You ask, we answer. Sometimes we ask and others respond. And other times, we both ask and answer ourselves.
As Buckeye Heroes Week comes to a close here at LGHL, we’re revisiting the fan survey where we asked Ohio State fans to help us identify the standout hero of OSU’s national championship run—and to name the figure who stands alongside Jesse Owens as the ultimate Buckeye Hero.
We launched the survey earlier this week, and now the results are in. Check out what your fellow Buckeye fans had to say—and don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments below!
Question 1: Who do you believe was the standout hero of the Buckeyes’ national championship run?
I love how close this vote ended up being, because honestly, when I first drafted the question, I wasn’t sure who I’d pick between Will Howard and Jack Sawyer. Howard elevated the offense with calm, consistent leadership throughout the playoff run, while Sawyer delivered what might’ve been the best four-game stretch of his career—and maybe one of the best ever by an Ohio State edge rusher.
The fact that these two, so closely tied in their college journey, are now beginning their NFL careers together as Pittsburgh Steelers feels almost poetic. Personally, I’ll never forget the impact they had during the College Football Playoff. And while I don’t have strong feelings about the Steelers, I genuinely hope their postseason success propels them to long, standout careers at the next level.
Question 2: Aside from Jesse Owens, who do you consider the ultimate Buckeye hero?
This result probably comes as no surprise. Outside of Jesse Owens—whose legendary achievements transcended Ohio State and even sports itself—there’s no figure more closely tied to Buckeye athletics than college football’s only two-time Heisman Trophy winner.
In fact, you could argue that Owens’ accomplishments are so monumental and universally recognized that he occupies a level almost beyond OSU, to the point where people outside of Buckeye Nation may not even associate him directly with Ohio State.
That’s not the case with Archie Griffin. Archie is Mr. Buckeye. For decades, he has embodied everything the football program, athletic department, and university strive to represent—dignity, class, and character. His on-field accomplishments are legendary, no doubt, but what truly cements his status as a Buckeye hero is everything he’s done after his playing days.
From his work in the athletic department to leading the alumni association and serving as the face of the university, Archie Griffin has been a constant pillar of pride and goodwill for Ohio State. He exemplifies the very best of what it means to be a Buckeye, and he is more than deserving of every bit of recognition and respect he’s received.
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