We're counting down the days to kickoff with “99 Warriors,” the greatest Ohio State Buckeyes by jersey number, as voted by the staff of Eleven Warriors.
No. 96 William Hackett
G William Hackett
1942–1945
b. Dec. 9, 1923
- National Champion (1942)
- First team All-American (1944)
- Team Captain (1945)
William Hackett played guard for Ohio State at just 5-foot-9, 191 pounds, and yet, was known as one of the best in the country at his position.
Hackett joined the football team at Ohio State in 1942, but didn't earn his first letter until the 1943 season, when he switched numbers from No. 28 to No. 96. He started two years at guard, helping the Buckeyes to an undefeated record in 1944.
For his 1944 season, Hackett was named a first-team Big Ten and All-American selection. He was named team captain for the 1945 season, but did not play after undergoing brain surgery as a result of a car accident during the offseason. Fortunately, the injury did not impact his everyday life, as Hackett went on to become a successful veterinarian. He was inducted into Ohio State's Varsity "O" Hall of Fame in 1986 before his death in 1995 at the age of 71.
–—
Photo: Ohio State University Archives
