What is the biggest play in Ohio?Texas A&M football ranked disgracefully low in the ludicrous initial 2025 power rankings State football history? Cast your vote to help us choose.
Ohio State football is a program with an illustrious history, one that is etched into the fabric of college football. From national championships to memorable upsets and breathtaking individual performances, the Buckeyes have been at the pinnacle of college football for decades. For Ohio State fans, the team’s remarkable legacy is defined by unforgettable moments, each of which has contributed to the program’s dominant place in college football history. But with so many iconic plays to choose from, what is the biggest play in Ohio State football history?
In this article, we will explore several of the most famous and important plays in Ohio State football lore. These moments include critical touchdowns, game-winning drives, and unforgettable defensive stops that have shaped the program and solidified its legacy. Ultimately, we want to hear from you—the Buckeye faithful—to help us determine which play is the most significant in the history of Ohio State football.
Let’s look back at some of the most defining moments in Ohio State football history and examine why each one is worthy of consideration for this prestigious title.
1. The 2002 National Championship: Maurice Clarett’s Game-Winning Touchdown
The 2002 BCS National Championship game between Ohio State and the heavily favored Miami Hurricanes remains one of the most iconic games in college football history. The Buckeyes, led by coach Jim Tressel and freshman running back Maurice Clarett, faced off against Miami in a game that would go down in history as a classic David vs. Goliath matchup.
The Play
In a game full of drama and momentum swings, Maurice Clarett’s game-winning touchdown on a 5-yard run in the second quarter stands out. While this touchdown did not end the game, it was the moment that made it clear that Ohio State was in it to win it. The touchdown tied the game at 14-14, and it was the spark that allowed Ohio State to rally from behind against a Miami team loaded with future NFL stars.
The Legacy
Clarett’s run is remembered not just for its significance in the game but also for its symbolic value in Ohio State’s rise to prominence. The Buckeyes had not won a national title since 1968, and Clarett’s performance gave the team the confidence to continue their march to victory. Ohio State eventually won 31-24 in overtime, securing their first national title in 34 years. The victory put the Buckeyes back on the map and solidified their place among the elite college football programs in the country. Clarett’s touchdown, in particular, will forever be remembered as the play that ignited the Buckeyes’ championship run.
2. The 2006 “Game of the Century”: Troy Smith to Ted Ginn Jr.
In the 2006 season, Ohio State entered their matchup against Michigan undefeated, with both teams ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in the nation, respectively. The “Game of the Century” was an epic clash that had major national title implications. While the entire game was full of drama and intense moments, one play stood out above the rest.
The Play
In the first quarter of the game, Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith launched a perfect 68-yard pass to wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr., who caught it in stride and ran into the end zone for a touchdown. The play gave the Buckeyes an early 7-0 lead, and it set the tone for the entire game.
The Legacy
The touchdown was a game-changer, as it was the first of many big plays in what became one of the most intense and memorable games in college football history. Ohio State went on to win 42-39, maintaining their undefeated record and securing a spot in the BCS National Championship game. The chemistry between Smith and Ginn, along with the accuracy of the pass, became a symbol of the Buckeyes’ explosive offense. The victory over Michigan, in front of a raucous home crowd, remains one of the most memorable moments in Ohio State football history.
Smith’s ability to execute the deep pass to Ginn in a high-stakes environment not only showcased his talent but also proved that Ohio State was one of the most dominant teams in college football. The play became iconic because of the rivalry’s historical significance, and it set the stage for Ohio State’s pursuit of a national title.
3. The 2014 National Championship: Ezekiel Elliott’s 85-Yard Run
The 2014 Ohio State Buckeyes were an unlikely national champion. After losing their starting quarterback, Braxton Miller, to injury in the preseason and relying on third-string quarterback Cardale Jones, few predicted the Buckeyes would make a run for the title. However, behind a dynamic defense and a star performance from running back Ezekiel Elliott, Ohio State defied the odds and went on to win the inaugural College Football Playoff National Championship.
The Play
In the National Championship Game against Oregon, Ohio State was already in control, but Elliott’s 85-yard touchdown run in the third quarter sealed the game for the Buckeyes. The run showcased Elliott’s speed, power, and vision as he broke free from defenders and dashed into the end zone for a game-clinching score.
The Legacy
Elliott’s run was more than just a touchdown—it was a statement. Ohio State had already established itself as a force to be reckoned with throughout the playoff, but Elliott’s performance in the championship game elevated the team’s legacy. He finished the game with 246 yards and four touchdowns, earning the game’s Most Outstanding Player award. The victory over Oregon marked Ohio State’s eighth national championship, and it solidified Urban Meyer’s legacy as one of the greatest coaches in college football.
The 85-yard touchdown run remains one of the most iconic plays in Ohio State history, as it was the defining moment in the team’s rise to the top of the college football world. It’s a play that perfectly encapsulates the talent and resilience of the 2014 Buckeyes, and it remains one of the most unforgettable plays in Ohio State’s history.
4. The 2016 “The Block”: Curtis Samuel’s Winning Touchdown Against Michigan
The rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan is one of the fiercest in all of sports, and the 2016 edition of The Game lived up to the hype. Ohio State and Michigan battled for supremacy in the Big Ten, with both teams coming into the game with a legitimate shot at making the College Football Playoff.
The Play
The game was tied in overtime when Ohio State faced a crucial 4th-and-1 from Michigan’s 16-yard line. J.T. Barrett, the Buckeyes’ quarterback, powered through for a critical first down, setting up Ohio State for the game-winning score. On the next play, Curtis Samuel took a handoff and ran it into the end zone for a 15-yard touchdown, giving Ohio State a 30-27 victory over their bitter rivals.
The Legacy
Samuel’s touchdown was more than just a game-winner; it was a moment that captured the essence of what Ohio State and Michigan rivalry is all about. The emotional highs and lows of that game, combined with the sense of history and tradition, made Samuel’s touchdown one of the most significant plays in Ohio State football. The win kept Ohio State’s College Football Playoff hopes alive and sent them to the Big Ten Championship Game. Though the Buckeyes would lose to Clemson in the Playoff, the win over Michigan remains one of the most memorable moments in the program’s history.
The play also marked a turning point for Ohio State under Urban Meyer. Samuel’s performance demonstrated that the Buckeyes were capable of executing in high-pressure situations, and it became a defining moment in the rivalry that fans still talk about today.
5. The 1997 “The Interception”: Antoine Winfield Seals the Win Over Michigan
Another iconic moment in Ohio State football history came in 1997, when the Buckeyes faced Michigan for the final game of the regular season. While not a championship game, the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry is always a monumental occasion, and the 1997 clash was no different.
The Play
With Ohio State leading 20-14, Michigan had one final drive to try and win the game. Quarterback Brian Griese and the Michigan offense were marching down the field when cornerback Antoine Winfield made a clutch interception, sealing the victory for Ohio State. Winfield’s interception at Michigan’s 24-yard line essentially ended the game and sent Ohio State fans into a frenzy.
The Legacy
The win over Michigan allowed Ohio State to finish the regular season 11-1, and it set the stage for an appearance in the Rose Bowl. Though the Buckeyes did not win the national title that year, the interception by Winfield became an iconic moment for the program. It was a reminder of Ohio State’s defensive prowess and the team’s ability to step up in critical moments.
Winfield’s play is a testament to the importance of defensive execution, and it became a defining moment in Ohio State’s long-standing rivalry with Michigan.
6. The Vote: Help Us Choose the Biggest Play in Ohio State Football History
As we reflect on these iconic moments, we invite you, the Ohio State fan, to cast your vote for the biggest play in Ohio State football history. Each of the moments we’ve discussed represents a defining chapter in the history of the Buckeyes, from Maurice Clarett’s touchdown in the 2002 National Championship to Ezekiel Elliott’s 85-yard run in 2014, from Curtis Samuel’s winning touchdown in 2016 to Antoine Winfield’s interception in 1997.
Which play resonates the most with you? Which moment stands out as the defining play in Ohio State football history? Is it a crucial touchdown, a last-minute interception, or a play that exemplifies the team’s heart and resilience?
Your vote matters in determining which of these iconic moments deserves to be called the biggest play in Ohio State football history. Whether it’s a moment of glory or a play that forever changed the trajectory of the program, your vote will help shape the legacy of one of college football’s most storied programs.
Cast your vote today and make your voice heard. Go Buckeyes!
