All Time Buckeye Greats: Through The Woody Hayes Era

In 1968, Quarterback Rex Kern led his fellow “Super Sophs” to the Rose Bowl to face USC and Heisman Trophy winner O. J. Simpson. Kern threw two touchdown passes, was named the MVP of the game, and the Buckeyes defeated the Trojans to win the National Championship.

Kern’s scoring throws weren’t the sole reason he was voted the MVP. During the game, the TV cameramen had a hard time following the football when Ohio State had possession, and so did the USC players.

Kern would fake a dive to fullback Jim Otis and run the option play outside, or hand him the ball and fake the run outside. He was such a magician as a ball handler it was difficult to track the football, and it led to several big gains for the Buckeyes.

The following season the Ohio State offense averaged 46 points a game with Kern leading the way. His play in 1969 earned him first team All-American honors.

His senior season the Buckeyes were undefeated during the regular season before losing to Stanford in the Rose Bowl, bringing Kern’s record as a starting quarterback to 27 and 2.

Rex Kern was third in the 1969 Heisman voting and fifth in 1970. He is a member of the Ohio State Varsity O Hall of Fame, the College Football Hall of Fame, and the Offensive Captain on the Ohio State All- Century Team.

Next: Jim Stillwagon 1968-70