All Time Buckeye Greats: Through The Woody Hayes Era

Gaylord Stinchcomb played quarterback and halfback for Ohio State in the 1917, 1919 and 1920 seasons. Stinchcomb was selected as a first team All-American in 1919 and 1920, and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1973. He played in the same backfield as the great Chic Harley, and the two players formed the best running back tandem of their era.

In 1916 freshmen were ineligible to play but Stinchcomb was running through the varsity during practice and everyone was looking forward to see him with Harley in the backfield. They weren’t disappointed. In 1917 Stinchcomb was voted Western Conference Player of the Year.

In 1918 he played football for the Cleveland Naval Reserve, and following the war announced he would return to Ohio State to play football his final two seasons. And those seasons were special.

Stinchcomb teaming with Harley, led the Buckeyes to their first win over Michigan in the 1919 season. Both were named first team All-Americans.

The 1920 season following Harley’s graduation, Stinchcomb led the Buckeyes to a second straight victory over the Wolverines, an undefeated regular season, and was a unanimous selection on the All-American team as a halfback.

Gaylord Stinchcomb played much of his college career in the shadows of Chic Harley, but he truly was one of the greatest Ohio State football players of all time.

Other achievements:

Stinchcomb also competed in baseball and track at Ohio State and was the NCAA broad jump champion in 1921. He founded the student bookstore at Ohio State, and returned as a backfield coach for the Buckeyes in 1935.

After his playing days at Ohio State he played for four professional football teams and was a first team All-Pro for George Halas’ Chicago Bears in 1921-22.

Next: Wes Fesler 1928-30