The Touchdown Club of Columbus was founded in Columbus, Ohio, in 1956 by Sam B. Nicola at the request of state auditor James A. Rhodes, who later became governor of the state.^[1] Nicola served as the club's president until his death in 1993. More than a decade later, his son Sam Nicola Jr. took over the Touchdown Club.^[1] On January 22, 2020, the president of the Touchdown Club of Columbus, Curt Boster, announced on the club's Facebook page the cancellation of the awards, citing difficulty of maintaining the event without a title sponsor.

Awards

The Touchdown Club of Columbus gives several awards to recognize outstanding athletes.^[2]

Sammy Baugh Trophy

The Sammy Baugh Trophy is awarded annually to the nation's top collegiate passer.

Jim Brown Award

This honor goes to the NCAA's top running back, recently named for Hall of Famer Jim Brown.

• 1991 – Vaughn Dunbar, Indiana
• 1992 – Marshall Faulk, San Diego State
• 1993 – Brent Moss, Wisconsin
• 1994 – Rashaan Salaam, Colorado
• 1995 – Eddie George, Ohio State
• 1996 – Troy Davis, Iowa State
• 1997 – Ricky Williams, Texas
• 1998 – Ricky Williams, Texas
• 1999 – Ron Dayne, Wisconsin
• 2000 – LaDainian Tomlinson, TCU
• 2001 – Luke Staley, BYU
• 2002 – Larry Johnson, Penn State
• 2003 – Chris Perry, Michigan
• 2004 – Adrian Peterson, Oklahoma
• 2005 – Reggie Bush, USC
• 2006 – Darren McFadden, Arkansas
• 2007 – Darren McFadden, Arkansas
• 2008 – Shonn Greene, Iowa
• 2009 – Toby Gerhart, Stanford
• 2010 – LaMichael James, Oregon
• 2011 – Montee Ball, Wisconsin
• 2012 – Montee Ball, Wisconsin
• 2013 – Andre Williams, Boston College
• 2014 – Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin
• 2015 – Dalvin Cook, Florida State
• 2016 – Donnel Pumphrey, San Diego State
• 2017 – Bryce Love, Stanford
• 2018 – Darrell Henderson, Memphis

Paul Warfield Trophy

Named for Paul Warfield, this honor is given to the nation's top collegiate wide receiver.

• 1991 – Desmond Howard, Michigan
• 1992 – O. J. McDuffie, Penn State
• 1993 – David Palmer, Alabama
• 1994 – Michael Westbrook, Colorado
• 1995 – Keyshawn Johnson, USC
• 1996 – Marcus Harris, Wyoming
• 1997 – Randy Moss, Marshall
• 1998 – Troy Edwards, Louisiana Tech
• 1999 – Peter Warrick, Florida State
• 2000 – Santana Moss, Miami
• 2001 – Jabar Gaffney, Florida
• 2002 – Charles Rogers, Michigan State
• 2003 – Larry Fitzgerald, Pittsburgh
• 2004 – Braylon Edwards, Michigan
• 2005 – Dwayne Jarrett, USC
• 2006 – Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech
• 2007 – Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech
• 2008 – Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech
• 2009 – Jordan Shipley, Texas
• 2010 – Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State
• 2011 – Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State
• 2012 – Marqise Lee, USC
• 2013 – Davante Adams, Fresno State
• 2014 – Amari Cooper, Alabama
• 2015 – Roger Lewis, Bowling Green
• 2016 – Corey Davis, Western Michigan
• 2017 – Anthony Miller, Memphis
• 2018 – Rondale Moore, Purdue

Jim Parker Trophy

Given yearly to the top collegiate offensive lineman. Named for Ohio State great and Hall of Famer Jim Parker.

• 1991 – Greg Skrepenak, Michigan
• 1992 – Lincoln Kennedy, Washington
• 1993 – Aaron Taylor, Notre Dame
• 1994 – Zach Wiegert, Nebraska
• 1995 – Jonathan Ogden, UCLA
• 1996 – Orlando Pace, Ohio State
• 1997 – Aaron Taylor, Nebraska
• 1998 – Matt Stinchcomb, Georgia
• 1999 – Chris McIntosh, Wisconsin
• 2000 – Steve Hutchinson, Michigan
• 2001 – Bryant McKinnie, Miami
• 2002 – Brett Romberg, Miami
• 2003 – Shawn Andrews, Arkansas
• 2004 – Jammal Brown, Oklahoma
• 2005 – Greg Eslinger, Minnesota
• 2006 – Joe Thomas, Wisconsin
• 2007 – Jake Long, Michigan
• 2008 – Andre Smith, Alabama
• 2009 – Russell Okung, Oklahoma State
• 2010 – Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin
• 2011 – Barrett Jones, Alabama
• 2012 – Luke Joeckel, Texas A&M
• 2013 – Cyril Richardson, Baylor
• 2014 – Reese Dismukes, Auburn
• 2015 – Landon Turner, North Carolina
• 2016 - Pat Elflein, Ohio State
• 2017 - Billy Price, Ohio State
• 2018 - Jonah Williams, Alabama

Bill Willis Trophy

Named for Bill Willis, this award is given yearly to the top collegiate defensive lineman.

• 1991 – Steve Emtman, Washington
• 1992 – Micheal Barrow, Miami
• 1993 – Dan Wilkinson, Ohio State
• 1994 – Warren Sapp, Miami
• 1995 – Tedy Bruschi, Arizona
• 1996 – Grant Wistrom, Nebraska
• 1997 – Andre Wadsworth, Florida State
• 1998 – Tom Burke, Wisconsin
• 1999 – Corey Moore, Virginia Tech
• 2000 – Jamal Reynolds, Florida State
• 2001 – Julius Peppers, North Carolina
• 2002 – Terrell Suggs, Arizona State
• 2003 – Tommie Harris, Oklahoma
• 2004 – Erasmus James, Wisconsin
• 2005 – Elvis Dumervil, Louisville
• 2006 – Quinn Pitcock, Ohio State
• 2007 – George Selvie, South Florida
• 2008 – Brian Orakpo, Texas
• 2009 – Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska
• 2010 – Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue
• 2011 – Whitney Mercilus, Illinois
• 2012 – John Simon, Ohio State
• 2013 – Aaron Donald, Pittsburgh
• 2014 – Joey Bosa, Ohio State
• 2015 – Myles Garrett, Texas A&M
• 2016 – Ed Oliver, Houston
• 2017 – Christian Wilkins, Clemson
• 2018 – Quinnen Williams, Alabama

Jack Lambert Trophy

Named for Jack Lambert, this award is given yearly to the top collegiate linebacker.

• 1991 – Erick Anderson, Michigan
• 1992 – Marvin Jones, Florida State
• 1993 – Trev Alberts, Nebraska
• 1994 – Derrick Brooks, Florida State; Dana Howard, Illinois (tie)
• 1995 – Simeon Rice, Illinois
• 1996 – Pat Fitzgerald, Northwestern
• 1997 – Andy Katzenmoyer, Ohio State
• 1998 – Dat Nguyen, Texas A&M
• 1999 – LaVar Arrington, Penn State
• 2000 – Dan Morgan, Miami
• 2001 – Rocky Calmus, Oklahoma
• 2002 – E. J. Henderson, Maryland
• 2003 – Jonathan Vilma, Miami
• 2004 – Derrick Johnson, Texas
• 2005 – A. J. Hawk, Ohio State
• 2006 – Patrick Willis, Ole Miss
• 2007 – James Laurinaitis, Ohio State
• 2008 – James Laurinaitis, Ohio State
• 2009 – Rolando McClain, Alabama
• 2010 – Von Miller, Texas A&M
• 2011 – Luke Kuechly, Boston College
• 2012 – Jarvis Jones, Georgia
• 2013 – Khalil Mack, Buffalo
• 2014 – Scooby Wright III, Arizona
• 2015 – Joe Schobert, Wisconsin
• 2016 – Ben Boulware, Clemson
• 2017 – Josey Jewell, Iowa
• 2018 – Josh Allen, Kentucky

Jack Tatum Trophy

Since 1991, the Jack Tatum Trophy is given yearly to the top collegiate defensive back. Named after the legendary Jack Tatum

• 1991 – Terrell Buckley, Florida State
• 1992 – Deon Figures, Colorado
• 1993 – Antonio Langham, Alabama
• 1994 – Bobby Taylor, Notre Dame
• 1995 – Lawyer Milloy, Washington
• 1996 – Chris Canty, Kansas State
• 1997 – Charles Woodson, Michigan
• 1998 – Antoine Winfield, Ohio State
• 1999 – Tyrone Carter, Minnesota
• 2000 – Jamar Fletcher, Wisconsin
• 2001 – Roy Williams, Oklahoma
• 2002 – Mike Doss, Ohio State
• 2003 – Sean Taylor, Miami
• 2004 – Antrel Rolle, Miami
• 2005 – Jimmy Williams, Virginia Tech
• 2006 – Reggie Nelson, Florida
• 2007 – Aqib Talib, Kansas
• 2008 – Eric Berry, Tennessee
• 2009 – Eric Berry, Tennessee
• 2010 – Patrick Peterson, LSU
• 2011 – David Amerson, North Carolina State
• 2012 – Ed Reynolds, Stanford
• 2013 – Darqueze Dennard, Michigan State
• 2014 – Gerod Holliman, Louisville
• 2015 – Desmond King, Iowa
• 2016 – Tarvarus McFadden, Florida State
• 2017 – Josh Jackson, Iowa
• 2018 – Grant Delpit, LSU

Archie Griffin Award

The Archie Griffin Award signifies college football's most valuable player for the entire season.^[3][4] It is named in honor of the only two-time Heisman Trophy winner, Archie Griffin of Ohio State.

• 1999 – Michael Vick, Virginia Tech
• 2000 – Josh Heupel, Oklahoma
• 2001 – Ken Dorsey, Miami (FL)
• 2002 – Ken Dorsey, Miami (FL)
• 2003 – Matt Leinart, USC
• 2004 – Matt Leinart, USC
• 2005 – Vince Young, Texas
• 2006 – Troy Smith, Ohio State
• 2007 – Pat White, West Virginia
• 2008 – Colt McCoy, Texas
• 2009 – Toby Gerhart, Stanford
• 2010 – Andrew Luck, Stanford
• 2011 – Montee Ball, Wisconsin
• 2012 – Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M
• 2013 – Jameis Winston, Florida State
• 2014 – Ezekiel Elliott, Ohio State
• 2015 – Deshaun Watson, Clemson
• 2016 – Sam Darnold, USC
• 2017 – McKenzie Milton, UCF
• 2018 – Trevor Lawrence, Clemson

Chic Harley Award

Named for Chic Harley, this award is presented to the College Football Player of the Year.

• 1955 – Howard Cassady,^[5] Ohio State
• 1956 – Paul Hornung, Notre Dame
• 1957 – John David Crow, Texas A&M
• 1958 – Billy Cannon, LSU
• 1959 – Billy Cannon, LSU
• 1960 – Joe Bellino, Navy
• 1961 – Ernie Davis, Syracuse
• 1962 – Terry Baker, Oregon State
• 1963 – Roger Staubach, Navy
• 1964 – Bob Timberlake,^[6] Michigan
• 1965 – Mike Garrett, USC
• 1966 – Steve Spurrier, Florida
• 1967 – Gary Beban, UCLA
• 1968 – O. J. Simpson, USC
• 1969 – Steve Owens, Oklahoma
• 1970 – Jim Plunkett, Stanford
• 1971 – Pat Sullivan, Auburn
• 1972 – Johnny Rodgers, Nebraska
• 1973 – John Cappelletti, Penn State
• 1974 – Archie Griffin, Ohio State
• 1975 – Archie Griffin, Ohio State
• 1976 – Tony Dorsett, Pittsburgh
• 1977 – Earl Campbell, Texas
• 1978 – Billy Sims,^[7] Oklahoma
• 1979 – Charles White, USC
• 1980 – George Rogers, South Carolina
• 1981 – Marcus Allen, USC
• 1982 – Herschel Walker, Georgia
• 1983 – Mike Rozier, Nebraska
• 1984 – Doug Flutie, Boston College
• 1985 – Bo Jackson, Auburn
• 1986 – Jim Harbaugh, Michigan
• 1987 – Chris Spielman, Ohio State
• 1988 – Barry Sanders, Oklahoma State
• 1989 – Anthony Thompson, Indiana
• 1990 – Greg Lewis, Washington
• 1991 – Desmond Howard, Michigan
• 1992 – Gino Torretta, Miami
• 1993 – Charlie Ward, Florida State
• 1994 – Rashaan Salaam, Colorado
• 1995 – Eddie George, Ohio State
• 1996 – Troy Davis, Iowa State
• 1997 – Charles Woodson, Michigan
• 1998 – Ricky Williams, Texas
• 1999 – Ron Dayne, Wisconsin
• 2000 – Josh Heupel, Oklahoma
• 2001 – Ken Dorsey, Miami
• 2002 – Ken Dorsey, Miami
• 2003 – Larry Fitzgerald, Pittsburgh
• 2004 – Reggie Bush, USC
• 2005 – Reggie Bush, USC
• 2006 – Troy Smith, Ohio State
• 2007 – Tim Tebow, Florida
• 2008 – Sam Bradford, Oklahoma
• 2009 – Colt McCoy, Texas
• 2010 – Cam Newton, Auburn
• 2011 – Robert Griffin III, Baylor
• 2012 – Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M
• 2013 – Jordan Lynch, Northern Illinois
• 2014 – Marcus Mariota, Oregon
• 2015 – Christian McCaffrey, Stanford
• 2016 – Deshaun Watson,^[8] Clemson
• 2017 – Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma
• 2018 – Dwayne Haskins, Ohio State

Kellen Moore Award

Previously called the Quarterback of the Year Award, this accolade differs from Sammy Baugh Trophy in that it goes to top quarterback, rather than the top passer. Its name was changed to its current identity in 2012, honoring two-time winner Kellen Moore, who became the FBS all-time leader in wins by a quarterback after going 50–3 as the starter at Boise State.

• 1991 – Casey Weldon, Florida State
• 1992 – Rick Mirer, Notre Dame
• 1993 – Charlie Ward, Florida State
• 1994 – Kerry Collins, Penn State
• 1995 – Tommie Frazier, Nebraska
• 1996 – Danny Wuerffel, Florida
• 1997 – Peyton Manning, Tennessee
• 1998 – Tim Couch, Kentucky
• 1999 – Joe Hamilton, Georgia Tech
• 2000 – Josh Heupel, Oklahoma
• 2001 – Ken Dorsey, Miami
• 2002 – Ken Dorsey, Miami
• 2003 – Jason White, Oklahoma
• 2004 – Matt Leinart, USC
• 2005 – Matt Leinart, USC
• 2006 – Troy Smith, Ohio State
• 2007 – Tim Tebow, Florida
• 2008 – Sam Bradford, Oklahoma
• 2009 – Colt McCoy, Texas
• 2010 – Kellen Moore, Boise State
• 2011 – Kellen Moore, Boise State
• 2012 – Collin Klein, Kansas State
• 2013 – A. J. McCarron, Alabama
• 2014 – Trevone Boykin, TCU
• 2015 – Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma
• 2016 – Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma
• 2017 – J. T. Barrett, Ohio State
• 2018 – Dwayne Haskins, Ohio State

Ozzie Newsome Award

Named for Ozzie Newsome, this award is presented annually to the top collegiate tight end.

• 2006 – Matt Spaeth, Minnesota
• 2007 – Travis Beckum, Wisconsin
• 2008 – Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma
• 2009 – Aaron Hernandez, Florida
• 2010 – Michael Egnew, Missouri
• 2011 – Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame
• 2012 – Zach Ertz, Stanford
• 2013 – Jace Amaro, Texas Tech
• 2014 – Nick O'Leary, Florida State
• 2015 – Jake Butt, Michigan
• 2016 – Evan Engram, Mississippi
• 2017 – Mark Andrews, Oklahoma
• 2018 – T. J. Hockenson, Iowa

Woody Hayes Trophy

Named for Woody Hayes, this award recognizes the top collegiate coach.

• 1977 – Lou Holtz, Arkansas
• 1978 – Joe Paterno, Penn State
• 1979 – Earle Bruce, Ohio State
• 1980 – Vince Dooley, Georgia
• 1981 – Danny Ford, Clemson
• 1982 – Joe Paterno, Penn State
• 1983 – Tom Osborne, Nebraska
• 1984 – Don James, Washington
• 1985 – Bo Schembechler, Michigan
• 1986 – Joe Paterno, Penn State
• 1987 – Dick MacPherson, Syracuse
• 1988 – Lou Holtz,^[9] Notre Dame
• 1989 – no award
• 1990 – Bobby Ross, Georgia Tech
• 1991 – Don James, Washington
• 1992 – Dennis Erickson, Miami
• 1993 – Don Nehlen, West Virginia
• 1994 – Tom Osborne, Nebraska
• 1995 – Gary Barnett, Northwestern
• 1996 – Bruce Snyder, Arizona State
• 1997 – Lloyd Carr, Michigan
• 1998 – Phillip Fulmer, Tennessee
• 1999 – Frank Beamer, Virginia Tech
• 2000 – Bob Stoops, Oklahoma
• 2001 – Ralph Friedgen, Maryland
• 2002 – Jim Tressel, Ohio State
• 2003 – Bob Stoops, Oklahoma
• 2004 – Urban Meyer, Utah
• 2005 – Joe Paterno, Penn State
• 2006 – Jim Tressel, Ohio State
• 2007 – Mark Mangino, Kansas
• 2008 – Mike Leach, Texas Tech
• 2009 – Gary Patterson, TCU
• 2010 – Jim Harbaugh, Stanford
• 2011 – Bill Snyder, Kansas State
• 2012 – Urban Meyer, Ohio State
• 2013 – Gus Malzahn, Auburn
• 2014 – Gary Patterson, TCU
• 2015 – Kirk Ferentz, Iowa
• 2016 – James Franklin, Penn State
• 2017 – Scott Frost, UCF
• 2018 – Dabo Swinney, Clemson

Zuppke Award

The Robert C. Zuppke Award trophy is given to the Touchdown Club of Columbus's selection for national champion^[10] college football team.^[9]

• 1988 – Notre Dame^[9]
• 2017 – UCF^[10]

Freshman of the Year

Given yearly to the top college football newcomer.

• 2001 – Anthony Davis, Wisconsin
• 2002 – Maurice Clarett, Ohio State
• 2003 – Chris Leak, Florida
• 2004 – Adrian Peterson, Oklahoma
• 2005 – Tyrell Sutton, Northwestern
• 2006 – Colt McCoy, Texas
• 2007 – Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech
• 2008 – Julio Jones, Alabama
• 2009 – Dion Lewis, Pittsburgh
• 2010 – Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina
• 2011 – Sammy Watkins, Clemson
• 2012 – Todd Gurley, Georgia
• 2013 – Christian Hackenberg, Penn State
• 2014 – Samaje Perine, Oklahoma
• 2015 – Tanner Mangum, BYU
• 2016 – Jalen Hurts, Alabama
• 2017 – J. K. Dobbins, Ohio State
• 2018 – Trevor Lawrence, Clemson

Vlade Award

Named in honor of Vlade Janakievski, one of the most accurate placekickers in Ohio State football history, this award is given yearly to the most accurate college football kicker.

• 2010 – Alex Henery, Nebraska
• 2011 – Brett Maher, Nebraska
• 2012 – Jeremy Shelley, Alabama
• 2013 – Roberto Aguayo, Florida State
• 2014 – Roberto Aguayo, Florida State
• 2015 – Aidan Schneider, Oregon
• 2016 – Tyler Davis, Penn State
• 2017 – Matt Gay, Utah
• 2018 – Andre Szmyt, Syracuse

Paul Brown Trophy

Named for Paul Brown, this trophy is presented annually to the NFL Coach of the Year.

• 1971 – George Allen, Washington Redskins
• 1972 – Don Shula, Miami Dolphins
• 1973–76 no awards
• 1977 – Red Miller, Denver Broncos
• 1978 – Dick Vermeil, Philadelphia Eagles
• 1979 – Chuck Noll, Pittsburgh Steelers
• 1980 – Leeman Bennett, Atlanta Falcons
• 1981 – Sam Rutigliano, Cleveland Browns
• 1982 – Forrest Gregg, Cincinnati Bengals
• 1983 – Joe Gibbs, Washington Redskins
• 1985 – Mike Ditka, Chicago Bears
• 1986 – Marty Schottenheimer, Cleveland Browns
• 1987 – Tom Landry, Dallas Cowboys
• 1988 – Marv Levy, Buffalo Bills
• 1989 – Bill Walsh, San Francisco 49ers
• 1990 – Lindy Infante, Green Bay Packers
• 1991 – Wayne Fontes, Detroit Lions
• 1992 – Bill Cowher, Pittsburgh Steelers
• 1993 – Dan Reeves, New York Giants
• 1994 – Bill Parcells, New England Patriots
• 1995 – Dom Capers, Carolina Panthers
• 1996 – Mike Shanahan, Denver Broncos
• 1997 – Marty Schottenheimer, Kansas City Chiefs
• 1998 – Dan Reeves, Atlanta Falcons
• 1999 – Dick Vermeil, St Louis Rams
• 2000 – Jim Haslett, New Orleans Saints
• 2001 – Dick Jauron, Chicago Bears
• 2002 – Andy Reid, Philadelphia Eagles
• 2003 – Bill Belichick, New England Patriots

Joe F. Carr Trophy

Named for Joseph Carr, this trophy was presented annually (from 1955–1978) to the NFL Player of the Year. This award is not to be confused with the original Joe F. Carr Trophy which was the official National Football League MVP award from 1938–46. However, both trophies are named after Carr, a former NFL commissioner.

• 1955 – Fred "Curly" Morrison, Cleveland Browns
• 1956 – Rick Casares, Chicago Bears,
• 1957 – Johnny Unitas, Baltimore Colts
• 1958 – Jim Brown, Cleveland Browns
• 1959 – Johnny Unitas, Baltimore Colts
• 1960 – Norm Van Brocklin, Philadelphia Eagles
• 1961 – Paul Hornung, Green Bay Packers
• 1962 – Jim Taylor, Green Bay Packers
• 1963 – Y. A. Tittle, New York Giants
• 1964 – Johnny Unitas, Baltimore Colts
• 1965 – Jim Brown, Cleveland Browns
• 1966 – Bart Starr, Green Bay Packers
• 1967
  • NFL – Johnny Unitas, Baltimore Colts
  • AFL – Daryle Lamonica, Oakland Raiders
• 1968
  • NFL – Leroy Kelly, Cleveland Browns
  • AFL – Lance Alworth, San Diego Chargers
• 1969
  • NFL – Roman Gabriel, Los Angeles Rams
  • AFL – Daryle Lamonica, Oakland Raiders
• 1970 – George Blanda, Oakland Raiders
• 1971 – Bob Griese, Miami Dolphins
• 1972 – Larry Brown, Washington Redskins
• 1973 – O. J. Simpson, Buffalo Bills
• 1974 – Ken Stabler, Oakland Raiders
• 1975 – O. J. Simpson, Buffalo Bills
• 1976 – Roger Staubach, Dallas Cowboys
• 1977 – Walter Payton, Chicago Bears
• 1978 – Earl Campbell, Houston Oilers
• 1979 – Dan Fouts, San Diego Chargers
• 1980 – Brian Sipe, Cleveland Browns
• 1981 – Ken Anderson, Cincinnati Bengals

Sam B. Nicola Trophy

Named for the club's founder, this trophy is presented annually to the National High School Player of the Year.

• 1981 – Kevin Wilhite, Cordova, CA
• 1982 – Robert Banks, Hampton, VA
• 1983 – Chris Spielman, Massilon, OH
• 1984 – Ned Bolcar, Phillipsburg, NJ
• 1985 – Jeff George, Indianapolis, IN
• 1986 – Emmitt Smith, Pensacola, FL
• 1987 – Todd Marinovich, Mission Viejo, CA
• 1988 – Alonzo Spellman, Mt Holly, NJ
• 1989 – Robert Smith, Euclid, OH
• 1990 – Marquette Smith, Winter Park, FL
• 1991 – Chris Walsh, Concord, CA
• 1992 – Ron Powlus, Berwick, PA
• 1993 – Lamont Green, Miami, FL
• 1994 – Dan Kendra III, Morgantown, WV
• 1995 – Andy Katzenmoyer, Westerville, OH
• 1996 – Grant Irons, Middleburg Heights, OH
• 1997 – Ron Curry, Hampton, VA
• 1998 – Mike Doss, Canton, OH
• 1999 – DJ Williams, Sacramento, CA
• 2000 – Joe Mauer, St. Paul, MN
• 2001 – Maurice Clarett, Youngstown, OH
• 2002 – Chris Leak, Charlotte, NC
• 2003 – Ted Ginn Jr., Cleveland, OH
• 2004 – Ryan Perrilloux, LaPlace, LA
• 2005 – Brady Quinn, Columbus, OH
• 2006 – Myron Rolle, Princeton, NJ
• 2007 – Jimmy Clausen, Thousand Oaks, CA
• 2008 – Terrelle Pryor, Jeanette, PA
• 2009 – Lamarcus Joyner, Miami, FL
• 2010 – Malcolm Brown, Brenham, TX
• 2011 – Johnathan Gray, Aledo, TX
• 2012 – Max Browne, Sammamish, WA
• 2012 – Vernon Hargreaves III, Manchester, CO
• 2013 – Elijah Hood, Charlotte, NC
• 2014 – Josh Rosen, Bellflower, CA
• 2015 – Jacob Eason, Lake Stevens, WA
• 2016 – Alex Huston, Springfield, MO
• 2017 – Zamir White, Laurinburg, NC
• 2018 – Ryan Hilinski, Orange, CA

James A. Rhodes Trophy

The James A. Rhodes Trophy is awarded annually to the Ohio High School player of the year. It is named for former Governor of Ohio James A. Rhodes, who was state auditor when he made the suggestion that led to the founding of the Touchdown Club of Columbus.

• 1969 – Steve Mauger, Massillon
• 1970 – Ted McNulty, Upper Arlington
• 1971 – Rick Middleton, Delaware Hayes
• 1972 – Archie Griffin, Eastmoor
• 1973 – Mike Gayles, Cincinnati Princeton
• 1974 – Ted Bell, Youngstown Mooney
• 1975 – John Ziepler, Warren Harding
• 1976 – Joe Portale, St Edward
• 1977 – Tim Koegel, Cincinnati Moeller
• 1978 – Art Schlichter, Miami Trace
• 1979 – Ken Roundtree, Cincinnati Moeller
• 1980 – Eric Ellington, Cincinnati Moeller
• 1981 – Mark Brooks, Cincinnati Moeller
• 1982 – Tony Grant, Fremont Ross
• 1983 – Hiawatha Francisco, Cincinnati Moeller
• 1984 – Chris Spielman, Massillon
• 1985 – Mark Kamphous, Cincinnati Moeller
• 1986 – Jeff Davidson, Westerville North
• 1987 – Carlos Snow, Cincinnati Academy
• 1988 – Ronald Howe, Zanesville
• 1989 – Roger Harper, Columbus Independence
• 1990 – Robert Smith, Euclid
• 1991 – Korey Stringer, Warren Harding
• 1992 – Mike Vrabel, Walsh Jesuit
• 1993 – Dee Miller, Springfield
• 1994 – Charles Woodson, Fremont Ross
• 1995 – Andy Katzenmoyer, Westerville South
• 1996 – Derek Combs, Grove City
• 1997 – Tony Fisher, Euclid
• 1998 – Mike Doss, Canton McKinley
• 1999 – Brandon Childress, Cleveland Chanel
• 2000 – Jeff Backes, Upper Arlington
• 2000 – Maurice Hall, Columbus Brookhaven
• 2001 – Justin Zwick, Massillon Washington
• 2001 – Maurice Clarett, Warren Harding
• 2002 – Donte Whitner, Cleveland Glenville
• 2003 – Ted Ginn Jr., Cleveland Glenville
• 2004 – Jamario O'Neal, Cleveland Glenville
• 2005 – Chris Wells, Akron Garfield
• 2006 – Brandon Saine, Piqua
• 2007 – Jake Stoneburner, Dublin Coffman
• 2008 – Zach Boren, Pickerington Central
• 2009 – Braxton Miller, Huber Heights Wayne
• 2010 – Braxton Miller, Huber Heights Wayne
• 2011 – Maty Mauk, Kenton
• 2012 – Mitch Trubisky, Mentor
• 2013 – Grant Sherman, Kenton
• 2014 – Joe Burrow, Athens
• 2015
• 2016 – Daniel Bangura, Harvest Prep
• 2017 – Isaiah Bowser, Sidney
• 2018 – Mark Waid, Girard

Male Athlete of the Year

• 2007 – Dalton Carriker, Little League World Series
• 2008 – Myron Rolle, Florida State football
• 2009 – Jake Coffman, Northern Illinois
• 2010 – Owen Marecic, Stanford football
• 2011 – Chandler Harnish, Northern Illinois football
• 2012 – Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M football
• 2013 – Keenan Reynolds, Navy football
• 2014 – Logan Stieber, Ohio State wrestling
• 2015 – Reggie Owens, South Carolina State
• 2016 – Andrew Beckwith, Coastal Carolina baseball
• 2017 – Shaquem Griffin, UCF football
• 2018 – Antwan Dixon, Kent State football

Female Athlete of the Year

• 2007 – Courtney Kupets, Georgia
• 2008 – Angela Tincher, Virginia Tech
• 2009 – Megan Hodge, Penn State volleyball
• 2010 – Katie Spotz, adventurer
• 2011
• 2012 – Kayla Harrison, judo (Olympic gold medalist)
• 2013 – Micha Hancock, Penn State
• 2014 – Lauren Hill, Mount St. Joseph basketball
• 2015 – Margo Greer, Arizona
• 2016
• 2017 – Sabrina Anderson, Slippery Rock

President's Award

• 2011 – Jordan White, Western Michigan University
• 2011 – Ross Franklin, Johnstown High School
• 2012 – Zac Dysert, Miami University
• 2013 – Ryan Switzer, North Carolina
• 2013 – Cartel Brooks, Heidelberg College
• 2014 – Cardale Jones, Ohio State University
• 2015 – Kody Kasey, Georgetown College
• 2016 – Joshua Dobbs, Tennessee
• 2018 – Jeff Monken, Army West Point

TDC Lifetime Achievement Award

The Touchdown Club also gives the annual TDC Lifetime Achievement Award to a selected athlete.

• 1991 – Olga Korbut, Olympic Gymnastics
• 1992 – Nadia Comăneci, Olympic Gymnastics
• 1993 – Evander Holyfield, Boxing
• 1994 – Jerry Lucas, Basketball Hall of Fame
• 1995 – Sparky Anderson, Baseball Hall of Fame
• 1996 – Bobby Hull, Hockey Hall of Fame
• 1997 – Jim Brown, Football Hall of Fame
• 1998 – George Steinbrenner, New York Yankees
• 1999
• 2000 – Lamar Hunt, American Football League
• 2001
• 2002
• 2003 – Hopalong Cassady, College Football Hall of Fame
• 2004 – Joe Nuxhall, Baseball
• 2005
• 2006 – John Havlicek, Basketball Hall of Fame
• 2006 – Bevo Francis, Basketball
• 2007
• 2008 – Chuck Ealey, Football
• 2009 – Archie Griffin, College Football Hall of Fame
• 2010 – Coach Chris Ault, College Football Hall of Fame
• 2011 – Coach Chuck Kyle, Football
• 2012 – Coach Tom Osborne, College Football Hall of Fame
• 2013
• 2014
• 2015 – Coach Don Donoher, Football
• 2016 – Peter Hanson, Ohio State volleyball
• 2017 – Larry Kehres, Mount Union football
• 2018 – Katie Smith, Naismith and Women's Basketball Halls of Fame

FCS Player of the Year

• 2011 – Timothy Flanders, Sam Houston State
• 2012 – Taylor Heinicke, Old Dominion
• 2013 – Terrance West, Towson
• 2014 – Marshaun Coprich, Illinois State
• 2015 – Eli Jenkins, Jacksonville State
• 2016 – Gage Gubrud, Eastern Washington
• 2017 – Jeremiah Briscoe, Sam Houston State
• 2018 – Devlin Hodges, Samford