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Best college football players of all time ranked by jersey number

By John Buhler

Clemson Tigers. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Clemson Tigers. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /
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MIAMI, FL – JANUARY 17: Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino (R) is hit by Buffalo Bills linebacker Cornelius Bennett (L) as he releases the ball 17 January, 1993 in Miami. Buffalo’s defense held the Dolphins to a field goal in the first half, and Buffalo leads in the fourth quarter 26-3. (Photo credit should read DOUG COLLIER/AFP/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – JANUARY 17: Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino (R) is hit by Buffalo Bills linebacker Cornelius Bennett (L) as he releases the ball 17 January, 1993 in Miami. Buffalo’s defense held the Dolphins to a field goal in the first half, and Buffalo leads in the fourth quarter 26-3. (Photo credit should read DOUG COLLIER/AFP/Getty Images) /
97

Cornelius Bennett

Linebacker, Alabama Crimson Tide

Linebacker Cornelius Bennett was an incredible pass rusher for the Buffalo Bills during their best years. He was a five-time Pro Bowler and a three-time All-Pro during his 14 year NFL career with the Bills, Atlanta Falcons and Indianapolis Colts. However, he might have been the best linebacker to ever play for the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Bennett was a three-time All-American while at Alabama. He would win the Lombardi Award and SEC Player of the Year award in 1986. Bennett was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2005. He remains the highest Alabama defensive player ever selected in an NFL Draft (No. 2).

98

Tom Harmon

Running Back, Michigan Wolverines

If you’ve ever watched NCIS, you probably know that star Mark Harmon’s father is the 1940 Heisman Trophy winning running back Tom Harmon of Michigan Wolverines fame. The elder Harmon is also the greatest No. 98 in college football.

Sometimes known as Old 98, Harmon was a two-time All-American and three-time All-Big Ten. He would rush for 2,151 yards, pass for 1,396 yards and scored 237 points in his college career. Harmon broke Red Grange’s career touchdowns record with 33. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1954.

99

Hugh Green

Defensive End, Pittsburgh Panthers

Hugh Green was the closest defensive player to winning a Heisman Trophy before Charles Woodson did in 1997 with the Michigan Wolverines. Green was an insanely productive player for the Pittsburgh Panthers from 1977 to 1980. He finished second to South Carolina Gamecocks running back in the 1980 Heisman race.

Next: Top 25 NFL players from SEC

Green was a three-time All-American and had his No. 99 retired by Pittsburgh. He won the Lombardi Award, the Maxwell Award, the UPI Lineman of the Year award, and the Walter Camp Award in 1980. He would leave Pittsburgh with 277 total tackles, 53 sacks and 24 forced fumbles. Green would be a two-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro in an 11-year NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Miami Dolphins.

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