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Let’s see… Bring Ohio State its first ever National Championship in 1942. Check. Give the Buckeyes their first ever Heisman Trophy winner. Check. Yep, only one man can claim the best to wear No. 22 in Ohio State History – Les Horvath.
When Horvath came to Ohio State, he only weighed 160 lbs. Can you imagine anyone that small playing major college football in today’s game?
Horvath played on both sides of the ball and did a little bit of everything. His stats aren’t eye popping compared to the gaudy numbers current players put up, but make no mistake, he was always one of the best athletes on the field. Mostly known as a runner, Horvath threw it some and even had a hand in the receiving game. He was also a leader in the defensive backfield.
Ironically, Horvath’s Heisman almost didn’t happen. Upon completion of the 1942 Nation Championship season, Horvath had completed his undergraduate degree and entered dental school in 1943. However, a wartime rule allowed colleges to use graduate students even if they had exhausted their four years of eligibility. After a poor showing in 1943, head coach Carroll Widdoes came calling.
Even after not playing in the 1943 season, Horvath didn’t miss a beat and would go on and win the 1944 Heisman Trophy.
He would go on to play professional football for the Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Rams. Once his playing days were over, he practiced dentistry in California.
A truly unique story of one of the all-time greats to wear the Scarlet and Gray.