College Football: Who Wore It Best? Greatest College Football Players by Jersey Number, 76-99
Imagine this: You’re at a sports bar with your friends when someone asks — who is the greatest college football player to ever wear No. 34? How do you choose among six Hall of Fame running backs, all of whom surpassed 3,500 yards and 40 touchdowns during their college careers? This was the challenge our team at FOX Sports faced when selecting the greatest college football players by jersey number. This list highlights players based on their college performances, taking into account numerous factors such as prestigious awards like the Heisman Trophy and All-American selections, alongside statistics and winning percentages. Here’s a look at the best players in college football history to wear the numbers 76 to 99.
No. 76: Warren Sapp, DT, Miami (Fla.)
Sapp’s explosive athleticism and relentless drive earned him All-American honors in successive seasons at Miami. As a junior in 1984, Sapp had a remarkable season for a defensive lineman, achieving 84 tackles and 10.5 sacks, while winning both the Bronco Nagurski Trophy and the Lombardi Award.
Honorable mentions: Steve Hutchinson (Michigan), Carl Eller (Minnesota), Russell Okung (Oklahoma State)
No. 77: Red Grange, HB, Illinois
Nicknamed “The Galloping Ghost” due to his incredible speed and agility, Grange’s running style was revolutionary for his time. He played on both sides of the ball, primarily making an impact as a halfback with over 3,300 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns. His most notable game came against Michigan in 1924, where he rushed for over 500 yards and scored five touchdowns. Grange was a three-time All-American and helped Illinois claim a national title in 1923.
Honorable mentions: Jake Long (Michigan), Anthony Munoz (USC), Taylor Lewan (Michigan)
No. 78: Bruce Smith, DE, Virginia Tech
Hailed as one of the most unstoppable pass rushers in college football history, Smith shone at Virginia Tech from 1981 to 1984. His explosive speed off the line was unparalleled, recording a staggering 22 sacks in the 1983 season, earning the moniker “The Sack Man.” He was a consensus All-American and won the Outland Trophy in 1984, remaining the Hokies’ all-time sack leader with 46.
Honorable mentions: Bryant McKinnie (Miami), Ronnie Stanley (Notre Dame)
No. 79: Jonathan Ogden, OT, UCLA
At 6-foot-9 and nearly 350 pounds, Ogden was an intimidating force as an offensive tackle. A four-year starter at UCLA from 1992 to 1995, he significantly contributed to the Bruins’ success, helping them secure the 1993 Pac-10 championship and a Rose Bowl appearance. In his junior and senior years, he allowed only two sacks and earned all-conference honors. In 1995, he received both the Outland and Morris Trophies, along with being named a consensus All-American.
Honorable mentions: Rich Glover (Nebraska), Tony Mandarich (Michigan State), Buck Buchanan (Grambling)
No. 80: Rick Bryan, DT, Oklahoma
Bryan concluded his Oklahoma career as the program’s all-time leader in tackles for a defensive lineman, with a total of 365. He was honored as a two-time All-American and the Big Eight Defensive Player of the Year in 1982 while the Sooners boasted a 22-5-1 record in Big Eight competition during his time.
Honorable mentions: Ron Beagle (Navy), Donn Moomaw (UCLA), Eric Curry (Alabama)
No. 81: Tim Brown, WR, Notre Dame
With exceptional athleticism and speed, Brown was a constant threat on the field. His versatility allowed him to play both wide receiver and as a return specialist for the Fighting Irish. By the end of his career, he had amassed 137 receptions for 2,493 yards, a school-record 5,024 all-purpose yards, and 22 touchdowns. Graduating in 1987, he held 19 records at Notre Dame and became the first wide receiver to win the Heisman Trophy.
Honorable mentions: George Connor (Notre Dame), Justin Blackmon (Oklahoma State)
No. 82: Leon Hart, TE/DE, Notre Dame
Hart was phenomenal during his time at Notre Dame, remaining undefeated with a 46-0-2 record and securing three national championships. He claimed the Heisman Trophy and the Maxwell Award during the 1949 season, leading Notre Dame to a perfect season while outscoring opponents 360-86 superph legit.
Honorable mentions: Ozzie Newsome (Alabama), Greg Olsen (Miami), Al Harris (Arizona State)
No. 83: Richard Wood, LB, USC
USC has multiple entries on this list, but Wood is the sole player to have earned three All-American honors during his tenure as a Trojan. Known for his lightning-fast tackles, Wood played a crucial role in leading the Trojans to two national championships during his college career.
Honorable mentions: Kellen Winslow (Missouri)
No. 84: Jerry Robinson, LB, UCLA
A three-time All-American linebacker, Robinson dominated for the Bruins in the late 1970s. He wrapped up his college career with 468 tackles and established a school record with 28 tackles in a game against Air Force in 1976. He ranked first, second, and third nationally in tackles across three seasons.
Honorable mentions: Abe Mickal (LSU), Marcus Spears (LSU), Shaun Cody (USC)
No. 85: Jim Seymour, WR, Notre Dame
Seymour is celebrated as one of Notre Dame’s greatest players, making an immediate impact with 13 receptions for 276 yards and three touchdowns in his debut game. A three-time All-American, he ended his career with 138 receptions, 2,113 yards, and 16 touchdowns, serving as the program’s all-time leader in receptions and yards.
Honorable mentions: Jack Snow (Notre Dame), Ryan Broyles (Oklahoma), Walter Patulski (Notre Dame)
No. 86: Courtney Brown, DE, Penn State
A unanimous All-American and the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in 1999, Brown had a stellar college career at Penn State. He finished with a school record of 33 sacks and 70 tackles for loss. Brown later became the No. 1 overall pick in the 2000 NFL Draft car models philippines.
Honorable mentions: Dave Casper (Notre Dame)
No. 87: Herman Moore, WR, Virginia
Moore was a standout receiver for Virginia between 1988 and 1990. Standing 6-feet-4 with incredible speed, he set numerous Virginia and ACC records by catching 120 passes for 2,713 yards and 32 touchdowns. fc 777 casino login philippines app 777 pub.cc Named a consensus All-American in 1990, his No. 87 is retired by the University of Virginia.
Honorable mentions: Chad Hennings (Air Force), Bill Carpenter (Army)
No. 88: Randy Moss, WR, Marshall
Selecting between Randy Moss and Jerry Rice for the best collegiate player to wear No. 88 was a challenging decision. Moss completely dominated during his two years at Marshall, boasting an incredible combination of size and speed. He finished with 174 receptions for 3,529 yards and 54 receiving touchdowns, an average of nearly two touchdowns per game. Moss was a consensus All-American in 1997 and won the Biletnikoff Award, finishing as a Heisman Trophy finalist.
Honorable mentions: Jerry Rice (Mississippi Valley State), Keith Jackson (Oklahoma)
No. 89: Ross Browner, DE, Notre Dame
Browner is often regarded as one of the most dominant defenders in Notre Dame history. He was a two-time All-American, leading the Irish to two national championships while holding the record for the most tackles by a Notre Dame defensive lineman, with 340. Browner won the Outland Trophy in 1976 and both the Lombardi and Maxwell Awards in 1977.
Honorable mentions: Mike Ditka (Pitt), Barney Poole (Ole Miss, Army, and North Carolina)
No. 90: George Webster, LB, Michigan State
Webster played a hybrid linebacker/safety role at Michigan State, a unique position well ahead of its time. He could cover pass-catchers like a defensive back, tackle the run line like a linebacker, and rush the passer like an edge rusher. Leading the Spartans during their national championship seasons in 1965 and 1966, Webster earned All-American honors in both years, and his jersey is one of only four to be retired at Michigan State.
Honorable mentions: Steve Emtman (Washington)
No. 91: Dewey Selmon, DT, Oklahoma
Selmon was a key force on defense during his years at Oklahoma, contributing to a remarkable team record of 43-2-1, which included four consecutive Big Eight titles and national championships in 1974 and 1975. He was a two-time first-team All-Conference performer and a two-time All-American.
Honorable mentions: Doug Atkins (Tennessee), Tamba Hali (Penn State)
No. 92: Reggie White, DE, Tennessee
Known as the Minister of Defense, White was a powerful presence on the defensive line. He completed his collegiate career with an impressive 293 tackles and 32 sacks, earning the title of SEC Player of the Year and a unanimous All-American nod after his record-setting senior season.
Honorable mentions: Tony Casillas (Oklahoma)
No. 93: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
Suh ranks among the greatest defensive tackles in college football history, finishing his time at Nebraska with 215 tackles, 50 tackles for loss, and 24 sacks. His senior season was remarkable, garnering 85 tackles and 12 sacks, earning him unanimous All-American status and the AP Player of the Year award. Suh also made history as the first defensive tackle in 25 years to be invited to the Heisman Trophy ceremony.
Honorable mentions: Lee Roy Selmon (Oklahoma), Gerald McCoy (Oklahoma)
No. 94: Randy White, DT, Maryland
White, a dominant defensive tackle in the mid-70s, faced double and triple teams in his senior year yet still achieved 105 tackles and 12 sacks. He was honored as a consensus All-American, winning both the Outland Trophy and the Lombardi Award in 1974.
Honorable mentions: Ryan Kerrigan (Purdue), Mike Vrabel (Ohio State), Alfred Williams (Colorado)
No. 95: Bubba Smith, DE, Michigan State
Smith stands as one of the most accomplished players in Michigan State’s football history. A two-time All-American, he was an essential contributor to the Spartans’ back-to-back national championships in 1965 and 1966, showcasing physical dominance and exceptional skill on the field.
Honorable mentions: Gordon Hudson (BYU)
No gb888.fun. 96: Haloti Ngata, DT, Oregon
Ngata combined elite size, strength, and power to anchor the Ducks’ defensive line. Over his college career, he recorded 130 tackles and 18 tackles for loss, which earned him the title of consensus All-American and the 2005 Pac-10 Co-Defensive Player of the Year.
Honorable mentions: Cortez Kennedy (Miami), Danny Stubbs (Miami)
No. 97: Cornelius Bennett, LB, Alabama
Choosing between Cornelius Bennett, Aaron Donald, and Tommie Harris for the top collegiate player to wear No. 97 was tough, but Bennett’s extraordinary production stood out during his four years at Alabama. A three-time All-American, he concluded his career with 287 tackles, 21.5 sacks, and three fumble recoveries. As a senior, he won the Lombardi Award and finished seventh in the Heisman Trophy voting.
Honorable mentions: Aaron Donald (Pitt), Tommie Harris (Oklahoma), Joey Bosa (Ohio State)
No. 98: Tom Harmon, HB, Michigan
With one of the richest college football histories, Michigan’s legacy would be incomplete without mentioning Harmon, the first Wolverine to win the Heisman Trophy. He led the nation in scoring in 1939 and 1940, delivering a stunning performance in his senior game, rushing for two touchdowns, throwing for two touchdowns, and nabbing three interceptions against Ohio State.
Honorable mentions: Lawrence Taylor (North Carolina)
No. 99: Hugh Green, DE, Pitt
Green is often cited as one of the most decorated defensive players in college football. A four-year starter at Pitt, he amassed 460 tackles and 53 sacks during his college career. As a three-time consensus All-American, he was instrumental in establishing Pitt as a national powerhouse during the late 70s, winning numerous major defensive awards after the 1980 season.
Honorable mentions: J.J. Watt (Wisconsin), Jay Berwanger (Chicago)
What are your thoughts on the greatest college football players by jersey number from 76 to 99?