The History and Legacy of the #11 Jersey at Ohio State

The History of the #11 Jersey at Ohio State

The number 11 jersey holds a special place in Ohio State football history. It has been worn by some of the greatest players ever to suit up for the Buckeyes. Players like Terrelle Pryor, Maurice Clarett, and David Boston have made the #11 an iconic part of Ohio State tradition.

The Early Years

In the early days of Ohio State football, numbers weren't used in the same way they are today. But by the 1950s and 60s, the #11 started to gain notoriety. Players like Bob Ferguson, who played fullback and linebacker from 1959-1961, helped establish the number's legacy. Ferguson was a consensus All-American in 1960.

Another standout was John Brockington, who wore #11 from 1968-1970. Brockington had a stellar career for the Buckeyes, setting the school record for career rushing yards with 2,427. He was an All-American in both 1969 and 1970.

The Modern Era

In more recent years, #11 has been donned by some of Ohio State's biggest stars.

Terrelle Pryor wore the number during his memorable tenure from 2008-2010. As a dual-threat quarterback, Pryor helped lead the Buckeyes to three straight Big Ten titles. He was the Offensive MVP of the 2010 Rose Bowl.

Before Pryor, it was Maurice Clarett who made #11 legendary. Clarett only played one season for Ohio State in 2002, but it was a memorable one. He set the Buckeyes' single-season rushing record and scored the game-winning touchdown in double overtime of the 2003 Fiesta Bowl to give Ohio State the national championship.

Going back a little further, David Boston also wore the #11 from 1996-1998. He was a standout wide receiver who held the school records for receptions and receiving yards in a season when he left.

Recent #11s

In the past decade, other talented players have continued the tradition of excelling in the #11. Dwayne Haskins wore it in 2018 when he had one of the greatest seasons ever by a Buckeyes quarterback. He finished 3rd in Heisman voting that year.

Trey Sermon donned the #11 for his lone season with Ohio State in 2020 after transferring from Oklahoma. Despite only playing one year, Sermon left his mark by setting a Big Ten Championship Game record with 331 rushing yards.

Currently, the #11 belongs to sophomore wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. He emerged as a force in 2022, leading the team in receiving touchdowns and making several acrobatic, highlight-reel catches. With his talent, Harrison is poised to add his name to the list of greats who have worn the jersey.

The Legacy of Number 11

For over sixty years, the #11 jersey has been a symbol of excellence at Ohio State. It has been worn by All-Americans, Heisman contenders, national champions, and record-setting playmakers. The number seems to attract the type of player who has the skill and mentality to be one of the best.

That's why whoever wears the #11 feels the weight of history on their shoulders. There is an expectation of greatness that comes with putting on that scarlet jersey. It signifies being a part of an elite Buckeye brotherhood.

So whenever a new #11 takes the field at Ohio Stadium, they know they are a part of a special lineage. And they hope to uphold the standard of excellence set by those who came before them. For Ohio State fans, the #11 will always represent some of the most talented players ever to play for the Buckeyes.

FAQs

Who was the first Ohio State player to wear #11?

The earliest record of a player wearing #11 is fullback and linebacker Bob Ferguson from 1959-1961. However, players did not have permanent jersey numbers during much of Ohio State's early history.

Which Ohio State player had the most success with #11?

That's debatable, but a strong case can be made for Maurice Clarett. Although he only played one season, Clarett set the school's single-season rushing record in 2002 and scored the championship-winning TD in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl.

Is #11 currently in use at Ohio State?

Yes, sophomore wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. currently wears #11. He had a breakout season in 2022 and will look to follow in the footsteps of past OSU greats who have donned the number.