As Fall Weather Approaches, Football is in the Air World Wide

September is a wonderful time of the year for sports fans worldwide. Over in Europe, elite soccer leagues return to the fore, with the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, and the Bundesliga all displaying teams such as Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich each and every week. Stateside, however, the fall is officially known as football season.

On September 7th, the NFL officially returned when the reigning champion Kansas City Chiefs suffered a shocking home defeat at the hands of the Detroit Lions. And that hasn't been the only shock across the opening two game weeks. The back-to-back AFC Championship contender Cincinnati Bengals are currently 0 for 2, as are the Minnesota Vikings, who had the second-best- record in the entire NFC last season. 

The NCAA got back underway the week prior to the NFL, and it did so with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish picking up a thumping 42-3 victory over Navy Midshipmen in Dublin, Ireland. Elsewhere throughout the college ball landscape, the heavy hitters have all gotten underway in a typically dominant fashion. If you've been trying out college football betting in the opening weeks of the new campaign, you'll already know that the reigning champion Georgia Bulldogs are the overwhelming -145 favorite to win the SEC Championship this season, and they already have a perfect three wins from three record thus far. 

Let's cut to the chase though. Indiana University's football history is one of the most respected in the Big Ten, with a number of standout players who have had a lasting impact on both the program and the school as a whole. So far this season, however, they have had to endure a rough start. They are currently rock bottom of the Big 10's Eastern Conference with one victory and two defeats so far this term. They have lost to both Ohio State and Louisville however, they did manage to humble their rival Indiana State Sycamores with a resounding 41-7 victory on game week two, providing them with plenty to build on for the rest of the season. 

Throughout the college's history, there has been no shortage of quality players coming through the famed doors of Indiana University, none more so than current quarterback Tayven Jackson, who threw for 296 yards in that victory over Indiana State. From Hall of Famers to all-Americans, the Bloomington outfit has had a long line of talented athletes gracing their fields. Here, we've compiled a list of the top five greatest Indiana Hoosiers football players in the program's history.

Anthony Thompson

No list of the greatest Indiana Hoosiers football players would be complete without mentioning Anthony Thompson. Thompson is arguably the greatest running back in the program's history, leading the Hoosiers in rushing for four seasons and setting numerous records en route to two First-Team All-American honors. In 1989, Thompson rushed for 1,793 yards and 24 touchdowns and finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting.

George Taliaferro

George Taliaferro is a true legend in Indiana Hoosiers football history. He was the first African American to be drafted by an NFL team, leading the Hoosiers to their first-ever Big Ten championship in 1945. Taliaferro was a true all-around player, playing multiple positions on both offense and defense, earning All-American honors at both halfback and defensive back.

Antwaan Randle El

Antwaan Randle El was one of the most electrifying players in Indiana Hoosiers history, and one of the most versatile players the program has ever seen. Randle El played quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and even returned punts during his time at IU. He holds the Big Ten record for total yards with 11,364 and ranks second in IU history in both rushing and passing yards.

Pete Pihos

Pete Pihos was a true trailblazer for Indiana Hoosiers football and a standout player of his era. Pihos was a two-way star, earning All-American honors at both end and fullback. He helped lead the Hoosiers to their first-ever bowl victory in the 1945 Gator Bowl and was later inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Adewale Ogunleye

Adewale Ogunleye may be the most recent player on this list, but his impact on Indiana Hoosiers football is undeniable. He earned All-Big Ten honors in both his junior and senior seasons and was named an All-American as a senior in 1999. Ogunleye went on to play in the NFL for ten seasons, earning two Pro Bowl selections during this time.

Conclusion

Indiana Hoosiers football has had a long line of standout players over the years, and these five players undoubtedly stand out above the rest. Whether it's through record-breaking performances, championship victories, trailblazing achievements, or simply outstanding play on the field, these five players have cemented themselves as legends in Indiana Hoosiers football history. It will be exciting to see who will emerge as the next Hoosiers greats in the years to come.