He had the instincts of a modern linebacker long before the...

𝑬𝑺𝑷𝑵 𝑹𝑬𝑷𝑶𝑹𝑻: Penn State Icon Jack Ham Officially Crowned the Greatest of All Time in College Men’s Football, Surpassing Elite Legends

In a historic moment for both Penn State and the sport of college football, ESPN has officially named legendary linebacker Jack Ham as the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in college men’s football, solidifying his place atop the pantheon of gridiron greatness. The announcement came following a months-long analysis and fan-vote-driven ESPN series titled *College Football’s Ultimate GOAT Bracket*, in which Ham triumphed over some of the sport’s most iconic names, including Charles Woodson, Dick Butkus, and Herschel Walker.

Ham, who starred at Penn State from 1967 to 1970, was a central figure in the rise of the Nittany Lions’ national prominence during the Joe Paterno era. Known for his extraordinary football IQ, sideline-to-sideline speed, and relentless tackling, Ham helped lead Penn State to a 22-game winning streak and back-to-back undefeated seasons in 1968 and 1969.

“This honor goes beyond just individual accolades,” Ham said in a statement released through Penn State Athletics. “It reflects the tradition, the work ethic, and the pride that comes with wearing the blue and white. I share this with every teammate, coach, and fan who made my time at Penn State unforgettable.”

According to ESPN’s final voting tally, Ham narrowly edged out former Michigan defensive back Charles Woodson in the championship round of the bracket, winning 54% of the final vote. Analysts cited Ham’s consistency, leadership, and game-changing presence on defense as defining traits that separated him from the rest of the elite field.

“What made Jack Ham stand out was how ahead of his time he was,” said ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit. “He had the instincts of a modern linebacker long before the game evolved to what we see today. His dominance in college translated seamlessly to the NFL, but it was his time at Penn State that truly defined his legacy.”

At Penn State, Ham recorded an impressive 251 career tackles and was a consensus All-American in 1970. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round of the 1971 NFL Draft, where he went on to have a Hall of Fame career and win four Super Bowls. Despite his professional success, Ham has always spoken most fondly of his college roots in Happy Valley.

Penn State head coach James Franklin celebrated the recognition, saying, “Jack Ham is a foundational piece of our football legacy. For our players to see a Penn State great earn this kind of national respect means everything. He set the standard we still chase today.”

As the college football world continues to honor its greatest legends, Jack Ham’s name will now sit at the very top—etched into history not just as one of the best to ever play the game, but as *the* best, according to the worldwide leader in sports.