walker’s place in the rankings fell just short of Campbell’s in this poll. Some analysts pointed to the fact that Walker’s greatest years came during a relatively brief three-year period, whereas Campbell’s sustained excellence throughout his career in Austin played a key role in his selection as the greatest of all time.

Tim Tebow (Florida):
Tim Tebow, one of the most polarizing and beloved figures in college football, also made a serious case for the title of greatest player. The Florida Gators’ quarterback and two-time national champion became a household name during his time in Gainesville, earning the Heisman Trophy in 2007 as a freshman—a feat that is still considered remarkable for its rarity. Tebow’s leadership qualities, combined with his ability to both throw and run the football with unparalleled toughness, made him one of the most versatile players to ever step onto the field.

Over his four years at Florida (2006-2009), Tebow threw for 9,285 yards and 88 touchdowns, while also rushing for 2,947 yards and 57 touchdowns. His ability to play in both the passing and running game made him a unique threat, and he led the Gators to two national championships (2006, 2008). Despite his incredible college career, Tebow ultimately fell short in the poll due to the overwhelming physicality and sheer dominance that players like Campbell and Walker demonstrated during their respective careers. Still, his legacy remains one of the most remarkable in college football history.

Archie Griffin (Ohio State):
Archie Griffin, the only two-time Heisman Trophy winner in college football history, is another name that inevitably comes up when discussing the greatest players of all time. Griffin’s consistency and excellence at Ohio State during the 1970s set him apart. He rushed for 5,589 yards and 26 touchdowns over the course of his career and was known for his vision, balance, and ability to make defenders miss in space. His two Heisman Trophies (1974 and 1975) made him a living legend in Columbus and in the wider world of college football.

Griffin’s place in the debate, however, was somewhat complicated by the fact that his Ohio State teams never managed to secure a national championship during his time there. Some analysts believe that Campbell’s greater ability to carry his team to a championship game gave him the edge over Griffin in this ranking. Despite this, Griffin’s place in the college football pantheon is indisputable, and his performance on the field remains a testament to his skill, consistency, and dedication to the game.

Why Earl Campbell?

So, what made Earl Campbell the choice for the greatest college football player of all time? The answer is multifaceted and rooted in his rare combination of physicality, dominance, and legacy.

1. Dominance at His Position: Campbell revolutionized the running back position with his blend of power, speed, and vision. He was a physical specimen whose presence on the field changed the way opposing defenses approached the game. He carried the Longhorns to new heights, and no one could stop him when he got going.
2. Legacy: While Walker, Tebow, and Griffin all had incredible careers, it was Campbell’s overall impact on college football that set him apart. He was a cultural icon and an unstoppable force who gave fans moments they would never forget.
3. The Heisman Legacy: Campbell’s Heisman win in 1977 was one of the most deserved in the history of the award. His dominance on the field and his ability to rise to the occasion in big moments were unparalleled.

A Fitting Tribute to a Legend

Earl Campbell’s place as the greatest college football player of all time is a fitting tribute to a player who reshaped the game, defined a generation, and became a symbol of excellence for the University of Texas and college football as a whole. His dominance on the field, his unforgettable moments, and his lasting legacy have earned him the top spot in the eyes of fans and experts alike. As the debate continues for years to come, one thing is certain: Earl Campbell’s name will forever be synonymous with greatness in college football.

This report captures both the significance of Campbell’s achievement and the legacy of his competition, examining the ways in which he surpassed these legends in the eyes of the college football community.