By Darin In the early 1940s, a scoring machine from Huntington, West Virginia, fundamentally changed the record books of college football. Jackie Hunt, the explosive tailback for Marshall University, didn’t just play the game—he dominated it with a “single-wing” precision that left defenses in the dust. From setting a national scoring record that stood for over three decades to leading the nation in scoring, Hunt’s journey is a masterclass in gridiron excellence. Discover the story of the man who Grantland Rice once called “the best back in America” and why his 27-touchdown season remains a cornerstone of Marshall’s “Golden Era.”
Football Bio
February 17, 1920 – Huntington, West Virginia – The explosive halfback from Marshall University, Jackie Hunt, was born. According to the NFF website, Hunt lettered in football as a Freshman and got even better from there. Jackie thrived in 1940 when his team switched to the single wing offense, scoring 21 touchdowns in the season’s final five games. His 27 scores for the year set an NCAA record that would last for 31 seasons. Jackie made the first of back-to-back Little All-America teams. Jackie Hunt received the great honor of being selected for inclusion into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2004.
Conclusion
Jackie Hunt’s legacy at Marshall University is more than just a collection of eye-popping statistics; it represents a period of unprecedented dominance for the Thundering Herd. While his 1940 season is the stuff of legend, his impact was felt throughout his entire career, as he became the first player in college football history estimated to surpass 3,000 all-purpose yards. Despite his prime athletic years being diverted to service in World War II, Hunt’s brief time in the NFL with the Chicago Bears and his lifelong devotion to Marshall athletics cemented his status as a true hometown hero. Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2004, Hunt remains a symbol of the raw power and determination that defines West Virginia football history.
Accolades & Football Accomplishments
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2004.
- NCAA Single-Season Scoring Record: Set the record with 27 touchdowns in 1940 (stood for 31 years).
- 2× First-Team Little All-America: (1940, 1941).
- National Scoring Leader: Led the nation with 162 points in 1940.
- Marshall Athletics Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1984.
- West Virginia Sports Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1976.
- NCAA History Maker: Estimated by the NCAA as the first player to reach 3,000 career all-purpose yards.
- Marshall Career Records: Finished with 43 touchdowns and 1,956 rushing yards (on scoring plays alone).
- NFL Draft: Selected in the 13th round (120th overall) of the 1942 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears.
- Service: Served four years in the U.S. Army during World War II.
