Who is considered the best quarterback in Ohio State history?

Written by Editorial Team | Last Updated: August 2026

Evaluating the greatest quarterback in the illustrious history of the Ohio State Buckeyes football program points toward legendary icons who shattered school passing records, won major individual national awards, and led the team to championship glory. Standout performers like two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin played running back, but at the signal-caller position, legendary names like Troy Smith—who captured the Heisman Trophy in 2006 with a phenomenal, flawless regular-season campaign—frequently anchor the conversation. Other elite quarterbacks like J.T. Barrett, Justin Fields, C.J. Stroud, and Rex Kern also delivered historic statistics, conference titles, and unforgettable performances that place them at the absolute summit of Buckeye football history.

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