All Time Buckeye Greats: Through The Woody Hayes Era

Wes Fesler was one of the most accomplished athletes to play at Ohio State. He earned nine varsity letters in baseball, football and basketball as a Buckeye and was an All-American in two sports. But it was on the gridiron where he really excelled.

Fesler was selected first team All-American three times, in 1928, 29, 30. He played end on offense but when it was needed he would move to the backfield and play fullback. He was so versatile that University of Pittsburgh coach Jock Sutherland once said that Fesler was “a one man team. It is unbelievable how many things that boy can do.”

In his senior season Fesler was named a first team All-American in football and basketball, and was the Most Valuable Player in the Big Ten in football.

After graduation he was an assistant coach for the Buckeye football team. Later, he coached football and basketball at different Universities before returning as head football coach at Ohio State from 1947-50. In 1949 he coached the Buckeyes to their first Rose Bowl win.

With his many accomplishments, Fesler’s exploits on the football field are the ones that are most recognized. In 1939 the famous sportswriter Grantland Rice listed Fesler at end on his all-time football team. And in 1954 Wes Fesler was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Next: Jim Houston 1957-59