Troy Smith came to Ohio State as one of the final recruits of the 2002 recruiting class. He’ll leave as one of the first players people talk about when running down a list of all-time Buckeye greats.

Smith solidified his already impressive place in Ohio State football history when he won the Heisman Trophy on Dec. 9 in New York. With his Heisman win, Smith became Ohio State’s seventh recipient of the award along with Archie Griffin (twice), Eddie George, Vic Janowicz, Howard “Hopalong” Cassady, and Les Horvath.

With its seven winners, Ohio State is now tied with Southern California and Notre Dame for the most Heisman winners from one school.

Smith said winning the Heisman left him breathless. “Normally, I’m pretty cool in pressure situations, but my heart is pounding really fast right now,” Smith told the Associated Press. “I’m at a loss for words. I just can’t believe this is happening. . . . It means everything. Just to be here in this situation. I love everybody back home in Columbus.”

Smith’s win also qualified as a blowout. He received the second-most, first-place votes in Heisman history, earning 801 first-place votes. He also had 1,662 more votes than second-place running back Darren McFadden of Arkansas, which made this the second-most lopsided Heisman win ever. Smith received 86.7 percent of the first-place votes, most-ever in Heisman voting.

The Heisman is just the latest accomplishment in what’s been a storied career for Smith. He is 25-2 as Ohio State’s starting quarterback, and is 11-1 as a starter in games against ranked opponents. Smith’s been a particular thorn in the side of Ohio State’s rival Michigan. He is the first Buckeye quarterback in 70 years to score three-straight wins over the Wolverines and he’s accumulated 1,051 total yards in those three victories.

He’ll get a chance to put an exclamation mark on his career on Jan. 8 when the Buckeyes take on Florida in the BCS National Championship game in Glendale, Ariz.