Archie Griffin discusses Ohio State spring game TD, expectations in 2023

For the first time since 1975, Archie Griffin found the end zone at The Horseshoe. He took a ceremonial hand-off 25 yards for a touchdown in Ohio State’s spring game in an incredible moment on Saturday.

Griffin took the ball to the end zone to help the Scarlet team score its second touchdown of the day. Afterward, he spoke with Big Ten Network’s Brooke Fletcher about the play and made sure to point out he went untouched into the end zone.

“It feels great,” Griffin said. “And nobody touched me. That makes it feel real good.”

That's ✌️-time @HeismanTrophy winner and @OhioStateFB legend Archie Griffin running for a TD. 😍 pic.twitter.com/hta1Z0xz3G

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) April 15, 2023

However, Griffin made it clear that was his last play of eligibility.

“I only got one in me,” he joked. “That was it.”

Naturally, Griffin also shared his expectations for the Buckeyes — and he, of course, has a high bar. He also said the program is in good hands with Ryan Day at the helm. Ohio State made the College Football Playoff a year ago, and Day has said many times the goal each year is to win a national championship.

That’s why Griffin wants to see the program’s rich tradition continue.

“Expectations are very, very high,” Griffin said. “We’ve got a great tradition of recruiting outstanding athletes and playing outstanding football. We’ve got to continue that tradition. And I think Ryan Day and his staff have done a wonderful job, and they will continue that tradition.”

Archie Griffin on being back at Ohio Stadium: ‘Time really does fly’

Griffin’s career at Ohio State is among the best in college football history. A two-time Heisman Trophy winner, his No. 45 was retired in 1999 and he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1986. In his four years with the Buckeyes, Griffin ran for 5,589 yards and 26 touchdowns as he cemented himself as a program legend.

Griffin said being back at The Horseshoe is special, and he reflected on the mark he left on the program nearly 50 years ago.

“It’s great to be back here,” Griffin said. “It’s always great to be in this stadium. This is a stadium that’s been unbelievable, 100 years old. To think that about 50 years ago I was playing here, it’s just remarkable and I enjoy being here and doing what we’re doing right now. … Time really does fly. The great thing is the tradition lives on and Ohio State is still The Ohio State University it was when I played.”