Walk into any sports bar in Columbus on a Saturday in mid-October. You’ll see the current stars, sure. You'll see the No. 18 for Jeremiah Smith or the No. 2 for Emeka Egbuka. But keep looking. Eventually, you’ll spot it. A scarlet No. 27 with those thick, old-school white stripes on the sleeves. That Eddie George Ohio State jersey isn't just a piece of clothing; it's a literal time capsule of 1995.
It represents the last time a Buckeye running back truly felt like an unstoppable force of nature over a full four-quarter stretch. Honestly, wearing one today says something specific about you as a fan. It says you remember when "three yards and a cloud of dust" turned into "six yards and a cloud of defenders."
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The Resurrection of the Number 27
Most people forget that Eddie George almost didn't make it. In 1992, as a freshman, he fumbled twice inside the five-yard line against Illinois. One of those was returned 96 yards for a touchdown. He was buried on the depth chart. People told him to transfer. Fans—kinda harshly—called him "Fumble George."
But he stayed. He grew. By the time 1995 rolled around, he was 230 pounds of pure muscle and bad intentions.
When you buy an Eddie George Ohio State jersey now, you’re usually looking for the 1995 Heisman version. That year was insane. He rushed for 1,927 yards. He scored 24 touchdowns. Against that same Illinois team that nearly broke him as a freshman, he went off for a school-record 314 rushing yards. That's why that number 27 is hanging in the rafters of Ohio Stadium today.
What to Look for in a Throwback
If you're hunting for one of these, you have to be careful. The market is flooded with cheap knockoffs that look like they were made in a dark basement. Real fans know the difference.
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- The Mesh Fabric: The mid-90s jerseys weren't that sleek, tight-fitting spandex stuff players wear now. They were heavy mesh. If the jersey feels too light, it's probably not a faithful reproduction.
- The Sleeve Stripes: This is the dead giveaway. Ohio State’s sleeve patterns have shifted over the decades. The 1995 style featured a very specific three-stripe pattern that didn't wrap all the way around the underside of the arm on the authentic versions.
- The Brand: Back in the day, Ohio State was a Nike school, but for fans, companies like Mitchell & Ness or Russell Athletic often handle the high-end "Legacy" or "Throwback" lines.
Mitchell & Ness currently sells a "1995 Legacy Jersey" that is basically the gold standard for this specific piece of gear. It’s got the stitched twill numbers and that "drip" that looks better with a pair of jeans than actual football pads.
Why Collectors Are Still Obsessed
Is it weird to wear the jersey of a guy who retired from the NFL two decades ago? Not in Columbus. Eddie George is one of only eight Buckeyes to have his number officially retired. When you wear No. 27, you aren't just wearing a "player jersey." You're wearing a retired number. It’s a permanent part of the program’s DNA.
I’ve seen some fans go the extra mile by getting the 1995 Heisman patch sewn onto the chest. It's a small detail, but it makes the jersey pop. It reminds everyone that George beat out guys like Tommie Frazier and Danny Wuerffel in one of the most competitive Heisman races in history.
Authenticity vs. Customization
One thing that trips people up is the name on the back. Technically, back in '95, the Buckeyes didn't put last names on the back of their jerseys for home games. Most "authentic" throwbacks you buy today will have "GEORGE" on the back because, let’s be real, nobody wants to explain which player they're wearing every five minutes.
However, if you find a "blank back" No. 27 that uses the correct 1990s font, that's a deep-cut move. It shows you know your history.
The Resale Value and Where to Buy
Price-wise, you’re looking at a wide range. A basic screen-printed version from a big-box retailer might run you $80 to $100. If you want the Mitchell & Ness authentic with the stitched name and numbers, expect to drop about $160 or more.
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Is it worth it?
Well, if you're looking for an investment, look for the autographed versions certified by JSA or Beckett. An autographed Eddie George Ohio State jersey that’s been framed can easily fetch $300 to $500 depending on the quality of the signature and the jersey itself.
Actionable Steps for Fans and Collectors
If you're ready to add a No. 27 to your closet, don't just click the first link on a search engine. Follow these steps to make sure you don't get ripped off:
- Check the "Jock Tag": On the bottom left of the jersey, there should be a tag. On official Mitchell & Ness throwbacks, this tag will explicitly state "Eddie George" and "1995." If it just says "Large," it’s a generic replica.
- Verify the Font: The "7" in the Ohio State font from that era has a very specific "serif" or "lip" at the top left. Counterfeiters often use a generic block font that looks "close enough" but feels wrong to a trained eye.
- Search for "Legacy" Lines: Stick to official partners like Fanatics, the Ohio State Team Shop, or Dick’s Sporting Goods. Avoid random social media ads offering jerseys for $30—those are 100% fakes from overseas that will fall apart after one wash.
- Consider the White "Away" Jersey: Everyone goes for the scarlet. The white 1995 away jersey, however, is significantly harder to find and looks incredibly sharp with the red and grey sleeve stripes. It’s the "pro" move for a collector.
Owning this jersey isn't just about the stats. It’s about that 11-game win streak in '95. It’s about the way Eddie would high-step into the end zone. It’s about a guy who fumbled his way into the doghouse and worked his way into the Hall of Fame.