Earl Campbell Named Greatest College Football Player of All Time by ESPN

In a historic recognition of college football’s finest, ESPN has crowned Texas Longhorns icon Earl Campbell as the Greatest College Football Player of All Time. The announcement came during the celebration of 150 years of college football, placing Campbell ahead of other legends such as Herschel Walker (Georgia), Tim Tebow (Florida), and Archie Griffin (Ohio State).

Nicknamed the “Tyler Rose,” Campbell’s crowning as the GOAT not only highlights his exceptional talent but also ignites debates across the sports world.

Earl Campbell’s Legendary Career with the Texas Longhorns

Born on March 29, 1955, in Tyler, Texas, Earl Campbell’s college journey at the University of Texas (1974–1977) changed the way running backs were viewed in the game.

• Freshman Year (1974): Rushed for 928 yards and 6 touchdowns.
• Senior Year (1977): Exploded for 1,744 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns, leading Texas to an undefeated 11-0 regular season.
• Career Totals: Amassed 4,443 rushing yards, setting a then-school record.
• Accolades: 1977 Heisman Trophy winner, Texas’s first ever; two-time All-American; three-time All-Southwest Conference selection.

Campbell’s playing style was legendary—built on power, speed, and an unmatched ability to bulldoze defenders. His 34½-inch thighs became the stuff of football lore, symbolizing the raw strength that made him unstoppable.

Did you know? In 2006, the University of Texas honored Campbell by renaming its field Campbell-Williams Field, cementing his legacy for future generations.

The Contenders: Walker, Tebow, and Griffin

While Campbell earned the GOAT crown, his competition was nothing short of remarkable.

• Herschel Walker (Georgia, 1980–1982): Rushed for 5,259 yards and 49 touchdowns, winning the 1982 Heisman Trophy and leading the Bulldogs to a national title.
• Tim Tebow (Florida, 2006–2009): A dual-threat quarterback with 9,285 passing yards, 2,947 rushing yards, and an incredible 145 total touchdowns, plus two national championships.
• Archie Griffin (Ohio State, 1972–1975): The only two-time Heisman Trophy winner, rushing for 5,589 yards and setting a standard of consistency.

Each of these players built unforgettable legacies, but ESPN’s panel of 150 experts believed Campbell’s dominance and cultural impact placed him above them all.

Why Earl Campbell Stands Above the Rest

So what makes Earl Campbell the greatest college football player ever?

1. Unmatched Physicality – His punishing runs often left defenders battered, redefining the role of the running back.
2. Historic 1977 Season – A year of total dominance, with over 1,700 rushing yards, 19 touchdowns, and a Heisman Trophy.
3. Cultural Impact – Campbell wasn’t just a player—he became a symbol of Texas football toughness and pride.
4. Lasting Recognition – Honored at the 2020 national championship game, his name continues to echo in football history.

Campbell’s blend of stats, awards, and influence made him an easy choice for many, even against other all-time greats.

The Debate Among Fans

Not everyone agrees with ESPN’s pick, which makes the conversation even more exciting:

• Tim Tebow supporters argue that his leadership and two national titles should rank him higher.
• Archie Griffin advocates highlight his unmatched back-to-back Heismans.
• Herschel Walker fans claim his immediate freshman dominance changed the game forever.

Still, most acknowledge that Campbell’s power, speed, and legendary 1977 season set him apart as the true GOAT.

Earl Campbell’s Lasting Legacy

Earl Campbell’s story is more than football—it’s about resilience, hard work, and the rise of a Texas hometown hero. His dominance inspired generations of running backs and continues to shape the identity of the Texas Longhorns program.

Today, his Heisman Trophy, Hall of Fame induction, and the title of “Greatest College Football Player of All Time” stand as proof of his unmatched greatness.

👉 Read more on Sportwp about legendary players and historic college football moments.

FAQs About Earl Campbell

Q: Why did ESPN rank Earl Campbell as the greatest college football player?
A: His dominant 1977 season, physical running style, and overall impact on the game made him the panel’s top choice.

Q: Who are the other top contenders for the GOAT title?
A: Herschel Walker, Tim Tebow, and Archie Griffin were the closest challengers.

Q: What legacy did Earl Campbell leave behind at Texas?
A: Beyond his records and Heisman Trophy, Campbell remains a cultural icon, with Texas renaming its stadium field in his honor.