The Touchdown Club of Columbus was founded in Columbus, Ohio, in 1956 by Sam B. Nicola at the request of state auditor James A. Rhodes, who later became governor of the state. Nicola served as the club's president until his death in 1993. More than a decade later, his son Sam Nicola Jr. took over the Touchdown Club. On January 22, 2020, the president of the Touchdown Club of Columbus, Curt Boster, announced on the club's Facebook page the cancellation of the awards, citing difficulty of maintaining the event without a title sponsor.

Awards

The Touchdown Club of Columbus gave several awards to recognize outstanding athletes.

Sammy Baugh Trophy

The Sammy Baugh Trophy was awarded annually to the nation's top collegiate passer.

Jim Brown Trophy

This honor went to the NCAA's top running back, named for Hall of Famer Jim Brown.

Paul Warfield Trophy

Named for Paul Warfield, this honor was given to the nation's top collegiate wide receiver.

Jim Parker Trophy

Given yearly to the top collegiate offensive lineman. Named for Ohio State great and Hall of Famer Jim Parker.

Bill Willis Trophy

Named for Bill Willis, this award was given yearly to the top collegiate defensive lineman.

Jack Lambert Trophy

Named for Jack Lambert, this award was given yearly to the top collegiate linebacker.

Jack Tatum Trophy

Starting in 1991, the Jack Tatum Trophy was given yearly to the top collegiate defensive back. Named after the legendary Jack Tatum

Archie Griffin Award

The Archie Griffin Award signifies college football's most valuable player for the entire season. It was named in honor of the only two-time Heisman Trophy winner, Archie Griffin of Ohio State.

Chic Harley Award

Named for Chic Harley, this award was presented to the College Football Player of the Year.

Kellen Moore Award

Previously called the Quarterback of the Year Award, this accolade differed from the Sammy Baugh Trophy in that it went to top quarterback, rather than the top passer. Its name was changed to its current identity in 2012, honoring two-time winner Kellen Moore, who became the FBS all-time leader in wins by a quarterback after going 50–3 as the starter at Boise State.

Ozzie Newsome Award

Named for Ozzie Newsome, this award was presented annually to the top collegiate tight end.

Woody Hayes Trophy

Named for Woody Hayes, this award recognized the top collegiate coach.

Zuppke Award

The Robert C. Zuppke Award trophy was given to the Touchdown Club of Columbus's selection for national champion college football team.

Freshman of the Year

Given yearly to the top college football newcomer.

Vlade Award

Named in honor of Vlade Janakievski, one of the most accurate placekickers in Ohio State football history, this award was given yearly to the most accurate college football kicker.

Paul Brown Trophy

Named for Paul Brown, this trophy was presented annually to the NFL Coach of the Year.

Joe F. Carr Trophy

Named for Joseph Carr, this trophy was presented annually (from 1955–1978) to the NFL Player of the Year. This award is not to be confused with the original Joe F. Carr Trophy which was the official National Football League MVP award from 1938–46. However, both trophies are named after Carr, a former NFL commissioner.

Sam B. Nicola Trophy

Named for the club's founder, this trophy was presented annually to the National High School Player of the Year.

James A. Rhodes Trophy

The James A. Rhodes Trophy was awarded annually to the Ohio High School player of the year. It was named for former Governor of Ohio James A. Rhodes, who was state auditor when he made the suggestion that led to the founding of the Touchdown Club of Columbus.

Male Athlete of the Year

Female Athlete of the Year

President's Award

TDC Lifetime Achievement Award

The Touchdown Club also gave the annual TDC Lifetime Achievement Award to a selected athlete.

FCS Player of the Year