Ohio State Football History - History - Go Buckeyes Go
Ohio State Football History
Buckeyes Football History
Among the elites of college football programs, the Ohio State University football program is rich in traditions and in victories. It proudly boasts seven national championships, the most recent being the 2002 BCS National Championship. Both legendary coaches and players have graced the field of Ohio Stadium, including Woody Hayes, Lou Holtz, Howard "Hopalong" Cassady, Archie Griffin and Eddie George.
While the team has enjoyed tremendous success, there are individual awards which lend to the strength of the program -
- Five Heisman Trophy winners
- One Remington Award, for best center in college football
- Four Mawell Award recipients, given to the collegiate player of the year
- Three Lombardi Award winners, given to the nation's top linebacker
- Three Outland Trophy awards, givent to the best interior lineman
- Two Walter Camp Awards, given for the top collegiate player
Established in 1890, Ohio State football had a rather short period of "growing pains", as it acheived its first unbeaten season in 1899, with a 9-0-1 record. It has been a major figure in the Big Ten conference, gaining membership in 1912 into what originally was called the "Western Conference". In time, natural rivalries have formed, both due to geography and to close games. Tops among these, naturally, is the University of Michigan. While a win for the Buckeyes is always enjoyed, a victory over the hated Wolverines is a sweet win for OSU fans!
As a power house of the Big Ten, Ohio State has been, and is, a welcomed participant in postseason bowls, ranging from the Gator to the Orange, but the bowl most participated in has been the Rose Bowl, awarded to the Big Ten champion. Of course, a Fiesta Bowl trip like the 2002 game against the Miami Hurricanes is just as pleasing! With its solid base of fans support, a strong core of players, and a coaching staff appreciaitive of the school's winning tradition, Ohio State University football looks to carry on its winning form into its second century of play!
