By Darin Rex Kern commands the gridiron with a fierce confidence that defines one of the greatest eras in college football history. As the fearless leader of Woody Hayes’ legendary “Super Sophs,” Kern orchestrated a high-octane offense that captured a national title and rattled opposing defenses. From his MVP performance in the Rose Bowl to his creative inclusion on the All-America team, Kern’s swagger and tactical brilliance permanently cemented his legacy in Columbus. Discover how this small-town Ohio native took the reins of a powerhouse program and steered it directly into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Football Bio
May 28, 1949 – Lancaster, Ohio – Rex Kern was the quarterback of Ohio State from 1968 to 1970.
The NFF’s bio says Kern ran the Buckeye offense with such command and confidence that he often waved off incoming substitutes when plays were called by Coach Woody Hayes, because he felt they stifled the momentum he and the offense were building. Upon joining the varsity in 1968, Kern and 11 other sophomore starters (freshmen were not eligible) came out of nowhere to capture the Big Ten crown and the National Championship by defeating Southern California, the number two-ranked defending National Champion, in the Rose Bowl. Kern was the game MVP, throwing two fourth-quarter touchdown passes.
The Buckeye win streak reached 22 games by the end of the following season, as experts were comparing Ohio State to some of the greatest teams in history. A season-ending loss to rival Michigan denied the Buckeyes another national title. That year, he placed third in the Heisman voting. With a number of great signal callers playing that year, All-America selectors were determined to get Kern on the first team, so he was named as a running back, a position he did not play.
Rex Kern was honored with induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2007 after the National Football Foundation tabulated its votes.
Conclusion
Rex Kern leaves an indelible mark on the Ohio State football program through his unmatched leadership and competitive fire. He anchors a legendary class of sophomores that transformed the landscape of the Big Ten and set a standard for offensive momentum. By demanding total control on the field and earning the ultimate respect of Woody Hayes, Kern proved that a true quarterback leads with his mind as much as his arm. His 2007 induction into the College Football Hall of Fame ensures that football fans will forever celebrate the “Lancaster Lightning” as a premier champion of the gridiron.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2007.
- National Champion: 1968 (Led the “Super Sophs” to an undefeated 10-0 season).
- Rose Bowl MVP: 1969 (Threw two pivotal fourth-quarter touchdowns to defeat USC).
- First-Team All-American: 1969 (Selected as a running back due to a crowded quarterback field).
- Heisman Trophy Finalist: Finished 3rd in the 1969 voting.
- 22-Game Winning Streak: Anchored the Buckeyes through 22 consecutive victories from 1968 to 1969.
- 2× Big Ten Champion: 1968, 1969.
- Ohio State Varsity “O” Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1978.
- NFL/AFL Draft Selection: Drafted by the Baltimore Colts in the 10th round of the 1971 NFL Draft.
- Multi-Sport Athlete: Drafted by professional baseball teams out of both high school and college.