Earl Campbell Crowned Greatest College Football Player of All Time in Historic Fan & Expert Vote
In a landmark announcement that sent shockwaves through the world of college football, Earl Campbell—the bruising, iconic running back from the University of Texas—has been officially crowned the Greatest College Football Player of All Time, defeating legendary contenders Herschel Walker, Tim Tebow, and Archie Griffin in a months-long fan and panel vote conducted by ESPN and the College Football Hall of Fame.
The results were unveiled during a nationally televised special, “Legends of the Gridiron,” as thousands gathered at the Hall of Fame in Atlanta. Campbell, visibly moved, took the stage to a standing ovation, his old burnt orange No. 20 jersey waved proudly in the crowd. “This is bigger than me,” he said. “This is for my mama, for Tyler, Texas, for the Longhorns, and for every offensive line that ever blocked for me.”
Known as the “Tyler Rose,” Campbell dominated college football in the mid-1970s. In 1977, he ran for 1,744 yards and 19 touchdowns, earning the Heisman Trophy and unanimous All-American honors. His rare blend of raw power and surprising speed set a new standard for the running back position. Longhorn fans still recall the image of defenders bouncing off Campbell like ragdolls, unable to bring down the 5’11”, 230-pound freight train.
The final vote was not without drama. Herschel Walker, the 1982 Heisman winner from Georgia, had long been considered the frontrunner, with his three consecutive 1,600+ yard seasons and a national championship to his name. Tim Tebow, the charismatic dual-threat quarterback and two-time national champion at Florida, surged in late polling. And Archie Griffin, the only two-time Heisman winner in history, brought unmatched legacy credentials. But in the end, it was Campbell’s combination of physical dominance, cultural impact, and enduring reverence in the football community that tilted the scales.
Hall of Fame analyst Kirk Herbstreit remarked, “You can argue stats all day, but you felt Earl Campbell every time he touched the ball. There was violence in his runs, but also grace. He redefined the position.”
The campaign included a comprehensive panel of former coaches, media historians, and over 10 million fan votes. Notably, even rival schools tipped their hats. Alabama great Ozzie Newsome called Campbell “the one guy we all feared, no matter the uniform.”
To commemorate the honor, the University of Texas announced plans for a 30-foot bronze statue of Campbell outside Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium, set to be unveiled this fall during the Longhorns’ rivalry game against Oklahoma.
As college football evolves—with NIL deals, superconferences, and playoff expansions—this moment served as a reminder of the timeless excellence embodied by players like Earl Campbell. Legends may be debated, but on this day, one truth was undeniable: Earl Campbell now stands alone at the summit of college football greatness.
