Completed Event: Football at Temple on September 13, 2025 , Win , 42, to, 3
Final
Football
42
at Temple
3
University of Oklahoma Athletics
Joe Washington in College Football Hall of Fame
May 18, 2005 | Football
MORRISTOWN, N.J. -- From the national ballot of 75 candidates and a pool of hundreds of eligible nominees, Jon F. Hanson, Chairman of The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame announced the 2005 College Football Hall of Fame Division I-A Class, which includes the names of 11 All- America players and two legendary coaches.
Among the 11 players is former Oklahoma great Joe Washington, a running back for the Sooners from 192-74. Washington becomes Oklahoma's 20th inductee and second in as many years. Tony Casillas was inducted in 2004.
“We are very pleased to have the opportunity to induct another exceptional class of college football hall of famers,” said Chairman Jon F. Hanson. “Each year our hard-working Honors Court, chaired by Gene Corrigan, continues to do an outstanding job in ensuring the game's legends are duly recognized.”
The 2005 College Football Hall of Fame Division I-A Class will be inducted at the 48th Annual Awards Dinner on December 6, 2005, at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City. They will be officially enshrined at the Hall in South Bend during ceremonies in August of 2006.
“Like smoke through a keyhole” is how legendary Oklahoma running back Joe Washington described his running style during the days he ruled the BIG-8 Conference. Upon the completion of his remarkable Sooner career, Washington stood atop the school's all-time career rushing list with over 4,000 yards.
For two extraordinary seasons, Washington dominated the national scene. In 1974, he earned unanimous First Team All-America status as a running back, was named National Player of the Year and finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting. In 1975, Washington was named First Team All-America as a kick returner and placed fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting. Both seasons, Washington's offensive brilliance led to Sooner national championships.
A three-time First Team All-Conference pick, Washington's teams lost only twice in 46 career games. Selected in the first round of the 1976 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers, Washington played 10 seasons in the NFL and was named MVP of the Redskins in 1981. He is currently the owner of a marketing and advertising company and lives in Lutherville, Maryland.
PLAYERS
Cornelius Bennett - LB, Alabama, 1983-86
Tom Curtis - DB, Michigan, 1967-69
Anthony Davis - RB, Southern California, 1972-74
Keith Dorney - OT, Penn State, 1975-78
Jim Houston - E, Ohio State, 1957-59
John Huarte - QB, Notre Dame, 1962-64
Roosevelt Leaks - FB, Texas, 1972-74
Mark May - OT, Pittsburgh, 1977-80
Joe Washington - RB, Oklahoma, 1972-75
Paul Wiggin - DT, Stanford, 1954-56
David Williams - WR, Illinois, 1983-85
COACHES
Pat Dye
East Carolina (1974-79), Wyoming (1980), Auburn (1981-92), 153-62-5
Don Nehlen
Bowling Green (1968-76), West Virginia, (1980-2002), 202-128-8
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