- ESPN REPORT: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Legend Derrick Brooks Named the Greatest of All Time in College Football, Beats Out Arch Manning, Peyton Manning, and Archie Griffin
In a stunning and historic announcement that’s lighting up the college football world, ESPN has officially crowned Derrick Brooks—Tampa Bay Buccaneers icon and former Florida State Seminole—as the Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T.) in college football history. The epic revelation comes after a nationwide poll, expert panel debates, and advanced metrics analysis, and it puts Brooks above some of the most iconic names in the sport, including Arch Manning and Quinn Ewers of the Texas Longhorns, Peyton Manning of the Tennessee Volunteers, and Archie Griffin of Ohio State—the only two-time Heisman winner.
Brooks, who played at Florida State from 1991 to 1994, was the heart and soul of a dominant Seminoles defense. During his college career, he earned consensus All-American honors twice, led FSU to its first national championship in 1993, and was named ACC Defensive Player of the Year. Known for his elite football IQ, sideline-to-sideline speed, and unmatched leadership, Brooks redefined the linebacker position in college football, blending athleticism with intellect like few had before.
While many expected Archie Griffin or Peyton Manning to walk away with the title, ESPN analysts noted that Brooks’s influence on the field and legacy in the college game were “unmatched” when considering both team success and individual dominance. What’s more, the award took into account character, leadership, consistency, and long-term impact on the sport.
Arch Manning and Quinn Ewers, both current Texas Longhorn quarterbacks, were among the newer generation of stars considered for their potential to redefine the game. While their college careers are still in progress, their high school records, media presence, and early flashes of brilliance made them contenders. However, ESPN’s panel ultimately prioritized complete college careers over projections.
Peyton Manning, long seen as one of the greatest quarterbacks never to win a college championship, came close in the voting. His record-breaking years at Tennessee set the standard for modern pocket passers, but the lack of a national title was a key separator in the debate.
Meanwhile, Archie Griffin, Ohio State’s golden child, was heavily favored by many fans due to his back-to-back Heisman wins in 1974 and 1975. However, ESPN’s new GOAT formula gave more weight to overall defensive dominance and team impact during a time when college football was seeing a shift in how greatness is measured.
The announcement has sparked major conversations on social media, with fans from every era chiming in on the decision. Some call it long overdue recognition for defensive players in a QB-centric sport, while others are stunned that an offensive icon didn’t claim the crown.
Derrick Brooks responded to the honor with humility, stating: “I’m grateful for my coaches, teammates, and FSU family. This award isn’t about me—it’s about everyone who helped me become the player and leader I was.”
From college glory to Super Bowl success with the Buccaneers, Brooks’s journey is now cemented in football history. According to ESPN, the GOAT debate is over—and Derrick Brooks stands alone at the top.
