Jaylen McClain Names Archie Griffin Greatest Buckeye
The Ohio State safety picked the two-time Heisman winner over other Buckeye legends in a rapid-fire video.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Football
Ohio State safety Jaylen McClain named Archie Griffin the greatest Buckeye ever in a recent video posted to the program's social accounts. Griffin, a running back from 1972 to 1975, is the only two-time Heisman Trophy winner in college football history.
Why it matters
The answer offers a fresh snapshot of how current Buckeye players view the program's history, tying a player's perspective to one of its most decorated figures. It also keeps Griffin's legacy in front of fans and recruits in Columbus.
Griffin is Ohio State's all-time leader with 924 rushing attempts and 5,589 rushing yards. The source does not specify how many other Buckeye greats were considered in the video.
The players
Jaylen McClain
McClain is an Ohio State safety who gave the answer naming Griffin in the video.
Archie Griffin
Griffin is a former Ohio State running back and the only two-time Heisman Trophy winner in college football history.
The details
In a rapid-fire question series posted to Ohio State's social accounts, McClain was asked to name the greatest Buckeye, and he chose Griffin. Griffin's No. 45 is retired at Ohio Stadium, and he was named to the AP's all-time All-American team last year.
Timeline
Griffin played for Ohio State from 1972 to 1975 and won the Heisman in 1974 and 1975.
The video was posted recently on Ohio State's social accounts.
Season Trajectory
Griffin remains the benchmark for Ohio State's running back tradition, with his two Heisman Trophies still unmatched in college football. McClain's answer keeps that record at the center of program identity as the Buckeyes head toward the Big Ten Championship Game and the College Football Playoff.
For Ohio State followers, the answer signals how current players frame the program's standard-setters heading into the late-season schedule. It gives fans a clear reference point for debates about the program's all-time greats.
The takeaway
McClain's choice shows that Griffin's Heisman-winning standard still shapes how Ohio State players define greatness. Following the program's remaining 2026 games will show whether that legacy keeps influencing the team's identity.
What happens next
Ohio State's next key dates include the Oregon game on Nov. 6, 2026, The Game on Nov. 28, 2026, and the Big Ten Championship Game on Dec. 5, 2026.
Further reading
Explore more Columbus Football coverage for context on the Buckeyes' program history.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cleveland.
