Chic Harley: The Man Who Built "The Horseshoe"
Charles "Chic" Harley was the transformative player who almost single-handedly elevated Ohio State from a regional team to a national powerhouse.
A dazzling and versatile athlete, his incredible popularity in the late 1910s is a legendary chapter in college football history.
Harley was Ohio State's first three-time All-American, a do-it-all star who could run, pass, kick, and defend with breathtaking skill. He famously led the Buckeyes to their first-ever victory over rival Michigan in 1919.
His play was so sensational that the crowds flocking to see him quickly outgrew the university's Ohio Field.
The overwhelming demand for tickets directly led to the construction of the massive Ohio Stadium in 1922. For this reason, the iconic venue is still affectionately known as "The House That Harley Built," a permanent tribute to the superstar who put Buckeyes football on the map. 🏈
