ESPN REPORT: Cleveland Browns Icon Jim Brown Named Greatest College Football Player of All Time, Surpassing Legends Like Archie Griffin, Herschel Walker, and Tim Tebow

In a historic ranking released by ESPN, football icon and Cleveland Browns legend Jim Brown has been officially named the greatest college football player of all time. The panel of experts evaluated overall impact, versatility, dominance, and legacy—and Brown, whose college career at Syracuse University set the foundation for one of the most legendary NFL runs, emerged at the top.

Though his professional achievements with the Browns—NFL MVPs, rushing titles, and a Hall of Fame induction—are often the focal point of his legacy, this ranking re-centers attention on Brown’s phenomenal collegiate career. At Syracuse (1954–1956), Brown was a multi-sport athlete, excelling in football, basketball, track, and lacrosse, widely considered one of the most dominant all-around athletes in NCAA history.

During his senior season, Brown rushed for 986 yards and 14 touchdowns in just 8 games, including a record-setting 43 points in a single game against Colgate. He also averaged over 6 yards per carry and led the nation in kickoff return average. Analysts note that his statistics, while impressive, only scratch the surface of his on-field dominance—he played in an era with shorter seasons, limited media coverage, and racial barriers that he consistently overcame.

Brown edged out Ohio State’s Archie Griffin, the only two-time Heisman winner; Georgia’s Herschel Walker, who bulldozed through SEC defenses; and Florida’s Tim Tebow, who rewrote the mold for dual-threat quarterbacks. Despite stiff competition, it was Brown’s raw power, speed, and impact on the game—combined with his versatility—that sealed his top spot.

“Jim Brown didn’t just play college football—he elevated it,” said ESPN’s Rece Davis. “What he accomplished at Syracuse, especially in the face of adversity, laid the groundwork for everything that came after. He changed the way running backs played the game.”

The Cleveland Browns paid tribute to their franchise legend following the announcement, posting on social media:

“Before he was the greatest in Cleveland, he was the greatest in college. The GOAT, on every level. #JimBrown #DawgPound”

The recognition comes at a time when the Browns are investing heavily in honoring their historic roots and reviving the legacy of greatness that Brown embodied both on and off the field.