Which Ohio State football team is the greatest ever? Help us pick by casting your vote

Determining the greatest Ohio State football team of all time is a challenging and nuanced task, given the program’s storied history filled with legendary squads that have achieved extraordinary success on the field. To accurately assess which team deserves this distinction, we must consider multiple factors: national championships, overall record, strength of schedule, dominance over opponents, key players, coaching excellence, and impact on the sport. In this comprehensive analysis, we will examine the most prominent contenders, explore their achievements in depth, and ultimately invite you, the fan, to cast your vote for the Ohio State team that you believe stands above all others.

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### The Legacy of Ohio State Football

Ohio State Buckeyes football boasts a rich tradition of excellence dating back to its inception in 1890. The program has claimed numerous national championships, produced countless NFL stars, and cultivated a football culture rooted in resilience, innovation, and competitive greatness. Over the decades, multiple teams have etched their names into history, each representing a different era of success, and each with compelling reasons to be considered the greatest.

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### Criteria for Selection

Before delving into specific teams, it’s essential to establish the criteria used to evaluate greatness:

– **National Championships:** Does the team claimed or is believed to have claimed a national title?
– **Dominance:** How decisively did they win games? Did they crush opponents or face tough challenges?
– **Strength of Schedule:** Did they face and overcome top-tier competition?
– **Key Players and Coaches:** Did they feature Hall of Fame talent and coaching?
– **Historical Impact:** Did they influence the game or leave a legacy that endures?
– **Consistency:** Were they dominant throughout the season or did they have a few close calls?

Using these parameters, we will analyze the top contenders.

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### Contenders for the Title of Greatest Ohio State Football Team

#### 1. The 2002 Ohio State Buckeyes

**Overview:** Coached by Jim Tressel, the 2002 team finished with an impressive 14-0 record, culminating in a national championship.

**Key Highlights:**
– **Perfect Season:** The Buckeyes went undefeated, winning the Big Ten Championship and the BCS National Championship by defeating Miami (FL) 31-24 in the Fiesta Bowl.
– **Defense:** Known for their stout defense, they held opponents to minimal yardage and points.
– **Key Players:** Led by All-American linebacker A.J. Hawk, safety Mike Doss, and quarterback Craig Krenzel.
– **Legacy:** Their undefeated run, especially in the BCS era, cemented their place in history.

**Impact:** The 2002 team is often credited with restoring Ohio State’s national prominence following a period of relative obscurity. Their resilience against Miami, a powerhouse, exemplified their dominance.

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#### 2. The 2014 Ohio State Buckeyes

**Overview:** Under head coach Urban Meyer, the 2014 team finished 14-1 and claimed the national championship.

**Key Highlights:**
– **Remarkable Resilience:** After losing quarterback Braxton Miller early in the season, J.T. Barrett stepped in and led the team to a Big Ten title and playoff appearance.
– **Big Ten Champions:** Dominated conference play and won the Big Ten Championship Game convincingly.
– **Key Players:** Included Heisman Trophy finalist and All-American wide receiver Devin Smith, defensive end Joey Bosa, and quarterback J.T. Barrett.
– **Playoff Run:** Defeated Alabama in the Sugar Bowl semifinal and beat Oregon 42-20 in the national title game.

**Impact:** The 2014 Buckeyes demonstrated resilience, depth, and coaching excellence, culminating in a dominant national championship performance.

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#### 3. The 1970 Ohio State Buckeyes

**Overview:** Coached by Woody Hayes, the 1970 team finished 9-1 and was retroactively awarded a national championship by some selectors.

**Key Highlights:**
– **Tough Schedule:** Played a rigorous schedule, including victories over top-ranked teams.
– **Defense:** Known for their disciplined and aggressive defense.
– **Key Players:** Included All-American linebacker Jim Stillwagon and running back John Brockington.
– **Legacy:** The team epitomized Hayes’s “three yards and a cloud of dust” philosophy and was a dominant force of its era.

**Impact:** The 1970 team is remembered for its grit and physicality, embodying Ohio State’s traditional style of football.

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#### 4. The 2019 Ohio State Buckeyes

**Overview:** Under Urban Meyer, the 2019 team finished 13-1 and was a formidable force.

**Key Highlights:**
– **Offensive Power:** Led by quarterback Justin Fields and a potent offense featuring multiple NFL-caliber skill players.
– **Defense:** Strong, disciplined, and opportunistic.
– **Key Victories:** Defeated Michigan, Penn State, and a thrilling win over Clemson in the Fiesta Bowl playoff semifinal.
– **Player Development:** Several players drafted into the NFL, including Chase Young, who was a dominant force on defense.

**Impact:** The 2019 team was characterized by explosive offense and relentless defense, making them one of the most complete teams in Ohio State history.

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#### 5. The 1944 Ohio State Buckeyes

**Overview:** Coached by Paul Brown, the 1944 team finished 9-0.

**Key Highlights:**
– **Dominance:** Went undefeated with a tough schedule during wartime.
– **Legacy:** Brown’s innovative coaching and the team’s resilience during wartime made them legendary.

**Impact:** While less heralded than others due to era differences, their undefeated record and innovative coaching mark them as historically significant.

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### Analyzing the Greatest

While each of these teams boasts impressive credentials, the debate often centers around their dominance, historical impact, and difficulty of schedule. The 2002 team’s perfect undefeated record and national championship victory over Miami, a team considered one of the best in history, position them as top contenders. The 2014 team’s resilience after losing key players and their dominant playoff performance also make a strong case.

**The 2002 team** arguably has the edge because of their undefeated season, their decisive victory over a highly talented Miami team, and their role in elevating Ohio State’s national stature. The coaching of Jim Tressel, the disciplined team play, and the overall dominance throughout the season make them a prime candidate.

**The 2014 team** is equally compelling, demonstrating resilience and excellence in a competitive era, but their single loss and the fact that they lost the Big Ten Championship diminish their claim slightly compared to the perfect record of 2002.

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### Your Vote

Deciding the greatest Ohio State football team ultimately depends on what aspects you prioritize: perfect season, dominance over tough opponents, resilience, or historical impact. The 2002 Buckeyes exemplify perfection and clutch performance, making a strong case for the title. However, the 2014 team’s resilience and playoff dominance also make them a formidable contender. The legendary 1970 squad and the historic 1944 team highlight different eras of excellence.

Ohio State’s football history is replete with legendary teams, each contributing uniquely to the program’s storied legacy. The 2002 Buckeyes, with their undefeated season and national championship victory, often emerge as the top choice among fans, analysts, and historians as the greatest team in Ohio State history. Yet, every era has its champions, and the debate continues to be a vibrant part of Ohio State football lore.

Cast Your Vote!

Now, it’s your turn. Which Ohio State team do you believe is the greatest of all time? Is it the undefeated 2002 squad, the resilient 2014 champions, the gritty 1970 team, or another legendary squad? Share your thoughts, reflect on the achievements, and cast your vote to celebrate Ohio State football’s incredible legacy