The Most Famous College Football Player, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the college football player you think is the most famous!

Updated on May 1, 2024 07:05

In the whirlwind of anticipation and zeal that accompanies each college football season, fans and sports enthusiasts often find themselves heatedly debating over which player tops the charts in fame and skill. Establishing a clear ranking of the most famous college football players helps to answer this perennial query, offering a snapshot of those who've captured the public's imagination and applause through exceptional performances on the field. By participating in ranking these athletes, fans contribute to a celebration of talent and hard work, while providing guidance and insights for new fans and other interested observers. Such rankings not only highlight current favorites but also reflect dynamic shifts in popularity and performance, guiding discussions and fan engagement throughout the college football community.

Who Is the Most Famous College Football Player?

1

24
votes
Congressional staff member · Public domain

Herschel Walker

Walker is widely considered one of the greatest college football players of all time. He won the Heisman Trophy in 1982 and led the Georgia Bulldogs to a national championship in 1980.
Herschel Walker in other rankings
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous person from Georgia
2

33
votes
Clemed · CC BY-SA 3.0

Tim Tebow

Tebow is a two-time national champion and Heisman Trophy winner, known for his leadership and charismatic personality on and off the field.
Tim Tebow in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous person in Jacksonville, FL
3

29
votes

U.S. Army Materiel Command (AMC Photo by Chris Putman) · CC BY 2.0

Bo Jackson

Jackson was a two-sport star at Auburn, excelling in both football and baseball. He won the Heisman Trophy in 1985 and is still regarded as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
4

18
votes
Stepshep (talk) · CC BY-SA 3.0

Archie Griffin

Griffin is the only player in history to win the Heisman Trophy twice, in 1974 and 1975. He was a star running back at Ohio State and helped lead the Buckeyes to two conference titles and a national championship.
Archie Griffin in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Ohio State University football player
5

16
votes
The original uploader was Timothymonaghan at English Wikipedia. · CC BY-SA 3.0

Barry Sanders

Sanders set numerous records during his time at Oklahoma State, including rushing for over 2,600 yards and 37 touchdowns in a single season. He won the Heisman Trophy in 1988 and went on to have a successful NFL career.
Barry Sanders in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous running back
- Position 8 of 10 in Most talented NFL players of all time
6

5
votes

Erik Daniel Drost · CC BY 2.0

Johnny Manziel

Manziel, also known as "Johnny Football," became a household name during his time at Texas A&M. He won the Heisman Trophy in 2012 and was known for his flashy style of play and improvisational skills.
7

14
votes

Keith Johnston from Vernon, Canada · CC0

Vince Young

Young led the Texas Longhorns to a national championship in 2005 and was named the game's MVP. He was a dynamic dual-threat quarterback and won numerous awards during his college career.
8

6
votes
sportiqe · CC BY-SA 2.0

Cam Newton

Newton won the Heisman Trophy in 2010 and led Auburn to a national championship that same year. He was a dominant force on the field, known for his size, speed, and arm strength.
Cam Newton is a highly debated NFL player who gained significant attention during his career. He was a quarterback known for his athletic prowess and versatile playing style. Newton entered the league as the first overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft and played for the Carolina Panthers from 2011 to 2019. He later joined the New England Patriots in 2020. Throughout his career, Cam Newton demonstrated exceptional running abilities, size, and arm strength. However, his inconsistency in accuracy and decision-making has been subject to criticism, leading to divided opinions on his overall impact as a quarterback.

Position: Quarterback

Draft Year: 2011

Teams: Carolina Panthers (2011-2019), New England Patriots (2020)

Height: 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 meters)

Weight: 245 pounds (111 kg)
Cam Newton in other rankings
- Position 6 of 10 in Most overrated NFL player
9

6
votes
Phil Konstantin · Public domain

Jim Brown

Brown was a standout running back at Syracuse and went on to have a Hall of Fame career in the NFL. He was a three-time All-American and finished fifth in the Heisman voting in 1956.
Jim Brown in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most talented NFL players of all time
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous lacrosse player
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous running back
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous person in the Hall of Fame
10

2
votes

Goudey · Public domain

Red Grange

Grange, also known as the "Galloping Ghost," was a star at Illinois in the early 1900s. He was known for his speed and agility and helped popularize college football in the United States.

Missing your favorite college football player?

Graphs

Discussion

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous college football player. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Player is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1781 views
156 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Player once every 24 hours. The rank of each Player is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous college football player

College football is one of the most popular sports in the United States and has produced some of the most iconic figures in sports history. From legendary coaches to record-breaking players, college football has captured the hearts of millions of fans across the country. When it comes to college football players, there are countless names that come to mind. Some have broken records, won championships, and become household names, while others have left an indelible mark on the sport through their contributions on and off the field. For this poll, we're asking the question: "Who is the most famous college football player?" It's a tough one to answer, considering the countless players who have made an impact on the sport. From Heisman Trophy winners to players who have shattered records, there are plenty of contenders vying for the title of most famous college football player. Join us as we dive deep into the world of college football and explore the incredible players who have made their mark on the sport. Who will come out on top? Only time (and your votes) will tell!