Any player who makes a block famous has to be pretty special.

Any player who makes a block famous has to be pretty special.

That’s distinction belongs to Orlando Pace, who established himself as one of the most dominant linemen in college football history.
From 1994 to 1996, Pace anchored Ohio State’s offensive line, starting at left tackle in each game of his freshman, sophomore and junior seasons.

He became the first sophomore ever to win the Lombardi Award in 1995, and a year later, he won the award again. Those awards coincided with consensus first-team AII-American honors in his final two seasons.
In 1996, Pace was so good that he finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy race.

Orlando Pace is one of the most iconic players in the history of Ohio State football and college football as a whole. When you think of dominant offensive linemen, Pace’s name is often among the first to come up. From 1994 to 1996, Pace redefined the expectations for an offensive lineman, playing with a level of skill and power that made him a household name, and one of the most feared players in college football.

### The Rise of Orlando Pace

Pace’s journey to Ohio State was marked by exceptional talent, and once he arrived in Columbus, it didn’t take long for him to establish himself as one of the game’s premier linemen. Coming out of high school in Sandusky, Ohio, Pace was a highly sought-after recruit, recognized not just for his size but for his unique blend of athleticism and agility for an offensive tackle. He was a massive presence at 6’7″ and 330 pounds, but he moved with the grace and finesse of someone much smaller.

Once he donned the scarlet and gray of Ohio State, Pace’s impact was immediate. As a freshman, he was thrust into the starting lineup, a rare feat for a player in such a critical position. But it became apparent very quickly that Pace was no ordinary freshman. His performance in 1994 set the stage for an unforgettable career. Over the next two years, he would cement his legacy as one of the greatest offensive linemen in college football history.

### Dominating the Offensive Line

The role of an offensive tackle, particularly the left tackle position, is one of the most pivotal on a football team. Left tackles are tasked with protecting the quarterback’s blind side, an assignment that requires a mix of quick feet, strength, and intelligence. Pace was one of the few players in college football who could not only meet but exceed all of these expectations with ease. He became known for his immense physicality, but also his ability to be a precise, technically sound blocker.

During his three years as a starter (1994-1996), Pace was the anchor of Ohio State’s offensive line, consistently delivering dominant performances against some of the best defensive players in the country. Whether it was opening up running lanes for star backs like Eddie George or providing perfect protection for the quarterback, Pace was a constant force.

In 1995, Pace’s dominance earned him the prestigious Lombardi Award, an honor that recognizes the nation’s best college football lineman or linebacker. He became the first sophomore in history to win the award, a testament to how much he had already distinguished himself in just two seasons. Pace’s combination of size, strength, and technique was simply unmatched at the time. His ability to neutralize pass-rushers and blow defenders off the ball in the running game made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.

But Pace’s impact wasn’t just limited to individual honors. His presence on the offensive line was instrumental in the success of Ohio State’s offense. The Buckeyes, led by coach John Cooper, boasted one of the most efficient offenses in the nation, and much of that success can be attributed to the protection and running lanes Pace created for his teammates. In 1995, for instance, Eddie George rushed for over 1,800 yards and won the Heisman Trophy. While George’s individual talent certainly played a role in that success, Pace’s dominance up front allowed George the space he needed to operate and flourish.

### Back-to-Back Lombardi Awards

Orlando Pace’s sophomore season was groundbreaking, but it was his junior season that truly solidified his place in college football lore. In 1996, Pace repeated as the winner of the Lombardi Award, making him the first player in history to do so. His dominance on the field continued to grow, and his performance in the 1996 season was so remarkable that it drew the attention of even the most casual college football fans.

In a time when the Heisman Trophy was almost exclusively awarded to skill players—quarterbacks, running backs, and occasionally wide receivers—it was nearly unprecedented for an offensive lineman to even be considered for the award. Yet, Pace’s excellence on the field was so undeniable that he finished fourth in the Heisman voting that year. For an offensive lineman to be recognized in such a way was a monumental achievement and a reflection of just how extraordinary his play had become.

The fact that Pace finished fourth in the Heisman voting was a rare accomplishment for someone in his position, and it underscored his dominance during the 1996 season. It also highlighted the importance of offensive line play in college football. While the spotlight often shines on skill players who rack up touchdowns and highlight-reel plays, Pace’s success reminded everyone that games are often won in the trenches. A great offensive lineman is the foundation upon which a team’s offense is built, and Orlando Pace was as great as they come.

### The Heisman Trophy Debate

Although Pace did not win the Heisman, his fourth-place finish was a landmark moment in the history of college football. The Heisman Trophy, awarded annually to the best player in college football, had been dominated by skill players for decades. The fact that Pace was able to make such a significant run at the award spoke volumes about his impact on the game.

Pace’s Heisman candidacy was not just a testament to his skill as an individual player, but also to the recognition that offensive linemen deserve more credit for their contributions. When a player like Pace can single-handedly alter the course of games with his play in the trenches, it’s a clear sign that an entire segment of the game—offensive line play—was being underappreciated.

### Legacy and Impact

Orlando Pace’s legacy extends well beyond his time at Ohio State. After leaving college, he was the first overall pick in the 1997 NFL Draft, selected by the St. Louis Rams. He went on to have a remarkable 13-year NFL career, playing most of his career with the Rams and helping them win Super Bowl XXXIV. His accomplishments in the NFL mirrored his success in college, where he earned multiple Pro Bowl selections and was regarded as one of the league’s top offensive tackles.

However, it is his time at Ohio State that remains etched in the minds of fans, particularly Buckeyes fans. Pace’s legacy is not just about the awards he won or the statistics he posted; it’s about the way he changed the perception of what an offensive lineman could be. He was more than just a blocker—he was a game-changer, a player whose presence on the field was a guaranteed advantage for his team.

Pace’s name is still synonymous with excellence in offensive line play, and his influence can be seen in the way modern football teams approach the position. He showed that a dominant offensive lineman could be just as important as a Heisman-winning running back or quarterback. He became the gold standard for offensive linemen, and future generations of players have looked to Pace as the benchmark of success in the position.

### Conclusion

Orlando Pace is, without question, one of the greatest players to ever wear an Ohio State uniform and one of the most dominant offensive linemen in the history of college football. From 1994 to 1996, he not only redefined the left tackle position but also proved that the unsung heroes in the trenches could—and should—receive the recognition they deserve. His back-to-back Lombardi Awards, first-team All-American honors, and fourth-place Heisman finish are only the surface of what he accomplished during his career at Ohio State.

Pace’s legacy is built not just on his individual achievements, but on the way he elevated the play of his teammates and left an indelible mark on the game itself. He remains one of the most beloved figures in Ohio State football history and is a constant reminder that greatness on the field can come in many forms—sometimes in the form of a 6’7″, 330-pound lineman who makes a block famous.