25 best college football players not in the College Football Hall of Fame (yet)

NEW YORK - DECEMBER 14: Carson Palmer of the University of Southern California speaks with the press after winning the 68th annual Heisman Trophy Award at The Yale Club December 14, 2002 in New York City. The USC quarterback became the first west coast player win the trophy since 1981. Palmer received 242 first-place votes winning by 233 over second place Iowa quarterback Brad Banks. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) /

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Steve Hutchinson #76 of the Michigan Wolverines: (Jonathan Daniel /Allsport) /

13. Steve Hutchinson, Michigan, OG

Steve Hutchinson is an offensive lineman, so it’s somewhat hard to argue their candidacy based on stats alone, but the adulation they receive from those who watched them play on a weekly basis. Steve Hutchinson was constantly showered with awards from the moment he stepped on the field for the University of Michigan.

Hutchinson won All-Big Ten honors in all four seasons as a starter. He didn’t allow a sack in the final two years at Michigan. He was named an All American twice and was named the Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2000. The next guard to win that award was Michael Deiter in 2018.

Hutchinson might not get the love he deserves because of the position he plays. Of all offensive linemen, the most forgotten position, a guard is usually even more forgettable. It’s not because of their lack of importance, it has more to do with where they go in the draft. However, Hutchinson was just different. He even went in the first round of the draft and had an amazing NFL career.

So, the fact that Hutchinson hasn’t been named to the College Football Hall of Fame seems very strange. He won a National Championship in 1997. He checks a ton of boxes. The only box he doesn’t check is he’s not a household name because of the position he plays. Still, he definitely deserves to go into the Hall.

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