SI Vault: Ohio State Football Through the Years

Ohio State's place among the Big Ten elites and the country's perennial national title contenders is almost set in stone. Take a look back at SI's best photos of Buckeyes greats through the years.

SI Staff | Oct 26, 2017

SI Vault: Ohio State Football Through the Years /

SI Vault: Ohio State Football Through the Years

Coach Woody Hayes after a win over Michigan on Nov. 25, 1972.

QB Dave Leggett (22) in action against Michigan at Ohio Stadium in 1954.

Maurice Clarett runs the ball against Michigan's Jeremy LeSueur in 2002.

Eddie George during a 1995 game against Boston College.

Coach Urban Meyer talks to players during a 2013 practice at Woody Hayes Athletic Center.

Braxton Miller (5) during a 2013 photo shoot at Woody Hayes Athletic Center.

Chris Wells (28) runs the ball against LSU in the BCS National Championship Game in Jan. 2008.

QB J.T. Barrett (16) at the line of scrimmage during a 2016 game vs. Michigan at Ohio Stadium.

Linebacker James Laurinaitis (33) before the snap during a 2008 game against Ohio University.

Head coach Jim Tressel leads the team onto the field against Northwestern in 2006.

SI's September 9, 1974 cover: Archie Griffin.

Troy Smith during the 2004 Michigan game.

Sports Illustrated's November 27, 2006 cover, featuring Troy Smith.

Sports Illustrated's January 19, 2015 cover, featuring Ezekiel Elliott (15) scoring over Oregon's Tyree Robinson (2) and Chris Seisay (12).

Sports Illustrated's August 11, 2006 cover: Troy Smith (10), Doug Datish (50), and T.J. Downing (72).

SI's September 18, 2006 cover: Ted Ginn Jr. making a touchdown catch with Texas DB Aaron Ross in coverage.

SI's December 12, 2016 - December 19, 2016 cover: J.T. Barrett.

QB Todd Boeckman (17) calls an audible to Chris Wells (28) during a 2007 game against Michigan State.

Michael Thomas (3) makes a 13-yard touchdown catch against Alabama during the 2015 College Football Playoff Semifinal at Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

Dan Herron (1) celebrates after a win over Oregon in the 2010 Rose Bowl.

Ezekiel Elliott (15) runs past Oregon defensive linemen Arik Armstead (9) and DeForest Buckner (44) during the College Football Playoff championship game at AT&T Stadium.

Lydell Ross hurdles Kent State defenders Jacon Avery (25) and John Nurczyk (91) in 2002.

Ohio State fan John "Big Nut" Peters surrounded by Navy Midshipmen in stands during a 2014 game at M&T Bank Stadium.

Ted Ginn Jr. (7) breaks a tackle of Miami-Ohio's Steve Burke in 2005.

Ezekiel Elliott (15) celebrates with Corey Smith (84) in the end zone after a touchdown against Oregon in the third quarter of the 2015 national championship game.

Archie Griffin (45) in action against Michigan in 1974.

Oregon's Thomas Tyner is stopped short on fourth-and-goal by Ohio State’s defense in the College Football Playoff final on Jan. 12, 2015.

Fisheye view of Ohio State coaches' box during a 2013 game against Buffalo at Ohio Stadium.

Fans swarm the field at Ohio Stadium after winning the 2016 Michigan game in double overtime.

J.T. Barrett throws a pass against Michigan in 2016.

Malik Hooker (24) makes an interception against Clemson in the Fiesta Bowl on Dec. 31, 2016.

Braxton Miller (1) praying before a 2015 game vs. Hawaii.

Ohio State band on field during a 2009 game vs. Iowa.

QB Cardale Jones (12) during the CFP title game on Jan. 12, 2015.

Antonio Pittman (25) is carried off field by fans after a 2006 win over Michigan.

Published Oct 26, 2017

SI STAFF