No school had ever had four students named the best in their sport until 1988. That year, OSU made NCAA history when four students were named the top performer in their sport.

John Smith, an NCAA individual wrestling champion, was named Amateur Wrestler of the Year and third baseman Robin Venture won the Golden Spikes Award, given to the nation's most outstanding amateur baseball player.

Barry Sanders won the Heisman Trophy, making him America's top college football player, and E.J. Pfister won the NCAA individual golf championship (all pictured).