The Buckeye Commander

Born on May 28, 1949, in Lancaster, Ohio, Rex Kern stepped onto the Ohio State University campus and into Buckeye lore as the quarterback from 1968 to 1970. Kern's command of Woody Hayes' offense was legendary; his confidence so unwavering that he reportedly waved off play calls, trusting his own feel for the game. This audacity, coupled with exceptional talent, defined his era in Columbus.

✦ College Career

In 1968, Kern, along with a celebrated class of sophomore starters, propelled the Buckeyes to an undefeated season, culminating in a Rose Bowl victory over defending national champion USC and securing the national title. Kern earned MVP honors in that pivotal game, throwing two crucial fourth-quarter touchdowns. The team's dominance continued, extending their winning streak to 22 games. A narrow loss to Michigan in his junior season, where he finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting, denied them another national championship bid. Despite playing quarterback, All-American selectors recognized his all-around athleticism by naming him a first-team All-American running back in 1969, a position he didn't actually play. As a senior, Kern captained the Buckeyes to another Big Ten title and Rose Bowl appearance, though they fell short of a second national championship against Stanford. His remarkable college career, marked by leadership and championship success, earned him induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2007.

✦ Road to the Pro Game

Kern's athletic abilities translated to the professional level, though on the defensive side of the ball. He was drafted in the 10th round of the 1971 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Colts.

✦ Football Legacy

While his professional career saw him transition to defensive back, playing for the Baltimore Colts and the Buffalo Bills, Rex Kern's enduring football legacy remains rooted in his remarkable collegiate achievements at Ohio State. He is celebrated as the leader of the "Super Sophomores" who brought a national championship to Columbus. His confident play-calling, clutch performances in big games, and multiple Big Ten titles cemented his place as one of the iconic figures in Ohio State football history. Kern's success both athletically and academically (earning a Ph.D. from Ohio State) exemplifies the ideal of a scholar-athlete.

✦ Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats:

✦ 2x National Champion (1968) Note: Sources also list
• 1970 as a disputed national championship.

✦ Rose Bowl MVP (1969)

✦ First-Team All-American (1969 - Running Back)

✦ 3rd in Heisman Trophy Voting (1969)

✦ Team Captain (1970)

✦ 3x Second-Team All-Big Ten (1968, 1969, 1970)

✦ College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2007)

✦ Ohio State Varsity O Hall of Fame (1978)

✦ Ohio State Football All-Century Team (2000)

✦ Rose Bowl Hall of Fame (1991)

✦ NFL Career: Played defensive back for the Baltimore Colts (1971-1973) and Buffalo Bills (1974), recording 2 interceptions in 41 games.