Ted Smith held down the starting left guard position for Ohio State during both of Archie Griffin’s Heisman Trophy-winning campaigns, playing a pivotal role in the Buckeyes’ dominant ground game.
Ted Smith may not be a household name to casual college football fans, but within the rich history of Ohio State football, he holds a key place as one of the unsung heroes of an era defined by dominance in the trenches. As the Buckeyes’ starting left guard during both of Archie Griffin’s Heisman Trophy-winning seasons in 1974 and 1975, Smith was integral to one of the most powerful running attacks in college football history. While Griffin rightfully claimed glory as the only two-time Heisman winner in NCAA history, his success would not have been possible without the relentless and consistent effort of linemen like Ted Smith, who paved the way for greatness one down at a time.
Born and raised in Ohio, Smith embodied the toughness and work ethic the state has long prided itself on, especially when it comes to football. When he arrived at Ohio State, he quickly fit into a program steeped in tradition, high expectations, and physical football. Under the leadership of legendary head coach Woody Hayes, the Buckeyes’ offensive philosophy was simple yet brutally effective: run the football, dominate the line of scrimmage, and wear down the opponent. Smith thrived in that environment. Though offensive linemen often go unrecognized in the stat sheets, every yard Griffin earned had Smith’s fingerprints on it.
During the 1974 season, Archie Griffin was already well-known, having rushed for over 1,500 yards in 1973. Expectations were sky-high, and the pressure to repeat that performance was immense. The offensive line, featuring Smith at left guard, served as the foundation for Griffin’s remarkable consistency. That season, Griffin ran for 1,695 yards on his way to capturing the Heisman, and Smith’s contributions were quietly monumental. He delivered powerful run blocks, maintained disciplined technique in pass protection, and often pulled from his position to spring Griffin free on sweeps and counters. His understanding of angles and leverage gave the Buckeyes an edge in crucial third-and-short situations. Games were won in the trenches, and Smith was a primary architect of those victories.
The chemistry along the offensive line was critical, and Smith’s leadership helped forge a unit that played with synchronization and grit. He was known among teammates and coaches as someone who never took a play off, never shied away from contact, and never failed to execute his assignment. Those qualities made him an invaluable asset to an offense built on execution rather than flash.
In 1975, Ohio State once again had its sights set on a national championship, and Archie Griffin was looking to do the unthinkable—win a second Heisman Trophy. The pressure was even greater, the spotlight brighter, but the Buckeyes’ offensive identity remained the same. That identity was personified by linemen like Smith, who entered the season with a quiet determination. The offense leaned heavily on the running game, and despite every defense knowing Griffin was the focal point, the offensive line consistently opened running lanes. Smith’s technique, strength, and endurance were on full display all season. He took pride in neutralizing defensive tackles and linebackers, creating the space Griffin needed to extend plays beyond the line of scrimmage.
As the 1975 season unfolded, the Buckeyes steamrolled through their schedule with one of the most efficient ground attacks in the country. Archie Griffin rushed for another 1,450 yards, becoming the first and only player in college football history to win the Heisman Trophy twice. It was a historic achievement, celebrated nationwide, but for those within the program, it was also a shared triumph. Ted Smith had once again done his job with diligence and passion, helping turn Griffin’s dream into reality. For every yard Griffin gained, Smith had cleared the way. The Heisman is often seen as an individual award, but its foundation rests on the shoulders of teammates, especially the offensive line, and Smith’s performance was deserving of the highest recognition.
Smith’s role on the team extended beyond his physical contributions. He was a steadying presence in the locker room, someone who led by example and demanded accountability from those around him. In a program that demanded excellence, Smith was a model of consistency. Whether it was on the practice field or in a hostile stadium environment, he maintained his focus and intensity. He was rarely penalized, rarely beaten at the line, and always ready to go toe-to-toe with the best defenders in the Big Ten.
Woody Hayes often preached the importance of team-first mentality, and Ted Smith exemplified that philosophy. While others sought headlines and accolades, he sought perfection in his assignments. That selflessness and drive made him one of Hayes’ most trusted players during that golden era of Ohio State football. Smith understood that greatness was built one play at a time, and he committed himself fully to that pursuit. His sacrifices in the trenches allowed others to shine, and he embraced that role without hesitation.
The legacy of an offensive lineman is often measured by the success of those they protect and support. In Ted Smith’s case, his legacy is forever tied to Archie Griffin’s historic back-to-back Heismans. Few players in the history of college football can claim to have directly contributed to something so unprecedented. Smith’s blocking wasn’t just about clearing a path—it was about sustaining excellence and driving a championship-caliber engine forward. Every step Griffin took toward immortality had been preceded by Smith doing the dirty work in the heart of the line.
After college, Smith may not have received the same level of fame as some of his teammates, but his impact on the game was deeply felt by all who played alongside him. Former players and coaches have often spoken with reverence about his work ethic, toughness, and the way he elevated those around him. He helped set a standard for what it meant to be an Ohio State lineman—a legacy that continues to this day. The Buckeyes have long been known for producing elite offensive linemen, and the blueprint established by players like Ted Smith remains a core part of the program’s DNA.
Looking back at the 1974 and 1975 seasons, it’s easy to focus solely on Griffin’s accolades, but those who understand football at its core recognize the importance of the offensive line. The game is won in the trenches, and Smith was one of the mainstays who allowed Ohio State to control the line of scrimmage week after week. His ability to read defenses, execute his blocks, and maintain perfect technique made him an indispensable part of the Buckeyes’ success. The trust between Griffin and his linemen was absolute, and Smith was a cornerstone of that trust.
In the years since, Ohio State fans continue to celebrate the school’s proud football tradition, and names like Archie Griffin still resonate with every new generation. But for those who were there, who watched every snap, or who lined up alongside him, Ted Smith’s name holds just as much weight. He was the quiet enforcer, the immovable guard who helped shape an era and ensure that the Buckeyes remained a force on the national stage.
Football is often called the ultimate team sport, and no position better embodies that than the offensive line. Ted Smith’s story is one of dedication, humility, and excellence. He didn’t need the spotlight because his satisfaction came from doing his job at the highest level and watching his team succeed. Whether it was a key block on third down, a pulling lead on a touchdown run, or simply outmuscling a defender for four quarters, Smith delivered time and again.
As time moves on and new players step into the scarlet and gray uniforms, the legacy of players like Ted Smith deserves to be remembered. He was more than just a left guard—he was a champion, a protector, and a pillar of one of the greatest chapters in Ohio State history. Archie Griffin’s back-to-back Heismans are etched into college football lore, but behind that achievement lies the story of a relentless offensive lineman who made it all possible. Ted Smith’s contributions may not have filled highlight reels, but they filled the win column, opened history books, and set a standard that endures to this day.
