LeBron James would have surpassed Ohio State football legend, says CFB analyst

LeBron James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and one of the most iconic athletes in the history of sports, has achieved unparalleled success on the basketball court. His talent, longevity, and impact on the game of basketball have made him a global figure whose influence extends far beyond sports. However, in an interesting hypothetical discussion, a college football analyst recently suggested that LeBron James, had he chosen to pursue a career in football, would have surpassed some of the greatest players in Ohio State history. Specifically, the analyst argued that James would have surpassed one of Ohio State’s football legends, possibly even becoming the greatest player in the program’s storied history.

This claim raises a host of questions, primarily: What if LeBron James had played college football instead of basketball? Could he have reached the same level of success, or even surpassed the greatness of an Ohio State football icon like Archie Griffin or Chris Spielman? And how could his athleticism and versatility have translated into the college football realm?

To answer these questions, let’s explore LeBron’s athletic profile, his potential fit in Ohio State football, and the legacy of Ohio State football legends who might have been surpassed by James had he chosen football over basketball.

LeBron James: A Multi-Sport Phenomenon

While LeBron James is best known for his basketball prowess, his athleticism has always been seen as a rare combination of strength, speed, and agility. Standing at 6’9″ and weighing around 250 pounds, LeBron possesses a physical frame that is much more typical of a professional football player than a basketball star. But it’s not just his size that sets him apart; it’s his exceptional speed, vertical leap, and basketball IQ. These qualities would have likely translated to the football field, where a player with such a skill set could dominate multiple positions.

In high school, LeBron was not only a basketball star, but also a talented football player. He played wide receiver for St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio, and was considered one of the best athletes in the state. While his focus was always on basketball, his football skills were undeniable. LeBron’s combination of speed and size made him a matchup nightmare for defenders, and he earned recognition for his ability to outmaneuver smaller opponents and outmuscle defenders. There’s no doubt that if LeBron had committed himself to football, he could have been an elite player at the collegiate level.

LeBron James at Ohio State: The Ultimate Fit?

Ohio State University is home to one of the most prestigious college football programs in the country, with a rich history of producing NFL talent. The Buckeyes have been known for their powerful running backs, dynamic wide receivers, and playmaking quarterbacks. The program has produced legends like Archie Griffin, Chris Spielman, Eddie George, Troy Smith, and J.T. Barrett, to name a few. Each of these players has left an indelible mark on Ohio State football, but how would LeBron James, as a multi-sport athlete, have fared in the Buckeyes’ storied football program?

Wide Receiver or Tight End?

Given LeBron’s size, strength, and natural athleticism, it’s likely that he would have played either wide receiver or tight end at Ohio State. His 6’9″ frame would give him a massive advantage over cornerbacks and safeties who would struggle to match up against his height and physicality. With his speed and vertical leap, LeBron would have been a mismatch nightmare for defensive backs, who would find it difficult to cover him, especially in red-zone situations.

In terms of football style, LeBron’s physical profile aligns more with the prototypical tight end than a wide receiver, though he certainly could have excelled in either role. As a wide receiver, his ability to stretch the field and make contested catches would have made him one of the top pass-catching threats in college football. Alternatively, as a tight end, LeBron would have been a dominant force in both the passing and blocking games, allowing him to be a versatile weapon for Ohio State’s offense.

A Running Back in the Making?

LeBron’s strength and explosiveness could have made him an intriguing candidate for the running back position as well. Much like former Ohio State running backs like Eddie George, LeBron has the physical tools to thrive in a power-running scheme. His ability to break tackles, combined with his breakaway speed, would have made him a dangerous weapon for the Buckeyes on the ground. As a running back, LeBron would have likely evolved into a dual-threat player who could run over defenders and outrun them in the open field.

Ohio State has always been known for producing top-tier running backs, and it’s not hard to imagine LeBron becoming one of the most dominant backs in the history of the program. With his vision, speed, and power, LeBron could have been the centerpiece of an Ohio State offense, potentially rivaling the likes of Eddie George or J.K. Dobbins.

LeBron James: The Impact on Ohio State Football’s Legacy

If LeBron had chosen to play college football at Ohio State, it’s easy to imagine him becoming one of the greatest players in Buckeye history. His unique blend of size, speed, and athleticism would have made him an instant impact player. Whether playing as a wide receiver, tight end, or running back, LeBron would have been a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. But would he have surpassed Ohio State’s football legends? Let’s look at some of the greatest players in the program’s history to understand how LeBron would compare.

Archie Griffin: The Greatest Running Back in Ohio State History

Archie Griffin remains the only player in college football history to win the Heisman Trophy twice, making him one of the most decorated athletes in the history of college football. Griffin’s vision, balance, and explosiveness made him an unstoppable force in the backfield. His combination of speed and power made him the best running back in Ohio State history, and arguably one of the best ever.

Could LeBron James have surpassed Griffin’s legacy as a Buckeye? While Griffin’s ability to control games with his running is unmatched, LeBron’s combination of size, speed, and versatility could have made him a more dynamic and multi-faceted weapon. If LeBron had been used in a running back role, it’s possible that he could have achieved similar, if not greater, success on the ground due to his imposing physicality and breakaway speed.

Chris Spielman: The Heart and Soul of Ohio State’s Defense

Chris Spielman is another Buckeye legend who left an indelible mark on Ohio State football. A linebacker known for his relentless work ethic and ferocity on the field, Spielman led Ohio State to a national title in 1987 and was a two-time All-American. His ability to read offenses and make game-changing plays made him one of the most respected linebackers in the history of college football.

While LeBron James would not have played defense, the sheer talent and athleticism LeBron brought to the table could have given Ohio State a much-needed edge on offense. If LeBron were to be compared with a defensive player like Spielman, it would be in terms of how he impacted the game. While Spielman was a game-changer on defense, LeBron could have been an equal force on offense with his ability to dominate the opposition.

LeBron James and Ohio State’s National Title Pursuits

While LeBron’s individual accomplishments would have been impressive, the true test would have come in the postseason. Ohio State’s football program has historically been one of the top teams in college football, regularly making deep runs into the College Football Playoff. LeBron’s ability to take over games in high-stress moments could have been exactly what the Buckeyes needed to push them over the top in national championship games.

LeBron’s presence on the field would have given Ohio State an unparalleled offensive weapon, and his leadership could have helped elevate the entire program. Whether playing in the Rose Bowl, the Big Ten Championship, or a national title game, LeBron would have brought a level of composure, confidence, and athleticism that would have made Ohio State an even more formidable force.