ESPN REPORT: George Rogers Crowned Greatest College Football Player of All Time, Surpassing Legends Herschel Walker, Tim Tebow, and More

ESPN REPORT: George Rogers Crowned Greatest College Football Player of All Time, Surpassing Legends Herschel Walker, Tim Tebow, and More

In a stunning and emotional tribute to one of college football’s most iconic figures, George Rogers—South Carolina’s beloved Heisman Trophy winner—has officially been voted the Greatest College Football Player of All Time, edging out other historic greats like Georgia’s Herschel Walker, Florida’s Tim Tebow, and Notre Dame’s Paul Hornung.

The announcement came as part of ESPN’s “College Football Legends” fan and expert panel series, where fans across the country joined forces with analysts and former players to settle one of the sport’s most debated questions: who truly reigns supreme among college football’s elite? After weeks of intense voting, interviews, and archival highlights, it was George Rogers who stood atop the mountain.

Rogers, who played for the University of South Carolina from 1977 to 1980, was a powerhouse running back known for his brute strength, speed, and sheer will to win. His senior year performance in 1980, where he rushed for an astonishing 1,781 yards, earned him the Heisman Trophy—making him the first and only Gamecock ever to win the prestigious award.

Now, nearly 45 years later, the college football community has solidified his legacy in a way that transcends time.

“George Rogers wasn’t just a great running back—he was a transformational force on the field,” said Kirk Herbstreit during the ESPN special. “He carried South Carolina on his back in an era dominated by powerhouse programs and made the entire nation take notice.”

Indeed, Rogers’ legacy extends well beyond stats and awards. At 6’2” and 220 pounds, he was an intimidating figure who brought national attention to South Carolina football, then an independent program trying to carve out its identity. Rogers helped put the Gamecocks on the map with his work ethic, humility, and incredible performances against top-tier opponents.

One of the most compelling aspects of Rogers’ recognition is how he managed to edge out Herschel Walker—long considered one of the greatest college backs ever. Walker, who won the Heisman in 1982 and led Georgia to a national title, has often been the default answer to this kind of debate. But voters highlighted Rogers’ consistency, impact, and dominance during his time with a less nationally prominent program.

The accolade also places Rogers ahead of more recent stars like Tim Tebow, the Florida quarterback known for his leadership and dual-threat prowess. While Tebow had an illustrious career that included two national championships and a Heisman, voters pointed to Rogers’ singular dominance and the fact that he achieved greatness without the benefit of a powerhouse supporting cast.

When notified of the honor, Rogers responded with characteristic humility.

“I’m just a kid from Duluth, Georgia, who loved to run the football,” Rogers said in a televised segment. “To be remembered like this, after all these years, it’s hard to put into words. I’m honored, and I share this with every teammate, coach, and fan who believed in me.”

In Columbia, the announcement triggered an outpouring of pride and celebration. Students, alumni, and fans gathered at the George Rogers statue outside Williams-Brice Stadium to take photos, leave flowers, and reflect on a legacy now recognized as truly the greatest.

This latest honor not only cements George Rogers’ place in history—it brings well-deserved attention back to South Carolina football and inspires a new generation of players to chase greatness with the same passion and heart that defined the man now known as the greatest college football player of all time.