Forgotten college football stars that Boomers loved
In 2026, when people think of college football, they think of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), big personalities, and coaching controversies. Baby Boomers remember a different era of college football, an era defined by grit, determination, and physicality. While modern-day football fans debate over the Arch Mannings and the Johnny Manziels of the world, Boomers have fond memories of the athletes who paved the way for the current generation. Let’s go back to the 60s, 70s, and 80s and revisit the legacies of 10 college football superstars lost to time.
1. Archie Griffin (Ohio State)
Ohio State has been a college football powerhouse for decades, but some say the program’s peak was the Woody Hayes era, and one of its best players was running back Archie Griffin. Still the only two-time Heisman Trophy winner, Griffin was the most dynamic halfback of the 1970s and mastered Hayes’s offense. In his four years at Ohio State, the Buckeyes swept the Big 10 championships and never missed a Rose Bowl appearance, winning once in 1974, when Griffin rushed for 149 yards, including a 47-yard touchdown. Born and raised in Ohio, Griffin is remembered for his consistency and the attitude he brought to the state.
2. Billy Sims (Oklahoma)
If you ever wondered what “Boomer Sooner” meant, the answer lies in running back Billy Sims. The 1978 Heisman winner embodied Oklahoma football in the 4late 70s. Between the 1978 and 1979 seasons, he led the Big 8 with 7.1 yards per carry and 42 total touchdowns, leading Oklahoma to back-to-back Orange Bowl wins. Sims was unstoppable in the open field and was a must-see on Saturdays. Sims was another running back who perfected an offense by a legendary head coach, this time being Barry Switzer.
3. Mike Rozier (Nebraska)
Mike Rozier is another Heisman-winning running back who continued the dominance of the position that Sims and Griffin established. In his Heisman-winning season, he averaged 7.8 yards per carry, one of the most consistent and reliable seasons in all of football history, not just college. At Nebraska, he helped lead the team to an Orange Bowl win in 1983. His unrelenting, hard-body style helped shape Nebraska’s famous offense in the early 80s and led to what many would call the program’s peak.
4. Johnny Musso (Alabama)
Johnny Musso is another unique player, with grit and determination that made the Crimson Tide proud. The 1971 SEC player of the year, he even played through injuries to give his all to Alabama. His highest ranking in the Heisman standings was 4th, losing to Auburn standout Pat Sullivan in 1971. Nicknamed the “Italian Stallion,” Musso was a fan favorite. It led a transition period for an interesting time for the program, setting school records and leading the SEC in rushing yards.
5. Chuck Muncie (California)
At 6’3 and 227 lbs with thick-framed glasses, you couldn’t miss Chuck Muncie if you wanted to, but California fans never wanted to miss a second of him. In an era dominated by running backs, Muncie stood out on his own, finishing 2nd in Heisman voting in 1975 and going 3rd overall in the 1976 NFL draft. His unbelievable athleticism led him to break school records and helped California split the Pac-8 championship with UCLA.
6. Ricky Bell (USC)
The 1st overall pick in the 1977 NFL draft, Ricky Bell had an illustrious college career. The face of USC’s history of great running backs in the 1970s and beyond, he set the Pac-8 single-game rushing record in 1976 with 347 yards. Finishing top 3 in Heisman voting back-to-back years while leading the Pac-8 in rushing yards and total scrimmage plays, he built a reputation as a workhorse.
7. Johnny Rodgers (Nebraska)
Johnny Rodgers may be the most versatile player on this list, but one of the most versatile football players. He played wide receiver, running back, and a kick/punt returner and excelled at all of them. As a receiver, he won three Orange Bowls with Nebraska and led the Big 8 in touchdowns, receptions, and receiving yards in 1971. The following year, he became the first receiver to win the Heisman Trophy while continuing to line up regularly at running back. His most iconic moment was the unforgettable 72-yard punt return against Oklahoma in the now iconic “Game of the Century.”
8. Jim Plunkett (Stanford)
Jim Plunkett is the embodiment of defying the odds, taking Stanford to the next level of the Pac-8, winning the Heisman over two future college football Hall of Famers in Joe Theissmann and Archie Manning and winning the 1971 Rose Bowl over Ohio State. In his Rose Bowl win, he passed for 265 yards and a touchdown. He’s remembered for his commanding pocket presence and leadership on and off the field.
9. Ted Kwalick (Penn State)
Ted Kwalick functioned as a complete hybrid player at Penn State. Though listed at tight end, he split out wide, took handoffs on end-around plays, and averaged 15.6 yards per catch over his three-year collegiate career. He also became so known for big plays that defenses triple-teamed him. In his last year at Penn State, the team went undefeated and beat Kansas in the Orange Bowl. Kwalick was an All-American but never won the Heisman, landing in 4th place in 1968 losing out to OJ Simpson. Kwalick was never a season-total standout, but his in-game impact was undeniable and is remembered for being in the right spot at the right time.
10. Ron Simmons (Florida State)
Ron Simmons is the sole defensive player on the list and an under-the-radar one. He’s the defensive player on this list because he was the ideal defensive weapon. Standing 6’1″ and 230 pounds, Ron Simmons possessed the speed and size to play linebacker or edge rusher, but Florida State deployed him exclusively along the interior defensive line.Not only was he a giant, but he was flexible as well. In 1979, he landed 9th in Heisman voting, the highest of any defensive player that year. Though overlooked in college football history, Simmons is well known as a professional wrestler, where he was one of the first black world champions in pro wrestling history and a Hall of Famer.
Wrap Up
Today’s college football is filled with talent and stars like Phipps, Bell and Simmons, who have set the standard and left an impact on the game. Only those who witnessed them live understand the palpable intensity they showed, the rivalry-week battles, and why their play stays in people’s minds.
Was your favorite perennial Heisman candidate not listed? Let us know who we missed in the comments!
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