Chris Ward

Bio

A two-time First All-American, earning consensus honors in 1976 and unanimous laurels in 1977, Chris Ward played for Ohio State and Hall of Fame coach Woody Hayes during an impressive run that produced a 29-3 record. The team's performance earned berths in four January bowl games, including two appearances in the Rose Bowl (1975, 1976), a slot in the 1978 Sugar Bowl and a 27-10 win in the 1977 Orange Bowl over Colorado. The Buckeyes finished with final rankings of No. 3, No. 4, No. 4 and No. 11, respectively during his time in Columbus. The team ranked in the Top 10 during all but three weeks of his career, including a 14-week run at No. 1. His blocking allowed future Hall of Famer Archie Griffin to rush for 1,695 yards in 1974 and 1,450 yards in 1975, becoming the first and only person to win the Heisman Trophy twice. The following two seasons, he opened holes for tailbacks Jeff Logan, who gained 1,248 yards in 1976, and Ron Springs, who led the Big Ten in rushing in 1977 with 1,166 yards. The Buckeyes claimed four consecutive Big Ten titles during the period as co-champs in 1974, 1976, and 1977 and an outright crown in 1975. A three-time First Team All-Big Ten selection, Ward helped OSU lead the Big Ten in rushing in 1974 and 1977 and in scoring in 1974, 1975 and 1977. The 1977 team captain, Ward was a three-year starter, who started in 36 consecutive games and culminated his college career by playing in the 1978 Hula Bowl. Ward also excelled in the classroom, earning Academic All-America honors and Academic All-Big Ten laurels in 1975. He was inducted into the Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame in 1989.

Career Highlights

• 1977 All-Conference
• 1977 Unanimous All-America
• 1976 All-Conference
• 1976 Second Team All-America
• 1975 All-Conference