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. 57 Mike Kudla
One of the strongest players in Ohio State football history, Mike Kudla is our pick for the top Buckeye to ever wear No. 57.
DL Mike Kudla
2002-05
b. March 8, 1984 (Medina, Ohio)
- National Champion (2002)
- First-team All-Big Ten (2005)
Despite a shoulder injury during his junior season in 2004, Kudla broke the Ohio State weight room record for heaviest bench press, maxing out at an absurd 610 lbs.
That freak strength helped Kudla become a dominating force on the Buckeye defensive line. Though he wasn't a starter until his junior season, Kudla contributed from the start, backing up names like Will Smith, Simon Fraser and Darrion Scott on the 2002 national championship team and the 2003 squad.
Kudla's best season was his last when he recorded 41 tackles, tying A.J. Hawk for the team lead, and had 9.5 sacks. He was named first-team All-Big Ten following the season. In his final game as a Buckeye, Kudla played the best game of his career, finishing with Fiesta Bowl record three sacks along with seven tackles.
Kudla finished his career with 91 tackles and 14.5 sacks. He also recovered two fumbles and returned one for a touchdown the other way.
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Photo: Ohio State Dept. of Athletics
