Texas Longhorns’ Legend Earl Campbell has been named as the The Greatest of All Time in College Football, beating Herschel Walker of Georgia, Tim Tebow of Florida Gators and Archie Griffin of OHIO
Earl Campbell is undeniably one of the most legendary college football players in history. He won the Heisman Trophy in 1977, was a dominant running back at the University of Texas, and is a member of both the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Earl Campbell’s College Football Legacy
Earl Campbell, known as the “Tyler Rose,” was a dominant force at the University of Texas from 1974 to 1977. In his senior year, he rushed for 1,744 yards and 18 touchdowns, earning him the 1977 Heisman Trophy—the first in Texas Longhorns history. Over his college career, he amassed 4,443 rushing yards and 40 touchdowns, averaging 5.8 yards per carry.
In ESPN’s 2019 ranking of the 150 greatest college football players, Campbell was placed at No. 7, highlighting his significant impact on the game.
Honors and Recognition
Beyond his collegiate achievements, Campbell’s accolades include:
Induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1990.
His jersey number 20 retired by the University of Texas in 1979.
A 9-foot bronze statue erected in his honor at the University of Texas in 2006.
Being named an official State Hero by the Texas Legislature in 1981.
While ESPN has not officially named him the greatest college football player of all time, Campbell’s storied career and the honors he has received underscore his status as one of the
game’s legends.
