Who Wore It Best? Greatest College Football Players by Jersey Number, 1-25

College Football: Who Wore It Best? Greatest College Football Players by Jersey Number, 1-25

Imagine you’re hanging out at a sports bar with friends when someone asks: Who is the greatest college football player to ever wear No. 34? How do you choose among six Hall of Fame running backs, all of whom amassed over 3,500 yards and scored 40 touchdowns during their college careers? This is the debate we faced while selecting the greatest college football players by jersey number, from No. 1 to No. 99 (CFB players were first permitted to wear No. ph365 bet 0 starting in 2020). This list highlights players’ performances throughout their college careers, considering prestigious awards such as the Heisman Trophy, All-American selections, game statistics, and winning percentages. With that in mind, here’s a glance at the greatest players in college football history to wear Nos. 1-25.

No. 1: Anthony Carter, WR, Michigan
One of the most electrifying wide receivers in college football history, Carter was a three-time All-American at Michigan. He concluded his remarkable college career with 161 receptions, 3,076 receiving yards, and 37 receiving touchdowns, all of which were program records at the time of his graduation. Carter was named Big Ten Conference MVP in his senior year and finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy race behind Herschel Walker, John Elway, and Eric Dickerson 8k8. login.
Honorable mentions: Larry Fitzgerald (Pitt), Percy Harvin (Florida), Kyler Murray (Oklahoma)

No. 2: Charles Woodson, CB, Michigan
Choosing the greatest college player to wear No. 2 wasn’t easy. While Cam Newton (Auburn), Deion Sanders (Florida State), and Johnny Manziel (Texas A&M) are all worthy contenders, Woodson’s dominance earned him the title of the best college player to wear No. 2. The former Michigan star was the first defensive player to win the Heisman Trophy after a remarkable 1997 season. He also won the Thorpe Award, Bednarik Award, and Walter Camp Award while leading the Wolverines to an undefeated regular season and a victory against Washington State in the Rose Bowl for a share of the national title.
Honorable mentions: Cam Newton (Auburn), Deion Sanders (Florida State), Johnny Manziel (Texas A&M)

No. 3: Keyshawn Johnson, WR, USC
Johnson delivered one of the greatest two-year performances for a wide receiver in college football history. After starting at West Los Angeles College, he transferred to USC and had back-to-back All-American seasons for the Trojans. In just 31 career games, Johnson caught 168 passes for 2,796 yards and 16 touchdowns. He was named MVP of the 1995 Cotton Bowl and the 1996 Rose Bowl before being selected as the first overall pick in the 1996 NFL Draft, becoming only the third wide receiver to achieve that feat.
Honorable mentions: Carson Palmer (USC), Joe Montana (Notre Dame)

No. 4: Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson
Watson not only makes the list as the best college football player to wear No. 4 but can also be considered among the greatest players in Clemson history. With a record of 32-3 in 35 career starts, he led the Tigers to back-to-back 14-1 seasons in 2015 and 2016. Watson guided Clemson to a victory over Alabama in the 2017 national championship, the program’s first title since 1981, finishing his career with 10,168 passing yards and 161 total touchdowns.
Honorable mentions: Brett Favre (Southern Miss), Terence Newman (Kansas State), Champ Bailey (Georgia)

No. 5: Reggie Bush, RB, USC
Often regarded as the most electrifying player in college football history, Bush made life difficult for opposing defenses during his three seasons at USC from 2003-2005. He was a two-time Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year and consensus All-American, in addition to winning the 2005 Heisman Trophy. As an elite rushing, receiving, and special teams threat, Bush concluded his college career with 6,551 total yards and 42 touchdowns.
Honorable mentions: Paul Hornung (Notre Dame), Darren McFadden (Arkansas), Jameis Winston (Florida State)

No. 6: Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
Oklahoma ranks among the top programs in college football history, currently sitting at No. 6 on the all-time wins list. However, it can be argued that Mayfield is the best player in the program’s history. As a walk-on, he threw for over 12,000 yards in three seasons as a starter and finished with a record of 33-6, earning three-time All-American honors and the 2017 Heisman Trophy, making him the first walk-on to take home the award.
Honorable mentions: Robbie Bosco (BYU), DeVonta Smith (Alabama)

No. 7: Danny Wuerffel, QB, Florida
Choosing the best college player to wear No. jilivs app 7 was challenging, with giants like John Elway, Michael Vick, and Eric Crouch also in the mix. Ultimately, Wuerffel, who led the nation in touchdown passes in consecutive seasons and won the 1996 Heisman Trophy, stood out above the rest. Over his four years as Florida’s quarterback, Wuerffel compiled a 45-6 record and finished with 10,875 passing yards and 114 passing touchdowns, guiding the Gators to their first national title in 1996.
Honorable mentions: Eric Crouch (Nebraska), John Elway (Stanford), Michael Vick (Virginia Tech)

No. 8: Davey O’Brien, QB, TCU
Being the namesake of the award given annually to the top quarterback in college football, O’Brien rightfully made this list. He excelled at TCU from 1936-38, delivering one of the greatest seasons in football history at that time. During the 1938 season, he threw for 1,457 yards, setting a Southwest Conference passing record while leading the Horned Frogs to an undefeated season and a national title. O’Brien was the first player to win both the Heisman Trophy and Maxwell Award in the same year.
Honorable mentions: Lamar Jackson (Louisville), Marcus Mariota (Oregon)

No. 9: Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
Burrow, who began his career at Ohio State, transferred to LSU before the 2018 season and proceeded to have one of the greatest single-season performances by a quarterback in college football history. He finished the 2019 season with 5,671 passing yards and 65 total touchdowns, a single-season FBS record. Beyond the statistics, Burrow led the Tigers to a perfect 15-0 record and a dominant win over Clemson in the 2020 College Football Playoff National Championship.
Honorable mentions: Steve McNair (Alcorn State)

No. 10: Vince Young, QB, Texas
While some may argue that Burrow had the single greatest season in college football history, others may contend that Young had the most memorable individual game. The former Texas star led the Longhorns during the unforgettable 2006 Rose Bowl, amassing an astounding 467 total yards and three touchdowns in a thrilling 41-38 win over USC. Over his college career, Young totaled 6,040 passing yards and 44 passing touchdowns, along with 3,127 rushing yards and 37 rushing scores. He was a consensus All-American in 2005 and received the Manning, Maxwell, and Davey O’Brien Awards while leading the Longhorns to the BCS national title. blend love
Honorable mentions: Robert Griffin III (Baylor), Troy Smith (Ohio State)

No jiliplay 888. 11: Matt Leinart, QB, USC
A two-time All-American and 2004 Heisman Trophy winner, Leinart was, without a doubt, a winner. He ended his USC career with a 37-2 record as a starter, leading the Trojans to an undefeated season during his junior year and a national championship in 2004. Leinart completed 64.8% of his passes for 10,693 yards and 99 touchdowns, concluding his career as SC’s all-time leader in career touchdown passes and completion percentage. His No. 11 is retired by the school, and he is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.
Honorable mentions: LaVar Arrington (Penn State), Steve Spurrier (Florida), Andre Ware (Houston)

No. 12: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
Choosing between Hunter, Roger Staubach, and Andrew Luck as the greatest college football player to wear No. 12 was difficult. However, considering Hunter’s transformative impact and his standout play on both sides of the ball, he takes this title. A two-time All-American and the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner, Hunter recorded 98 receptions for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns on offense while tallying 36 tackles and four interceptions on defense, often matching up against the opposing team’s top wide receivers. He is the first player to win both the Bednarik Award for the best defensive player and the Biletnikoff Award for the best wide receiver. Hunter exemplifies the term “generational talent.”
Honorable mentions: Andrew Luck (Stanford), Roger Staubach (Navy), Charles White (USC)

No. 13: Dan Marino, QB, Pitt
Marino brought elite arm talent and performed exceptionally in big games during his time at Pitt. He held a 33-3 record as the starting quarterback from 1979-1982 and consistently threw for at least 1,600 yards and 10 touchdowns in four consecutive seasons. Marino wrapped up his college career with over 8,500 passing yards and 79 passing touchdowns, receiving first-team All-American honors and finishing in the top 10 of the Heisman Trophy voting in both 1981 and 1982.
Honorable mentions: Gino Torretta (Miami), Tua Tagovailoa (Alabama), Caleb Williams (USC)

No. 14: Ty Detmer, QB, BYU
Detmer’s time at BYU was nothing short of special, as he broke more than 50 NCAA passing records by the end of his collegiate career. He finished with 15,301 passing yards, 121 touchdown passes, and a 162.7 passer rating, all NCAA records at the time. His 1990 season is considered one of the greatest individual seasons in the sport’s history, with 5,188 passing yards and 41 touchdowns, ultimately earning him the Heisman Trophy.
Honorable mentions: Sam Bradford (Oklahoma)

No. 15: Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
Tebow is one of the most accomplished players in college football history, leading Florida to the 2006 and 2008 BCS national championships. He concluded his college career with 9,286 passing yards and 88 passing touchdowns, along with 2,947 rushing yards and an impressive 57 rushing scores. A three-time All-American and 2007 Heisman Trophy winner, Tebow was the first player to win the award as a sophomore. His record as a starter at Florida was 35-6.
Honorable mentions: Tommie Frazier (Nebraska), Drew Brees (Purdue)

No. 16: Peyton Manning, QB, Tennessee
Manning dazzled at Tennessee from 1994-97 and is often regarded as among the greatest quarterbacks of all time. He set numerous program records, including those for passing yards, touchdowns, and completions. Manning’s 1997 season is considered one of the greatest seasons in college football history, during which he threw for 3,819 yards and 36 touchdowns while leading the Volunteers to an 11-2 record. That year, he won the Maxwell and Davey O’Brien Awards and was the runner-up in the Heisman Trophy voting to Woodson.
Honorable mentions: Jim Plunkett (Stanford), Chris Weinke (Florida State), Trevor Lawrence (Clemson)

No. 17: Charlie Ward, QB, Florida State
Ward was an exceptional athlete who starred as quarterback for Florida State from 1990-93, while also playing for the Seminoles basketball team. His outstanding 1993 season saw him throw for over 3,000 yards and 27 touchdowns, leading FSU to its first national championship. Ward won the Heisman Trophy, doing so by one of the largest margins in the award’s history. He chose to enter the 1994 NBA Draft instead of pursuing an NFL career and was picked in the first round by the New York Knicks, where he enjoyed a successful 10-year basketball career.
Honorable mentions: Philip Rivers (NC State), Bobby Dodd (Tennessee)

No. 18: Archie Manning, QB, Ole Miss
The second Manning on this list, Archie was a standout at Ole Miss from 1968-70. A true dual-threat quarterback, he passed for 4,752 yards and 31 touchdowns while also rushing for 823 yards and 25 touchdowns. He finished in the top four of the Heisman Trophy voting in both 1969 and 1970. In honor of Manning’s No. 18 jersey, the speed limit on the University of Mississippi campus is set at 18 miles per hour.
Honorable mentions: Jason White (Oklahoma), Roman Gabriel (NC State), Marvin Harrison Jr. (Ohio State)

No. 19: Eric Dickerson, RB, SMU
As the face of the Pony Express, Dickerson dominated opposing defenses during his time at SMU. He concluded his career with 4,450 rushing yards on 790 carries, breaking the previous Southwest Conference record set by the legendary Earl Campbell. Dickerson was a two-time All-American and placed third in the Heisman Trophy voting during his senior year behind Walker and Elway. His No. 19 jersey was retired by SMU.
Honorable mentions: Rashaan Salaam (Colorado)

No. 20: Earl Campbell, RB, Texas
Recognized as one of the greatest running backs in college football history, Campbell made a significant impact at Texas, rushing for an incredible 4,443 yards and 40 touchdowns during his four seasons. Known for his bruising running style, he was considered one of the most feared backs in history. Campbell led the nation in rushing during his senior year with 1,744 yards and 18 touchdowns, winning the 1977 Heisman Trophy as the first Longhorn to receive such an honor.
Honorable mentions: Johnny Rodgers (Nebraska), Billy Sims (Oklahoma), Ed Reed (Miami)

No. 21: Barry Sanders, RB, Oklahoma State
Sanders is often regarded as one of the finest running backs in college football history. His elusiveness and ability to evade tackles were unparalleled. In three years at Oklahoma State, he accumulated 3,556 rushing yards and 48 rushing touchdowns, but it was his junior season that truly shone. He set more than 30 NCAA rushing records and still holds the record for the most rushing yards in a season (2,628), rushing touchdowns in a season (37), and games with over 300 rushing yards in a single season (four). Sanders won the 1988 Heisman Trophy, and his No. 21 has been retired by the university.
Honorable mentions: Desmond Howard (Michigan), Calvin Johnson (Georgia Tech)

No. 22: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
Ingram had a stellar three-year college career at Alabama, rushing for over 3,300 yards and recording 42 touchdowns while contributing to a combined 36-5 record from 2008-2010. His 2009 season was one of the best in program history, with 1,658 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns, culminating in a national championship victory. He won the 2009 Heisman Trophy, becoming the first Alabama player to achieve this honor.
Honorable mentions: Doug Flutie (Boston College), Emmitt Smith (Florida)

No. 23: Leroy Keyes, CB/RB, Purdue
Before Hunter, there was Keyes, who excelled at Purdue as a two-way player during the late 1960s. Keyes amassed over 2,000 rushing yards, 1,204 receiving yards, and 44 total touchdowns, despite starting only two years on offense after switching from defense. He finished in the top three of Heisman voting in both his junior and senior seasons.
Honorable mentions: Jim Swink (TCU), Jonathan Taylor (Wisconsin)

No. 24: Nile Kinnick, HB, Iowa
Kinnick was versatile on the gridiron. Regarded as the greatest player to wear an Iowa jersey, he contributed significantly as a quarterback, halfback, kicker, punter, and defensive back during the late 1930s. He remains the only Iowa player to have won the Heisman Trophy, showcasing a remarkable 1939 season where he contributed to nearly 70% of the Hawkeyes’ total offensive production. Kinnick helped lead Iowa to a 6-1-1 record that year, scoring 16 of the team’s 19 touchdowns. Iowa’s stadium is named Kinnick Stadium in his honor, making it the only college football stadium named after a Heisman winner.
Honorable mentions: Pete Dawkins (Army), Kevin Smith (UCF), Joe Washington (Oklahoma)

No. 25: Fred Biletnikoff, WR, Florida State
The annual Fred Biletnikoff Award honors the most outstanding receiver in college football. Therefore, it’s fitting that the former Florida State standout is recognized in this compilation. Biletnikoff may not have been the fastest or biggest player on the field, but his talent for making incredible catches was unmatched. He excelled not only on offense but also made a mark on defense during his junior season. As a senior, the former Seminole led the nation in both receiving yards (1,179) and receiving touchdowns (15) while achieving consensus All-American status, becoming the first player in Florida State football history to do so.
Honorable mentions: Tommy McDonald (Oklahoma), Melvin Gordon (Wisconsin), Rocket Ismail (Notre Dame)

What are your thoughts on these legendary college football players and their jersey numbers?