Best Ohio State football players: Modern-era Mount Rushmore

There was hype for Ezekiel Elliott when he arrived in Columbus as the running back clearly had a bright future. Of course, with a program that has a pipeline like Ohio State football, he had to wait his turn. Subsequently, he had a minimal role as a freshman, playing in only seven games, though he still flashes with 30 carries for 262 yards and two scores along with three receptions for 23 yards and a touchdown.

Taking over the starting job in 2014, however, Elliott proved that the hype around him was deserved. The multi-faceted running back simply ran over everyone as he carried the ball 273 times for 1,878 yards and 18 touchdowns and amassed 220 receiving yards as well.

Perhaps most importantly, he saved his best outings for the biggest moments, dominating the College Football Playoff with 56 carries for 476 yards and six touchdowns combined against Alabama and Oregon to give the Buckeyes the National Championship victory.

Elliott didn’t stop there, however. While he was unable to lead Ohio State to another title in 2015, the running back was still impressive as he carried the ball 289 times for 1,821 yards and 23 touchdowns and putting up 206 receiving yards. Somehow, he finished only eighth in the Heisman voting.

Despite only two seasons as the starter, Elliott ranks third all-time in career rushing yards and is tied for fourth all-time in career rushing touchdowns. His two-year run was as dominant as anything we’ve seen and the fact that he near single-handedly brought the Buckeyes a title is further a testament to his greatness.

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