All Time Buckeye Greats: Through The Woody Hayes Era

John Hicks was one of the greatest tackles in the history of college football. Hicks was a starter on the 1970 team that was undefeated in the regular season and played in the Rose Bowl. An injury sidelined him most of the following season and he was redshirted.

Hicks came back strong in 1972. The Buckeyes were 9-1 in the regular season earning another trip to the Rose Bowl, and Hicks was selected first team All-American.

In Hicks’ senior season, Ohio State was 9-0 and ranked # 1 in the country entering the Michigan game. A 10-10 tie cost them a chance at a national title and both the Buckeyes and Wolverines ended with identical 9-0-1 records. It was up to the Big Ten athletic directors to see which team would represent the conference in the Rose Bowl. A 6-4 vote in their favor sent the Buckeyes to the Rose Bowl once again, and John Hicks to a place in history.

In it’s long and storied history, no player had ever started in three Rose Bowl games. John Hicks became the first to do so. Hicks and the rest of the offensive line opened holes for the running backs, primarily Pete Johnson and Archie Griffin, to run for 323 yards against USC in a 42 to 17 victory.

For his efforts in the 1973 season, John Hicks was named first team All-American again, and was awarded the Outland Trophy as well as the Lombardi Trophy. In an incredible show of respect for his blocking ability, Hicks finished second in the Heisman voting three spots ahead of Archie Griffin.

John Hicks is a member of the Ohio State Varsity O Hall of Fame, the College Football Hall of Fame, Ohio State All Century Football Team and the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame. And he may have been the best lineman ever to play college football.

Next: Randy Gradishar 1971-73