In a resounding tribute to one of the most electrifying athletes the game has ever seen, Auburn University’s legendary running back Bo Jackson has been voted the greatest college football player of all time, according to a new ESPN report. Jackson, who starred for the Auburn Tigers from 1982 to 1985, edged out Florida Gators quarterback Tim Tebow in a nationwide fan and analyst poll that weighed career stats, individual impact, and overall legacy.
Bo Jackson’s combination of power, speed, and agility made him nearly unstoppable on the field. Over his four-year college career, he rushed for 4,303 yards and 43 touchdowns, averaging an incredible 6.6 yards per carry. In 1985, he won the coveted Heisman Trophy after a sensational senior season, cementing his place among college football’s elite. What made Jackson’s run even more remarkable was his ability to dominate during an era when defenses were stacked and the SEC was one of the toughest conferences in the nation.
Jackson’s impact went far beyond the stat sheet. Known for his explosiveness and highlight-reel runs, Bo became a cultural icon, later transcending football with a dual-sport career in Major League Baseball. But it was his time at Auburn that truly defined his legend. His 1982 Iron Bowl touchdown run against Alabama as a freshman remains one of the most iconic moments in the history of the rivalry.
Tim Tebow, a two-time national champion and Heisman winner in 2007, finished a close second in the ESPN poll. While Tebow’s leadership and on-field accomplishments are undeniable, Jackson’s once-in-a-generation athleticism and lasting legacy gave him the edge in the final vote.
“Bo changed the game,” said one ESPN analyst. “You simply didn’t see athletes like him—he was a force of nature.”
As college football continues to evolve, Bo Jackson’s dominance in the 1980s remains a gold standard. His selection as the greatest of all time is a celebration not just of stats and trophies, but of the unforgettable impact he had on the sport.
