COLUMBUS, Ohio — Can one legendary moment eclipse a career built on relentless excellence? That’s the burning question fueling the spirited Ezekiel Elliott vs. A.J. Hawk debate on the Buckeye Talk podcast, as the showdown heats up in the greatest Ohio State player bracket.
In a recent episode, hosts Stephen Means, Stefan Krajisnik, and Andrew Gillis found themselves split over this high-stakes comparison: the electrifying national championship hero versus the iconic linebacker who defined an era of Buckeye football.
What started as a simple head-to-head matchup quickly spiraled into a deeper discussion on how to measure greatness. Is it about unforgettable moments? Or enduring impact?
“There are only a handful of plays in Ohio State history that rival Zeke’s run against Alabama,” argued Gillis. “We can’t just tally categories evenly. That moment is monumental—it changed everything.”
Elliott’s 85-yard touchdown in the 2015 College Football Playoff semifinal against Alabama is etched into Buckeye lore, a signature play in the program’s national title run. While Zeke’s resume includes plenty of accolades—and his famous crop-top jersey look—it’s that run that immortalized him.
A.J. Hawk, on the other hand, offers a different kind of greatness. As Krajisnik noted, “Hawk isn’t just a player—he’s a symbol of an entire Ohio State era. When you think of early Jim Tressel teams and the 2002 title, you think of those gritty linebackers—Hawk, Carpenter, Schlegel—and their flowing hair.”
Hawk’s legacy goes beyond stats. He embodies a hard-nosed defensive philosophy that many fans long to return to. “People want to go back to the Hawk era,” Krajisnik continued. “Back when linebackers ruled the defense.”
The debate also highlighted how position impacts perception. Running backs and quarterbacks often produce the flashy moments that dominate highlight reels, while linebackers like Hawk earn their legacy through consistent dominance.
Even their origins reflect different Buckeye recruiting philosophies. Elliott, a top national recruit from Missouri, represents Urban Meyer’s wide-reaching recruiting machine. Hawk, an Ohio native, stands for Jim Tressel’s homegrown foundation.
“Ezekiel Elliott probably becomes a star anywhere,” Means pointed out. “He was already a top-80 player nationally.”
At its core, the debate asks: What defines a true Buckeye legend? The player who delivers on the biggest stage with game-changing plays? Or the one who epitomizes the team’s identity over time?
For Zeke fans, that epic run against Alabama is the trump card. For Hawk supporters, his lasting imprint on Ohio State’s culture and defense tips the scales.
Want to weigh in on this clash of greatness? Tune into Buckeye Talk and vote to help decide who moves on in the ultimate Buckeye bracket.
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