National Football Foundation

Big Ten Champion Ohio State defeated Pac-8 Champion USC in the Rose Bowl, marking the Buckeyes’ first MacArthur Bowl. Coached by College Football Hall of Famer Woody Hayes, finished 10-0 after a 27-16 victory against the Trojans in the Rose Bowl. This was the first year the Buckeye players were awarded Buckeye pride stickers for their helmets, each one a reward for a good play, becoming the first team to have such a program. The 1968 Ohio State team featured Hall of Fame quarterback Rex Kern, also a 1970 NFF National Scholar-Athlete, Hall of Fame defensive tackle Jim Stillwagon, and Hall of Fame safety Jack Tatum. The Buckeyes also fielded 1968 NFF National Scholar-Athlete and offensive tackle David Foley.

Representing the pinnacle of team achievement in college sports, the trophy was the gift of an anonymous donor, who commissioned Tiffany & Co. to craft it from 400 ounces of silver, in honor of NFF founder General Douglas A. MacArthur. It took eight months to make, and the trophy features MacArthur's famous quote: "There is no substitute for victory."