Former College Hoopers For NCAA Football Playoff National Title Participants

January 19th, 2025 - 13:52

Wanna commence countdown to winning your first bar bet in 2025? Did you know a former Notre Dame defensive tackle (Jay Ziznewski) outrebounded basketball All-American teammate Austin Carr, 26-24, in three 1970 NCAA playoff games when Carr erupted for a total of 158 points (all-time single tourney scoring average record of 52.7 ppg)? Ziznewski was a DT in 1968 under coach Ara Parseghian, a former hooper with Miami (Ohio).

Another legendary UND gridiron coach was Knute Rockne. The subject of his "Win One For the Gipper" speech was George Gipp, who led the Fighting Irish in rushing and passing yardage from 1918 through 1920 while also earning a basketball letter in 1919. One of the famous "Four Horsemen" of UND's backfield in 1924 was Don "Midnight" Miller, who led the Irish in rushing and receiving yardage in back-to-back years while also earning letters in hoops.

But in an era of specialization, two-way athletes are becoming a dying breed. In the "good old days," a striking number of versatile athletes participated in both college basketball and football. Amid this multi-sport mosaic, sports history buffs might want to know football players who also played hoops for the two participants in this year's College Football Playoff National Championship since the start of national postseason competition in basketball in late 1930s:

NOTRE DAME

FB-BKB Player Summary of Football Career Summary of Basketball Career
Steve Bagarus Back rushed for 343 yards and one touchdown, caught 80 passes for nine TDs and had five interceptions with Washington Redskins and Los Angeles Rams in four years from 1945 through 1948. The 6-0, 170-pound led the NFL as a rookie in punt returns (21 for 251 yards). Member of Irish basketball squad in the early 1940s.
John Carlson Jr. Tight end was a second-round choice in 2008 NFL draft (38th pick overall). Caught 210 passes for 2,256 yards and 15 touchdowns with the Seattle Seahawks, Minnesota Vikings and Arizona Cardinals in six years from 2008 through 2014 after catching 100 passes for 1,093 yards and eight TDs for the Fighting Irish. The 6-5 Carlson converted both free-throw attempts he had over three basketball games in 2003-04 under coach Mike Brey. "From a football standpoint, playing basketball is going to make me quicker, jump higher, and be a little more athletic," Carlson said. "From a basketball standpoint, being a football player will probably make me stronger - I am used to pushing around big bodies."
George Connor Member of College Football and Pro Football Halls of Fame was Outland Trophy winner (outstanding interior lineman) as a tackle on 1946 national championship team. Consensus All-American football choice in 1946 and 1947. Earned All-America honors as a tackle at Holy Cross in 1943 before transferring to Notre Dame. First-round draft choice by the New York Giants in 1946 (5th pick overall). Played offensive/defensive tackle and linebacker with the Chicago Bears for eight years from 1948 through 1955, earning All-NFL first-team honors from 1949 through 1953. Averaged 2.5 ppg as a 6-3, 225-pound center on the Irish's 1946-47 basketball team. Hoops letterman with Holy Cross in 1943 and 1944 before transferring.
Bernie Crimmins All-American guard in 1941. Intercepted one pass for a touchdown in six games with the Green Bay Packers in 1945. Compiled a 13-32 record as Indiana's coach in five seasons from 1952 through 1956. Fighting Irish hooper in the early 1940s.
Joe Gasparella Quarterback was a fourth-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1948 NFL draft, completing 23-of-54 passes for three touchdowns with them in 1950. The 6-4 Gasperella played hoops in 1944 under coach Moose Krause.
Oliver Gibson Defensive tackle was a fourth-round draft choice by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1995. Played four seasons with the Steelers before finishing his nine-year NFL career with five campaigns for the Cincinnati Bengals. Collected eight points and five rebounds in seven games for the Irish's basketball team in 1990-91. His lone field goal was a three-pointer.
Kevin Hardy Defensive end and tackle for four seasons (1968 through 1972) in the NFL with three different teams (San Francisco 49ers, Green Bay Packers and San Diego Chargers). First-round draft choice of the New Orleans Saints (7th pick overall). Two-time All-American with the Irish, including 1966 as a junior on the school's national championship football team. The 6-5, 260-pound forward-center averaged 2.1 ppg and 2.3 rpg in his lone basketball season (1964-65).
Paul Hornung Member of College Football and Pro Football Halls of Fame earned All-American honors as a quarterback in 1955 and 1956. Only Heisman Trophy winner to play for a losing team (2-8 as a senior when he passed for 917 yards and rushed for 420). First pick overall in the NFL draft as a bonus selection. Played nine seasons as a halfback/placekicker with the Green Bay Packers, leading the NFL in scoring in 1959, 1960 and 1961. He rushed for 3,711 yards and 50 touchdowns and caught 130 passes for 1,480 yards and 12 touchdowns. Played in five NFL championship games and two Pro Bowls (1960 and 1961). Played varsity basketball for the Irish as a sophomore, averaging 6.1 ppg in 10 contests. Wrote Hornung in his autobiography Golden Boy: "(Coach Johnny) Jordan liked to tip a few, and sometimes, on the road, he'd take me out drinking with him. He could do that because I wasn't on basketball scholarship."
Joe Howard Wide receiver hooked up with Blair Keil on a school-record 96-yard touchdown pass in a 35-3 victory over Georgia Tech in 1982. Caught 85 passes for 1,663 yards and seven TDs while returning 47 punts for 344 yards from 1981 through 1984. Part-time starter for NIT runner-up in 1983-84 when averaging 5.5 ppg and 3.3 apg.
Johnny Lattner Consensus All-American halfback won Heisman Trophy in 1953 after finishing fifth in the Heisman voting the previous year. Member of College Football Hall of Fame helped the Irish compile a 23-4-2 record in his three varsity football seasons (1951 through 1953). First-round draft pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1954 rushed for 237 yards and five touchdowns before suffering a career-ending knee injury while in military service. Scored 12 points in four games for the 1951-52 basketball team as a 6-2 forward. He supplied the game-winning basket with nine seconds left in overtime in a 75-74 victory over NYU at Madison Square Garden.
Johnny Lujack Heisman Trophy winner in 1947 after finishing third in voting the previous year. In his three years as quarterback, the member of the College Football Hall of Fame helped the Irish win a national championship each season and a 26-1-1 record overall. First-round draft choice of the Chicago Bears in 1946 played quarterback, defensive back and kicker for them from 1948 through 1951, leading them in scoring all four years. He intercepted a team-high eight passes as a rookie and holds the franchise record for most passing yards in a game with 468 in a 1949 contest. Averaged 3.4 ppg as a starting guard for basketball team in 1943-44.
George Ratterman Quarterback passed for 10,473 yards and 91 touchdowns in 10 years (1947 through 1956) with Buffalo in the All-America Football Conference and the New York Yankees and Cleveland Browns in the NFL before playing for the Montreal Alouettes in the CFL. Played in AAFC championship game in 1948 and NFL championship games in 1953, 1954 and 1955. Selected by Boston in the 16th round of 1948 NFL draft. Second-team QB for Notre Dame's 1946 national championship football team. Third-leading scorer with 11.7 ppg as 6-0 forward on 1944-45 Irish basketball team compiling a 15-5 record and 8.6 ppg on 1945-46 squad that went 17-4. Scored 4.9 ppg as a senior reserve. In 1945-46, he scored Notre Dame's last 11 points in a 56-47 upset of a Kentucky club finishing with 28-2 mark and NIT title. Sketch in school guide: "Considered one of the 'slickest' players in college ball."
Mike Townsend Defensive back was a consensus All-American as one of three captains for the 1973 national championship football team. He led the nation in pass interceptions the previous season with a school-record 10. Fourth-round draft choice by the Minnesota Vikings in 1974 opted to play in World Football League with Florida Sharks. Averaged 2.9 ppg and 2.8 rpg for the Fighting Irish basketball squad in 1971-72 (coach Digger Phelps' first team) and 1972-73 as a walk-on with his brother (WR Willie).
Willie Townsend Final wide receiver selected in 1974 NFL draft (440th pick by Los Angeles Rams in 17th round). Notre Dame's leading receiver in 1972 with 25 receptions for 369 yards and four touchdowns, including a 62-yard TD pass against Purdue. Averaged 9.3 ppg and 6.9 rpg for the Fighting Irish basketball squad in 1971-72 and 1972-73 as a walk-on with his brother (DB Mike).
Jim White Tackle was consensus All-American and national champion in 1943 (finishing ninth in Heisman Trophy voting). After serving in U.S. Navy during WWII, he started with the New York Giants for five years from 1946 through 1950. All-Pro selection as a rookie returned a recovered fumble 26 yards for touchdown in 1947. The 6-2 forward was member of hoops squad in 1941.
Jay Ziznewski Defensive tackle in 1968 under coach Ara Parseghian, a former Miami of Ohio hooper. The 6-6 Ziznewski averaged 3.1 ppg and 3.4 rpg from 1967-68 through 1969-70. He outrebounded All-American teammate Austin Carr, 26-24, in three NCAA playoff games as senior when Carr erupted for a total of 158 points (all-time single tourney scoring average record of 52.7 ppg).

OHIO STATE

FB-BKB Player Summary of Football Career Summary of Basketball Career
Warren Amling Member of College Football Hall of Fame is one of few athletes to earn consensus All-American honors at two positions (guard in 1945 and tackle in 1946). Member of 1944 Ohio State football team finishing with a 9-0 record, won the Big Ten Conference title and ranked second behind Army in the final Associated Press poll. He finished seventh in 1945 Heisman Trophy voting. Three-year letterman for the Buckeyes' basketball team from 1944-45 through 1946-47. Starting guard on Final Four squads in 1945 and 1946. Second-team All-Big Ten selection in basketball in 1945-46.
Ralph Armstrong Wide receiver caught 23 passes for 358 yards and five touchdowns from 1949 through 1951 (10 receptions for 173 yards and one TD with 1949 Rose Bowl game winner). As a senior, he had two TD catches for the Buckeyes in Woody Hayes' inaugural campaign as their coach. The 6-4 Armstrong averaged 5.5 ppg from 1949-50 through 1951-52. Teammate of Fred Taylor for 1950 NCAA tourney team coached by Tippy Dye.
Rickey Dudley Tight end was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the first round (9th pick overall) of the 1996 NFL draft. Scored 29 touchdowns in five seasons with the Raiders before hooking on with the Cleveland Browns in 2001 and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2002. Caught a TD pass for the Bucs in the playoffs following the 2002 campaign. Played two seasons of football for the Buckeyes, catching nine passes for 106 yards and two touchdowns as a junior in 1994 and 37 passes for 575 yards and seven TDs as a senior in 1995. Offensive MVP in the 1996 Florida Citrus Bowl. In four seasons as a 6-7, 240-pound forward for OSU's basketball team, he started 47 of 100 games. Dudley averaged 13.3 ppg and 7.5 rpg as a senior in 1994-95 when leading the Buckeyes in rebounding and finishing third in scoring. In 1992, he collected three points and five rebounds in a 78-55 victory over Connecticut in second round for the Buckeyes' Southeast Regional runner-up.
Jack Dugger Consensus All-American end on the 1944 OSU football team that finished second behind Army in the final AP poll. Second-round NFL draft choice by Pittsburgh in 1945. Played pro football with three different franchises from 1946 through 1949. Three-year letterman in basketball was a 6-4, 205-pound starting forward for the Buckeyes' Final Four teams in 1944 and 1945. Played briefly for Syracuse in the National Basketball League in 1946-47.
Tony Eisenhard Played first several seasons as defensive end (starting four Big Ten Conference games in 1997 en route to 18 tackles) before switching to tight end as senior in 1999 and playing on special teams. The 6-7 Eisenhard averaged 1.7 ppg and 1.1 rpg over seven of the Buckeyes' last eight basketball games in 1996-97.
Eugene Fekete Fullback/linebacker for the Buckeyes' first national championship club in 1942 had an 89-yard touchdown run against Pittsburgh en route to leading Big Ten Conference in scoring and rushing. Sixth-round pick by the Detroit Lions in 1945 NFL draft. Rushed 26 times for 106 yards and one TD with AAFC's Cleveland Browns in 1946. Member of OSU's basketball squad in 1943 before serving in U.S. Army during WWII.
Dick "Sonnie" Fisher Halfback was on Big Ten Conference titlist in 1939 and became an all-league second-team choice in 1941 in first OSU season under coach Paul Brown. Fisher was a 17th-round choice by the Detroit Lions in 1942 NFL draft. He was an All-Big Ten first-team selection as a hoops forward in 1940-41.
Jack Graf Back was a three-year letterman before selected in 18th round by the Cleveland Rams in 1942 NFL draft. Hoops letterman from 1939-40 through 1941-42 was senior captain.
Thomas Hague Led Woody Hayes-coached 1953 club in pass receptions (19), receiving yards (275) and touchdown receptions (four). Averaged 1.3 ppg in 1951-52 and 1952-53.
Rex Kern Standout college quarterback played four years as a safety in the NFL with the Baltimore Colts and Buffalo Bills. Tenth-round draft choice in 1971 intercepted two passes in 1973. MVP of the 1969 Rose Bowl finished among the top five in Heisman Trophy voting in 1969 and 1970. The 5-11, 190-pounder averaged 8.4 ppg as a guard for the Buckeyes' freshman basketball squad in 1968-69.
William "Dave" Leggett Quarterback-defensive back was Rose Bowl MVP for undefeated 1954 team under coach Woody Hayes. Selected in seventh round by Chicago Cardinals in 1955 NFL draft before playing in four games for them. Averaged 1.7 ppg in 19 basketball games from 1951-52 through 1953-54.
John Lumpkin Two-year starting tight end caught four touchdown passes as a senior in 1998. The previous season, he scored the Buckeyes' lone touchdown (50-yard pass reception) in the Sugar Bowl against Florida State. The 6-7, 250-pounder collected 92 points and 120 rebounds in two seasons in the mid-1990s.
Jim McDonald Back rushed 25 times for 80 yards and caught seven passes for 112 yards with the Detroit Lions in 1938 and 1939. First-round choice by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1938 NFL draft (2nd pick overall) after earning All-Big Ten Conference first-team acclaim. Coached Tennessee to a 5-5 record in 1963. The 6-1, 190-pounder was a three-year basketball letterman with the Buckeyes, serving as their captain as a senior in 1937-38.
Rick McFadden Began college career at OSU as a redshirt quarterback on the Buckeyes' 2001 scout team before transferring to Akron. The 6-7 McFadden averaged 6.6 ppg for the Zips in 2003-04 and 2004-05. Set the school single-season record for three-point field-goal percentage, hitting 48% from beyond the arc in 2003-04.
Nate Salley Jr. Safety played two years in NFL following selection in fourth round of 2006 draft by the Carolina Panthers. Collected eight points and four rebounds in 10 basketball games in 2002-03 under coach Jim O'Brien.
Art Schlichter Quarterback was a first-round draft choice of the Baltimore Colts in 1982 (4th pick overall), but had only three touchdown passes in three years before his career was curtailed by gambling-related problems. He wound up in a couple dozen different jails and prisons. Finished fourth in Heisman Trophy voting in 1979 after leading OSU to the brink of a national title. OSU's career (7,547) and single game (458 vs. Florida State as senior) leader in passing yards was instrumental in the offensive diversification of Buckeye football after the program previously was known as "three yards and a cloud of dust" under coach Woody Hayes. Lost three straight bowl games (Gator, Rose and Fiesta) before throwing his 49th and 50th college career TD passes in a 31-28 Liberty Bowl win over Navy. Also finished among top six in Heisman balloting in 1980 and 1981. Scored 18 points in 11 basketball games for the Buckeyes in 1978-79 and 1980-81. The 6-2, 210-pounder converted all six of his free-throw attempts.
Dick Schnittker End caught 10 passes for 163 yards and one touchdown for the Buckeyes' squad defeating California, 17-14, in Rose Bowl following 1949 football campaign. Averaged 17.9 ppg from 1947-48 through 1949-50 under coach Tippy Dye. Ranked among the nation's top 22 scorers all three of those seasons, finishing among top 12 in field-goal percentage as sophomore and junior. Two-time All-Big Ten Conference selection and All-American was fourth pick overall in NBA draft.
Don Scott Two-time All-American as left halfback in single-wing formation offense, essentially making him the Buckeyes' primary ball handler (quarterback). Scott completed 58% of his passes (48-of-93) for 991 yards and 11 touchdowns. He rushed for 657 yards on 74 carries. As a sophomore, Scott was a tackle on offensive and defensive lines while also punting and kicking extra points. He was ninth overall selection in 1941 NFL draft by the Chicago Bears but chose to volunteer to fight in Europe during World War II (died in fall of 1943 when bomber he piloted crashed in England while training). Scott made a free throw for NCAA Tournament runner-up in inaugural national championship contest in 1939.
Bob Shaw End was 10th-round choice by the Cleveland Rams in 1944. Caught 81 passes for 1,569 yards and 20 touchdowns with the L.A. Rams in 1946 and 1949 plus Chicago Cardinals in 1950. Pro Bowler in 1950 when becoming the first player to catch five TDs in a single game and led the league in receiving TDs with 12 for the Cardinals. All-American on OSU's 1942 national titlist. CFL coach of the year in 1976 with Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The 6-4 Shaw was a hoops starter in 1942 and 1943.
John "J.T." White Played for national titlists in 1942 and 1947 (college career interrupted by serving in U.S. Army during WWII). Second-team All-American center in 1947 participated in 1948 College All-Star Game. He was selected by Detroit Lions in 21st round of 1947 NFL draft. Hoops letterman in 1943.
William Wilks Quarterback letterman in 1951 in Woody Hayes' first season as coach, completing 5-of-10 passes for 52 yards. Completed his only pass for 45 yards in 1952. Averaged 8.2 ppg from 1950-51 through 1952-53, finishing runner-up to All-American Paul Ebert in scoring average as a senior.