In the brutal, high-stakes world of college football, a jersey number is more than just an identifier—it’s a symbol. Some numbers are synonymous with brute force; others, with sheer speed. But the number 4? Among all numbers, it stands out for being worn by elite difference-makers. This article will rank the top four most legendary college football players to ever wear number 4, examining how they rose above fierce competition to set the standard for greatness. Prepare to explore the storied careers of the gridiron giants who made this simple digit a symbol of college football royalty.

• Champ Baileywas a rare two-way superstar at the University of Georgia, excelling as a cornerback and wide receiver and even playing on special teams. He was recognized as a consensus All-American in 1998 and earned the Bronko Nagurski Trophy as the nation's best defensive player before becoming a top-ten NFL Draft pick.
• Steve Walsh was one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in University of Miami history during the late 1980s. As the Hurricanes’ starter in 1988, he led the team to an undefeated season and a national championship, earning consensus All-American honors in the process. Walsh also finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting that year and was a finalist for the Maxwell and Davey O’Brien Awards, cementing his legacy as an elite college football player.
• QuarterbackJim Harbaugh starred for Michigan, finishing third in 1986 Heisman voting and setting the school's passing efficiency record while wearing No. 4.
• Terence Newman -As a dominant cornerback for Kansas State, Terence Newman was recognized as the nation's top defensive back, earning the prestigious Jim Thorpe Award and unanimous first-team All-American honors in 2002.

Russell White’s three-season stretch at UC Berkeley from 1990 to 1992 remains one of the most prolific eras in Cal football history as a jersey 4 wearer. After arriving with massive expectations as a high school phenom, White immediately lived up to the hype, becoming the centerpiece of a Golden Bears resurgence that included a dominant 1991 season and a Citrus Bowl victory. A three-time first-team All-Pac-10 selection, White was a master of the "big play," utilizing elite vision and explosive speed to become Cal’s all-time leading rusher with 3,360 yards—a record that stood for 15 years. His 1991 campaign was particularly legendary, as he racked up over 1,100 yards and earned second-team All-America honors, cementing his legacy as arguably the greatest pure runner to ever wear the blue and gold. (Big thanks to this suggestion by YouTube viewer @pallen1065)

• Deshaun Watson (Clemson): Wearing jersey 4 was a special honor, as former Tiger legend Steve Fuller allowed Clemson to un-retire the number specifically for Watson. Watson became a Clemson icon by leading the Tigers to their first national championship since 1981, capping his career with a dramatic victory over Alabama in 2017. During his prolific tenure, he achieved a stunning 32-3 record as a starter while accumulating over 10,000 passing yards and 161 total touchdowns.
• Dalvin Cook (Florida State):An electrifying running back who wore #4 despite it often being a QB number, breaking records for the Seminoles. Cook was one of the most accomplished running backs inFlorida State Seminoles history. During his collegiate career, he earned consensus All-American honors and was a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2016 after leading the nation in yards from scrimmage. Cook also won the Jim Brown Award as the nation’s top running back and set multiple school records, including career rushing...