ESPN REPORT: George Rogers Named Greatest of All Time in College Football
In a stunning and historic announcement that has electrified the college football world, ESPN has named South Carolina Gamecocks legend **George Rogers** as the **Greatest of All Time (GOAT)** in college football history. Rogers, a Heisman Trophy winner and the pride of South Carolina, triumphed over a field of formidable contenders, including Herschel Walker of Georgia, Tim Tebow of the Florida Gators, and Archie Griffin of Ohio State.
This honor comes as part of ESPN’s latest “College Football GOAT” series, a months-long project involving statistical analysis, fan voting, expert panels, and legacy assessments. The final decision places Rogers atop a pantheon of legends, a recognition that cements his status as not just a regional icon, but a national treasure in the sport’s storied history.
George Rogers’ dominance on the field during his collegiate career from 1977 to 1980 is nothing short of legendary. In his senior year, he rushed for an astonishing 1,781 yards, which earned him the **1980 Heisman Trophy**—making him the first and only Gamecock ever to win the award. But Rogers’ brilliance went beyond just one standout season. Over his final two seasons, he led the nation in rushing and surpassed 100 rushing yards in 22 consecutive games. He finished his college career with **5,204 rushing yards**, a record that stood for decades.
What made Rogers’ performance more exceptional was the fact that he did so playing for a South Carolina team that, at the time, didn’t enjoy the national prominence or powerhouse status of programs like Georgia or Ohio State. Yet week after week, against some of the toughest defenses in the country, Rogers proved unstoppable. His blend of power, vision, speed, and humility won him not only games but the respect of peers and fans alike.
The competition for the GOAT title was intense. **Herschel Walker**, the bulldozing back from Georgia, is often considered the most dominant player in SEC history, with a national title and Heisman to his name. **Tim Tebow**, the dual-threat quarterback from Florida, revolutionized the quarterback position with his leadership and unmatched drive, winning two national titles and a Heisman. Then there’s **Archie Griffin**, the only player in history to win **two Heisman Trophies**, an achievement still unmatched.
Yet what separated Rogers in the final analysis was his consistency, his impact on elevating a non-blue-blood program, and the sheer physical dominance he brought to the field every Saturday. ESPN’s expert panel cited his ability to carry an entire team on his back, often against overwhelming odds, as the defining characteristic of his GOAT legacy.
George Rogers has always carried himself with the quiet dignity of a man who let his play speak volumes. After college, he was selected as the **No. 1 overall pick in the 1981 NFL Draft** and went on to have a successful professional career, including a Super Bowl win with Washington. However, it’s his college years in Columbia that remain closest to his heart.
In response to the honor, Rogers said, “I’m just a country boy from Duluth, Georgia, who loved to play football. I never set out to be the greatest—I just wanted to help my team win. This is an incredible honor, and I share it with every teammate, coach, and fan who supported me.”
The University of South Carolina will host a special ceremony in honor of Rogers’ achievement, and fans across the nation are expected to join in the celebration of a true college football titan.
In a sport rich with legends, **George Rogers now stands alone at the summit**—a fitting tribute to a player whose greatness was undeniable, whose legacy remains untouchable, and whose name will forever echo in the annals of
college football history.
