What is the biggest play in Ohio State football history? Cast your vote to help us choose.
Ohio State football is steeped in a rich tradition of greatness, filled with unforgettable moments and game-changing plays that have helped define one of college football’s most iconic programs. From national championships to rivalry games, the Buckeyes have a history of high-stakes moments where a single play can change the course of a season—or even a lifetime of fandom. But with so many incredible memories to choose from, it’s time to ask the fans: What is the biggest play in Ohio State football history?
In this article, we’ll look back at some of the most memorable and impactful plays in the program’s history. We’ll examine what made each play special, how it impacted the team and fan base, and ultimately, why it might deserve to be considered the biggest play in Ohio State football history. Whether it’s a thrilling touchdown, a critical defensive stop, or a moment that defined a season, these plays will remain forever etched in the hearts and minds of Buckeye fans everywhere.
And at the end of this journey, we want you, the Ohio State fan, to cast your vote on which play should hold the title of “The Biggest Play in Ohio State Football History.”
1. The 2002 National Championship: Maurice Clarett’s Touchdown Run
Let’s begin with one of the most important plays in recent Ohio State history: Maurice Clarett’s game-winning touchdown run in the 2002 BCS National Championship game against the Miami Hurricanes.
The Play
The Buckeyes were trailing 14-7 early in the second quarter, and the offense was struggling to find its rhythm against Miami’s tough defense. After Miami had just gone up by a touchdown, Maurice Clarett, the freshman sensation, took a handoff and ran 5 yards for the touchdown that would tie the game at 14-14. This score was a key turning point in a game that would go down in history.
While the play itself may not have been the most dramatic in terms of athleticism, the significance of Clarett’s touchdown cannot be overstated. At the time, it was a critical moment in a game that was set to define Ohio State’s place in the college football world. The Buckeyes had not won a national championship in over 30 years, and Clarett’s run set the tone for a defense-heavy battle that saw Ohio State eventually win 31-24 in overtime.
The Legacy
This touchdown run was more than just a play—it symbolized the rise of Ohio State under head coach Jim Tressel. It helped cement Clarett’s status as a college football legend and put Ohio State back at the pinnacle of college football. The Buckeyes went on to win their first national title since 1968, and Clarett’s touchdown was the spark that ignited their historic championship run.
2. The 2006 “Game of the Century”: Troy Smith’s Perfect Pass to Ted Ginn Jr.
The 2006 season brought one of the most electric and exciting seasons in Ohio State history. Heading into the season, the Buckeyes were ranked No. 1, and their showdown against No. 2 Michigan was billed as the “Game of the Century.” Ohio State’s offense, led by Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Troy Smith, was firing on all cylinders. But it was a moment early in that game that would set the tone.
The Play
Early in the first quarter, with Ohio State and Michigan tied at 0-0, Smith dropped back to pass on the Buckeyes’ second possession. He then launched a perfect deep ball down the sideline to wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr., who outran the Michigan secondary for a 68-yard touchdown. The strike gave Ohio State a lead they would never relinquish, and the Buckeyes went on to win 42-39 in one of the most thrilling college football games of all time.
The play itself was a perfect example of the offensive balance that Ohio State had that year. Smith’s accuracy, Ginn’s speed, and the Buckeyes’ explosive ability to make big plays all came together on that one moment, setting the tone for a victory that would eventually propel Ohio State to the BCS National Championship Game.
The Legacy
The win over Michigan helped Ohio State remain undefeated and solidified Troy Smith’s Heisman campaign. It also gave the Buckeyes a commanding spot in the national championship race. While they would eventually lose to Florida in the title game, the victory over Michigan remains one of the most iconic moments in Ohio State history. It is remembered for the sheer drama of the game, the intense rivalry, and the connection between Smith and Ginn, two players who became legends in Columbus.
3. The 2008 “Holy Buckeye”: The 4th-and-1 Miracle Pass to Rory Nicol
Ohio State was facing a critical early-season test in 2008 against the Purdue Boilermakers. The Buckeyes were struggling on offense, and things weren’t looking great as they trailed Purdue late in the game. But in the face of adversity, Jim Tressel dialed up one of the most memorable plays in Ohio State history—a play that would forever be known as “Holy Buckeye.”
The Play
With Ohio State trailing Purdue by three points and facing a 4th-and-1 in the final minutes of the game, Tressel made the decision to go for it. Quarterback Todd Boeckman dropped back to pass and launched a deep ball to tight end Rory Nicol, who caught the ball in the end zone for a touchdown. The 4th-and-1 pass was a bold and surprising call, especially given the situation. It was an absolute shock to both the Purdue defense and the fans in the stadium.
The Legacy
The play was an absolute game-changer, and it helped Ohio State escape with a narrow victory. It became a defining moment in the Tressel era, highlighting the coach’s ability to make tough decisions in critical moments. The “Holy Buckeye” play was a reminder that, no matter how dire the situation, Ohio State always had the ability to pull off a big play when it mattered most. It was a moment that Buckeye fans would cherish for years to come.
4. The 2014 National Championship: Ezekiel Elliott’s Breakout Run
In 2014, Ohio State was coming off a disappointing loss in the Big Ten Championship game but managed to secure a spot in the inaugural College Football Playoff. The Buckeyes, led by third-string quarterback Cardale Jones, were an unlikely contender for the national title, but they pulled off two stunning wins in the playoffs against Alabama and Oregon. It was a moment that defined the program and took the Buckeyes to a new level of excellence.
The Play
In the National Championship Game against Oregon, Ohio State was leading by a comfortable margin, but the play that sealed the deal came late in the game with the Buckeyes up 42-20. Running back Ezekiel Elliott broke free for a 1-yard touchdown run, a play that secured Ohio State’s 42-20 victory and gave them their eighth national championship. But it was the 85-yard touchdown run earlier in the game that will forever be etched in fans’ memories. The run was a statement of Elliott’s power, speed, and determination, and it solidified his place in Buckeye lore.
The Legacy
Elliott’s performance in the National Championship Game was one of the greatest in Ohio State history. He rushed for 246 yards and four touchdowns in the title game, earning the game’s Most Outstanding Player award. The victory marked Ohio State’s first national championship in 12 years and was a moment of redemption for the program. It also ushered in a new era of dominance under head coach Urban Meyer. Elliott’s 85-yard run remains one of the most iconic in Ohio State’s history and is often cited as one of the biggest plays in the program’s proud history.
5. The 2016 “The Block”: Curtis Samuel’s Winning Touchdown Against Michigan
There’s no moment in Ohio State football history that quite matches the drama and emotion of the 2016 season-ending showdown against Michigan. In one of the greatest games ever played between these two historic rivals, Ohio State and Michigan went toe-to-toe for 60 minutes, trading blows in a battle that would ultimately decide the Big Ten Championship and playoff positioning.
The Play
With the game tied in overtime and the Buckeyes facing a crucial 4th-and-1 at the Michigan 16-yard line, quarterback J.T. Barrett managed to break the plane of the first down marker, setting up Ohio State for the game-winning score. On the next play, Curtis Samuel took a handoff and darted to the left, breaking free for a 15-yard touchdown that sealed the victory for Ohio State. The Buckeyes’ win over Michigan that day was a culmination of years of rivalry tension, and Samuel’s touchdown remains one of the defining moments in the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry.
The Legacy
The win not only sent Ohio State to the Big Ten Championship Game, but it also propelled them into the College Football Playoff, where they would ultimately lose to Clemson in the semifinal. Nevertheless, the victory over Michigan remains one of the most cherished moments in the rivalry, and Samuel’s touchdown is forever remembered as one of the most exciting and dramatic plays in Ohio State football history.
6. The Vote: Help Us Choose the Biggest Play in Ohio State Football History
Now that we’ve taken a look at some of the most iconic moments in Ohio State football history, it’s time to hear from you, the fans. Which play do you think deserves to be called the biggest play in Ohio State football history? Whether you’re a longtime fan or someone new to the Buckeye Nation, your opinion matters. The plays listed above are just a few of the countless moments that have made Ohio State football so special. But ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which play stands as the biggest.
Do you vote for Maurice Clarett’s game-winning touchdown in the 2002 National Championship? Troy Smith’s perfect pass to Ted Ginn Jr. in the “Game of the Century”? Or perhaps Ezekiel Elliott’s breakout run in the 2014 National Championship? Each of these moments represents a unique chapter in Ohio State football history, and now, you have the opportunity to make your voice heard.
Cast your vote and help determine the biggest play in Ohio State football history. Your vote could shape the legacy of one of college football’s most storied programs. Go Buckeyes!
