Who Wore It Best? Greatest College Football Players by Jersey Number, 26-50

College Football: Who Wore It Best? Greatest College Football Players by Jersey Number, 26-50

Updated Jul. 25, 2025, 2:27 p.m. ET

You’re at a sports bar with a group of friends when someone asks: who is the greatest college football player to ever wear No ah lp. 34? How do you choose between six Hall of Fame running backs — all of whom surpassed 3,500 yards and 40 touchdowns during their college careers? That’s the debate we faced when identifying the greatest college football players by jersey number, from No. 1 to No. 99 (CFB players were first allowed to wear No. 0 starting in 2020). This list is based on players’ performances during their college careers, taking into account prestigious awards like the Heisman Trophy and All-American selections, as well as their statistics and winning percentages. Here’s a look at the greatest players in college football history to wear Nos. 26-50.

No. 26: Sean Taylor, S, Miami (Fla.)

One of the most intimidating defenders in college football history, Taylor was an icon during his time at Miami. He had elite-level speed and was infamous for his hard-hitting play in the Hurricanes’ secondary. He played a crucial role for the Hurricanes during their run to the 2001 BCS National Championship Game and wrapped up his three-year career at Miami as a unanimous All-American during his junior season, recording 77 tackles and leading the nation with 10 interceptions, tying a school record.

Honorable mentions: Rod Woodson (Purdue), Saquon Barkley (Penn State)

No. 27: Eddie George, RB, Ohio State

George is regarded as one of the top running backs in college football history, shining for the Buckeyes during the mid-1990s. Over four years, two of which he spent as a starter, the former Buckeyes running back accumulated 3,768 rushing yards and 44 rushing touchdowns. His senior season is celebrated as one of the best for a running back in college history, finishing with 1,927 rushing yards and 24 rushing touchdowns while clinching the 1995 Heisman Trophy.

Honorable mentions: Joe Bellino (Navy)

No. 28: Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma

Peterson made an immediate impact during his college career. The former Oklahoma standout delivered one of the greatest freshman seasons for a running back in college football history, rushing for a Big 12-record 1,925 yards and 15 touchdowns, earning the Big 12 Freshman of the Year and a unanimous All-American honors. In that season, Peterson rushed for over 100 yards in his first nine games, setting the NCAA record for most 100-yard games by a freshman with 11, while helping the Sooners achieve a 12-1 record, finishing second in the Heisman Trophy voting. He concluded his college career with over 4,000 rushing yards and 41 touchdowns.

Honorable mentions: Marshall Faulk (San Diego State), Montee Ball (Wisconsin)

No. 29: Rickey Dixon, S, Oklahoma

Another Oklahoma superstar, Dixon was a dominant force in the Sooners’ secondary from 1984-87 www.55bmw.con. He was pivotal in helping the Sooners win the national championship in 1985. Dixon concluded his career as a three-time all-conference member, a consensus All-American, and the 1987 Jim Thorpe Award winner.

Honorable mentions: Eric Turner (UCLA)

No. 30: Mike Rozier, RB, Nebraska

Nebraska boasts a rich football tradition, and Rozier is viewed as one of the best to wear a Huskers jersey. To this day, Rozier remains Nebraska’s all-time leading rusher, totaling over 4,700 rushing yards and 49 rushing touchdowns from 1981-83. During his senior season, he led the nation in rushing with 2,148 yards and won the 1983 Heisman Trophy in a landslide.

Honorable mentions: Alex Wojciechowicz (Fordham), LaRon Landry (LSU)

No. 31: Paul Posluszny, LB, Penn State

Penn State is famed as “Linebacker U,” and Posluszny may be among the best. The two-time Bednarik Award winner was a key player for the Nittany Lions’ defense in the early 2000s. He ranks second all-time in PSU history with 372 tackles and helped lead three consecutive top-10 scoring defenses 777pub..com. Posluszny was a two-time consensus All-American and is widely regarded as one of the greatest in Penn State football history.

Honorable mentions: Shane Conlan (Penn State), Vic Janowicz (Ohio State), Will Anderson Jr 188 jili.cc. (Alabama)

No. 32: O.J. Simpson, RB, USC

Long before the infamous trial, Simpson shone at USC. He delivered one of the greatest two-year stretches for a running back in college football, from 1967 to 1968, accumulating over 3,000 rushing yards and 33 rushing touchdowns. Simpson led the nation in rushing in 1967 with 1,451 yards on 266 carries and improved in 1968 with 1,709 yards and 22 touchdowns, leading the Trojans to a 9-0-1 regular-season record. He won the Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Award, and the Heisman Trophy after his dominant senior season.

Honorable mentions: Johnny Lujack (Notre Dame), Jack Tatum (Ohio State)

No. 33: Tony Dorsett, RB, Pitt

When you surpass legends like Ron Dayne, Marcus Allen, and Jack Ham for the title of best college football player to wear No. 33, you must be something special. Dorsett was indeed that, shining for Pitt from 1973-76. The former Heisman Trophy winner recorded numerous NCAA rushing records during his collegiate career, with more than 6,000 rushing yards and 55 rushing touchdowns. As a senior, Dorsett rushed for 1,948 yards and 22 touchdowns, leading the Panthers to a 27-3 victory over Georgia in the 1976 national championship.

Honorable mentions: Marcus Allen (USC), Ron Dayne (Wisconsin), Jack Ham (Penn State)

No. 34: Herschel Walker, RB, Georgia

One can argue that No. 34 holds the most respected status in college football history. Besides Walker, who many consider the greatest running back in the sport’s history, other notable names that wore No. 34 include Bo Jackson, Walter Payton, and Ricky Williams. While that group of running backs left a substantial mark, Walker stands out as the best player to don the number. During his time at Georgia, his list of achievements reads like a novel. He was a three-time SEC Player of the Year, a three-time unanimous All-American, a Heisman Trophy winner, and a national champion. Over three seasons at UGA, Walker rushed for 5,259 yards, remaining the SEC’s all-time leading rusher. He’s among the elite ranks of the greatest college players ever.

Honorable mentions: Bo Jackson (Auburn), Walter Payton (Jackson State), Ricky Williams (Texas)

No. 35: Doc Blanchard, FB/LB, Army

The 1945 Heisman Trophy winner excelled for Army. Blanchard was known as a two-way star, playing both fullback and linebacker, in addition to serving as the team’s kicker and punter. Over three seasons at West Point, Blanchard rushed for more than 1,600 yards and scored 30 touchdowns, helping the Black Knights achieve an impressive 27-0-1 record.

Honorable mentions: Zach Thomas (Texas Tech)

No. 36: Chris Spielman, LB, Ohio State

Ohio State has seen many outstanding linebackers over the years, but Spielman was one of the best. A three-time All-American, Spielman wreaked havoc on opposing offenses in the mid-1980s. The 1987 Lombardi Award winner finished his illustrious college career at Ohio State with 546 tackles, eight sacks, and 11 interceptions.

Honorable mentions: Steve Owens (Oklahoma), Bennie Blades (Miami)

No. 37: Doak Walker, RB, SMU

Walker wasn’t just a running back. He was a versatile star at SMU, playing multiple positions, including running back, defensive back, kicker, and punter. A three-time All-American, he won the 1948 Heisman Trophy. In addition to his impressive versatility, Walker led the Mustangs to back-to-back Southwest Conference championships in 1947 and 1948. The Doak Walker Award, given annually to the nation’s top running back, is named in his honor.

Honorable mentions: Tommy Casanova (LSU), Shaun Alexander (Alabama), Creighton Miller (Notre Dame)

No. 38: George Rogers, RB, South Carolina

When discussing the greatest players in South Carolina football history, many think of Jadeveon Clowney or Alshon Jeffrey. However, that title belongs to Rogers, who set the standard for excellence at South Carolina from 1977-80. He still holds the program record for career rushing yards at 5,204 and won the 1980 Heisman Trophy, being the only Gamecock to ever receive the award.

Honorable mentions: Roy Williams (Oklahoma), Sam Francis (Nebraska)

No. 39: John Kimbrough, FB, Texas A&M

Kimbrough, nicknamed “The Haskell Hurricane,” was a tough fullback for the Aggies. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 210 pounds, Kimbrough was a formidable presence, combining size, speed, and toughness. He was a three-time All-Southwest Conference selection and a two-time All-American. Kimbrough was key in leading the Aggies to the 1939 national championship, the last title won by the program. fc 777 casino login philippines app

Honorable mentions: Sam Cunningham (USC)

No. 40: Howard Cassady, RB/DB, Ohio State

Howard “Hopalong” Cassady was an elite two-way player for the Buckeyes in the 1950s, excelling as a halfback on offense and defensive back on defense. He won the Heisman Trophy in 1955 after rushing for 958 yards and scoring 15 touchdowns, leading Ohio State to a national title. Cassady was remarkable on defense, as no opposing receiver caught a touchdown pass against him throughout four seasons. He was a three-time All-Big Ten player, a two-time unanimous All-American, and the 1955 AP Male Athlete of the Year.

Honorable mentions: Luke Kuechly (Boston College), Mike Alstott (Purdue), Elroy Hirsch (Wisconsin and Michigan)

No. 41: Glenn Davis, RB, Army

A three-time All-American, Davis helped guide Army to a 27-0-1 record during his playing days from 1943-46, ranking as one of the most dominant running backs of his era. He averaged an astounding 8.3 yards per carry across his career, culminating in an impressive 11.5 yards per carry in the 1945 season. After finishing as the Heisman Trophy runner-up in both 1944 and 1945, Davis clinched the award in 1946.

Honorable mentions: Keith Byars (Ohio State)

No. 42: Ronnie Lott, S, USC

Lott shone in the Trojans’ secondary from 1977-80, and his unmatched physicality made him a dominant presence on defense. Playing with the ferocity of a linebacker while maintaining the agility of a defensive back, Lott instilled fear in opposing receivers. During his time at USC, the team compiled a combined record of 39-8-1, consistently fielding a top-ranked defense. In 1980, Lott was a unanimous All-American, leading the NCAA with eight interceptions. He was also a member of USC’s 1978 national championship team.

Honorable mentions: Marshall Goldberg (Pitt)

No. 43: Troy Polamalu, S, USC

Another legendary USC safety, Polamalu was a two-time All-American and one of the most formidable defensive backs in college football during the 2000s. His versatility and instincts made him a standout player, with an uncanny ability to read plays. His closing speed and tackling made him one of the most respected defenders in USC history, contributing to the program’s resurgence under Pete Carroll.

Honorable mentions: Terry Kinard (Clemson), Darren Sproles (Kansas State), Joe Routt (Texas A&M)

No. 44: Jim Brown, RB, Syracuse

Brown is widely regarded as one of the greatest running backs ever, having excelled at Syracuse from 1954-56, accumulating over 2,000 yards in just 24 games. He also showcased his talents in basketball, track and field, and lacrosse while at Syracuse. In 1956, he was a unanimous All-American after leading the nation with 13 rushing touchdowns.

Honorable mentions: Ernie Davis (Syracuse), Brian Bosworth (Oklahoma), Dan Morgan (Miami)

No. 45: Archie Griffin, RB, Ohio State

To this day, Archie Griffin stands as the only two-time Heisman Trophy winner. The former Buckeye star rushed for over 1,400 yards in three consecutive seasons, concluding his career with 5,589 rushing yards, an NCAA record at the time. Since his tenure at Ohio State, Griffin not only posted impressive numbers but was pivotal in the team’s success, leading the Buckeyes to a 40-5-1 record with him as the starting tailback, securing four Big Ten titles and becoming the only player in NCAA history to start in four Rose Bowls.

Honorable mentions: Sammy Baugh (TCU)

No. 46: Bob Ferguson, FB, Ohio State

The third fullback on this list, Ferguson was a two-time unanimous All-American at Ohio State. He amassed over 2,000 rushing yards during his collegiate career, ranking second all-time in rushing at OSU when his career ended. Ferguson won the Maxwell Award and was a Heisman Trophy runner-up in 1961, contributing significantly to the Buckeyes’ national championship victory.

Honorable mentions: Khalil Mack (Buffalo)

No. 47: Michael Irvin, WR, Miami (Fla.)

Irvin helped establish The U as a dominant football program in the late 1980s. His blend of size, speed, and attitude made him an archetype of wide receivers in the present day. The former Hurricane standout set program records with 2,423 receiving yards and 26 receiving touchdowns throughout three seasons at Miami. He was a three-time All-American and played a crucial role on the 1987 Miami team that won the national championship.

Honorable mentions: Bennie Oosterbaan (Michigan), A.J. Hawk (Ohio State)

No. 48: Gale Sayers, RB, Kansas

Sayers earned the nickname “Kansas Comet” due to his exceptional speed, elusiveness, and ability to make big plays. He accumulated over 4,000 all-purpose yards in just three seasons at Kansas, a program that did not enjoy national prominence. A two-time consensus All-American, Sayers is regarded as the greatest player in Kansas football history.

Honorable mentions: Terrell Suggs (Arizona State), Angelo Bertelli (Notre Dame)

No. 49: Julius Peppers, DE, North Carolina

Imagine a 6-foot-7, 295-pound defensive end charging toward you. That was the reality for opposing quarterbacks in the ACC during Peppers’ time at North Carolina. He concluded his three-year career at UNC with 30.5 sacks, including 15 in his sophomore season, leading the nation. Peppers earned All-American honors twice and won the Bednarik Award, the Lombardi Award, and the Bill Willis Trophy during his junior year.

Honorable mentions: Patrick Willis (Ole Miss), Bob Chappuis (Michigan)

No. 50: Dick Butkus, LB, Illinois

Butkus was known for his hard-hitting style on defense, but he was equally dominant on the offensive line, playing center for the Fighting Illini in the 1960s. He was the heart and soul of Illinois during his playing days. A two-time All-American, Butkus helped lead the Illini to a Big Ten title and a Rose Bowl victory in 1963. The Butkus Award, established in 1985, honors college football’s top linebacker and is named in his honor.

Honorable mentions: Dave Rimington (Nebraska)

What are your thoughts on the greatest college football players to wear Nos. 26-50?