Simply being the offspring of someone famous doesn’t guarantee success. Of course, there are the Peyton and Eli Mannings or a Ken Griffey Jr. and Barry Bonds—all of which are arguably more successful than their papas.

But that’s more the exception than the rule. Trying to become larger than your well-known dad is no easy chore. Good genes help, but there's more to the equation.

There are a number of current college football players who have a shot at possibly one-upping their fathers, but most will probably remain in the shadows of their famed fathers (and probably somewhat envious of their success).

There are even a few father's (is there anything Joe Montana doesn't do well?) who have more than one son currently playing collegiate football at the FBS level.

One interesting potential battle that could eclipse the patriarch’s success is Barry Sanders Jr., who is a YouTube wonder as a high school football star. For now, let’s just focus on those in the college game and give you some very unscientific odds of the sons surpassing their father’s accomplishments.

Father: Oliver Luck

Position: Quarterback

College: West Virginia

Age: 50

Many people don’t remember that Oliver had a solid four seasons at WVU, which included a career-defining 26-6 upset victory over Florida in the 1981 Peach Bowl. He was a two-time Academic All-American and Rhodes Scholar finalist. He ended his days in Morgantown with school records in a number of categories, including 43 career touchdowns.

Despite being the third overall QB selected in the 1982 NFL Draft, Oliver’s professional career had few highlights. In 1983 he started and struggled as did the Oilers (2-14). He remained in the NFL until 1986 mainly as the back up to Warren Moon.

Oliver remains involved in athletics as the president of the Houston Dynamo of Major League Soccer.

Son: Andrew Luck

Position: Quarterback

College: Stanford

Year: Sophomore

If his first season as a starter at Stanford is any indication, Andrew could easily surpass his father’s success on the field. Andrew enters the 2010 as an All-American and Heisman candidate as a sophomore. There’s even talk that he could be a first-round pick in next season’s NFL Draft if he decides to leave early.

However, education is important to the Luck’s so it’s unlikely. Andrew is coming off surgery to a finger on his throwing hand after injuring it against Notre Dame in the final regular season game. However, the 6-foot-4, 234-pound Andrew returns in 2010 as one of the country’s best QBs.

Last year he guided the Cardinal to an 8-4 regular season, while completed nearly 57 percent of his passes for 2,575 yards. He also recorded two signature victories over Oregon and USC. Reports out of spring camp are that Andrew’s finger has healed and he’s ready for 2010.

Odds of surpassing father’s stardom: Even

Father: Craig “Ironhead” Heyward

Position: Running back

College: Pittsburgh

Age: Died in 2006 at 39

Craig Heyward had weight problems throughout his 11-year NFL career, but when he kept it in check he was a punishing blocker and runner who finished with 4,310 yards.

He was an All-American at Pitt and was later drafted in the first round by the New Orleans Saints. He battled alcohol addiction while playing with Saints, Bears, Falcons, Rams and Colts.

He also showed a funny side during his career by making commercials. He died in 2006 after battling a malignant bone cancer. His son, Cameron, was in high school at the time.

Son: Cameron Heyward

Position: Defensive end

College: Ohio State

Year: Senior

Most experts figured Cameron would have bolted Ohio State for an almost certain first-round selection in the NFL Draft. But surprisingly he chose to return for his final season in Columbus.

Cameron is a playmaker on the defensive side who has the physical gifts to dominate a game. He was a highly rated player coming out of high school in Georgia and has not disappointed.

He should be an All-American candidate and potential Big Ten Defensive Player of Year candidate in 2010, as the Buckeyes should be favored to win the conference and even play for a national title.

Odds of surpassing father’s stardom: 10-to-1

Father: Clay Matthews

Position: Linebacker

College: Southern Cal

Age: 54

After an All-American career at USC, Clay was the 12th overall pick in the 1978 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. He spent the next 19 seasons with the Browns and Atlanta Falcons.

He was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and has more than 1,500 tackles. Somehow Clay has not found his way into the hallowed halls in Canton, like his brother Bruce, who was enshrined in 2007.

Two of Clay’s sons—Kyle (2000-03) and Clay III (2004-08)—went to his alma mater, but his youngest, Casey, is at Oregon. Most recently, Clay has served as the defensive coordinator at Oaks Christian High School, a private powerhouse program in Westlake Village, Calif.

Son: Casey Matthews

Position: Linebacker

College: Oregon

Year: Senior

He may not have the overall skills of his father (Clay Jr.) or brother (Clay III), but Casey has been a tackling machine since playing in 11 games as a true freshmen.

Last season he started strong and still finished second on the team with 81 tackles. He learned a lot being in the Matthews home as he’s considered a savvy defender who always seems to be in the right place to make big stops. Matthews is considered one of the Ducks leaders and could be a big reason Oregon repeats as Pac-10 champs.

Still, the 2010 season—his final year—will go far in helping him establish his future as a pro. At this time he is most likely a second or third rounder.

Odds of surpassing father’s stardom: 25-to-1

Father: Nick “Big Bully” Busick

Position: Wrestler

Organizations: Global Wrestling Federation and World Wrestling Federation

Age: 55

Big Bully wrestled professionally from 1979-92. He got his start in Pittsburgh, where grew up. Busick built his reputation by annoying fans with tactics that included popping children’s balloons with his cigars.

Busick was a wrestler and power lifter in high school and never played football collegiately.

Following his wrestling career, Big Bully worked as a Senior Investigator for a Gaming Casino Company until 2008 and then launched his nutrition company promoting Nitric Oxide Energy Bars.

Son: Branko Busick

Position: Linebacker

College: West Virginia

Year: Freshman

It should come as no surprise that the son of a former professional wrestler is considered one of the toughest players for the Mountaineers.

Branko is in the running to start at middle linebacker after redshirting last season. If healthy, Branko is expected to play a key role on the defensive side for WVU as it tries to get back on top of the Big East.

During his prep career at Steubenville (Ohio) High School, Branko was an all-state player who starred at both linebacker and fullback. It’s a little early to predict Busick’s ability to surpass his father’s success, but chances are he won’t be much more popular with opponents.

Odds of surpassing father’s stardom: 150-to-1

Father: Wendell Tyler

Position: Running back

College: UCLA

Age: 54

Wendell starred for the Bruins from 1973-76 and guided the 1975 team to a Rose Bowl where they defeated No. 1 Ohio State.

The elder Tyler played in 10 NFL seasons for the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers, including an appearance in Super Bowl XIV with the Rams. He also won a Super Bowl with the 49ers in 1985.

Son: Marc Tyler

Position: Running back

College: Southern Cal

Year: Junior

The former top prospect in the nation in 2007 has not lived up to the hype. Entering spring practice it looked as though he would remain a back up to Allen Bradford.

However, Marc has impressed first-year USC coach Lane Kiffin with his blocking skills and there is a good chance he’ll be the main third-down back in the fall.

Despite the positive news this is not the career Marc was expecting when he arrived as the most ballyhooed recruit.

Odds of surpassing father’s stardom: 400-to-1

Father: Tim McDonald

Position: Safety

College: Southern Cal

Age: 45

Tim McDonald was a three-year starter for Trojans, amassing 325 tackles and 11 interceptions—earning All-American honors in 1986.

The elder McDonald had a respectable 13-year NFL career, which included six Pro Bowl selections while playing with the St. Louis Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers. He was part of the 49ers 1993 Super Bowl championship team.

He recently stepped down as the football coach at his alma mater, Edison High School, in Fresno, Calif.

Son: T.J. McDonald

Position: Safety

College: Southern Cal

Year: Sophomore

T.J. is battling for a starting spot at safety for the Trojans despite a recent ankle surgery. He arrived at USC as prep All-American and ESPN 150 prospect.

As a true freshman, T.J. saw limited action but was a regular contributor on special teams. His best game was against San Jose State when he recorded three tackles.

His future is bright, especially getting a chance to play for defensive genius Monte Kiffin in 2010.

Odds of surpassing father’s stardom: 500-to-1

Son: Tevin McDonald

Position: Safety

College: UCLA

Year: Freshman

A three-star recruit from Edison High School, Tevin is a feather in Rick Neuheisel’s 2010 recruiting class because he snatched him from USC. The Trojans didn’t recruit him hard, though, so it’s a small victory for Neuheisel.

He is a good athlete who could play multiple positions, most likely corner, for the Bruins in the future.

Odds of surpassing father’s stardom: 30,000-to-1

Father: Cris Carter

Position: Wide receiver

College: Ohio State

Age: 44

Much like his son, Cris was a highly recruited prep player who chose Ohio State and coach Earle Bruce. Thanks to exceptional catching skills and a flair for acrobatic catches, Cris’ career with the Buckeyes was brilliant.

He still lasted until the fourth round of the NFL Draft and he famously became known as the guy who “All he does is catch touchdowns.” He was an eight-time Pro Bowl selection while playing with the Eagles, Vikings and Dolphins. While he has fallen short in three attempts of being elected to the Hall of Fame, but he is expected to be included one day in Canton.

Cris is a studio analyst for ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown and Monday Night Countdown, and he’s a volunteer assistant at national powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Son: Duron Carter

Position: Wide receiver

College: Ohio State

Year: Sophomore

Duron played a considerable amount as a true freshmen in 2009, finishing with 13 receptions for 176 yards in 10 games. He also won back-to-back Class 5A Florida state titles while playing for George Smith at St. Thomas Aquinas.

Duron’s future is a bit cloudy, though. He sat out last year’s Rose Bowl win over Oregon because of academic issues and his problems may not be cleared up in time for the 2010 season.

If he is eligible, Duron could see his playing time and production increase, especially with a more confident Terrelle Pryor at QB.

Odds of surpassing father’s stardom: 750-to-1

Father: Alonzo Highsmith

Position: Running back

College: Miami, Fla.

Age: 45

Alonzo Highsmith was one of the best to ever play at The U.

He was a member of the 1983 team that upset Nebraska in the 1984 Orange Bowl to win Miami’s first national championship. He was also a four-time letter winner.

However, his NFL career did not live up to the promise of being the third overall player selected. Knee injuries shortened his career to just six seasons with the Oilers, Cowboys and Buccaneers. His father, Walter, was also an NFL player.

Highsmith, who is a scout for the Green Bay Packers, also boxed professionally for four years tallying a 27-1-2 record.

Son: A.J. Highsmith

Position: Quarterback

College: Miami, Fla.

Year: Sophomore

A.J. is a dual threat quarterback who is more athletic than his dad, but may have to wait awhile to see serious playing time as he sits behind Jacory Harris on the depth chart.

A.J. grew up wanting to play for the Canes, and he gives Randy Shannon a dependable if inexperienced back up. During his senior season at Hightower HS in Fort Bend, Texas, A.J. threw for more than 2,100 yards and 28 TDS, while leading his team to the Class 5A state title game.

He saw the field a lot more this spring as Harris was sidelined following postseason surgery.

Odds of surpassing father’s stardom: 1,000-to-1

Son: Brandon Thermilus

Position: Running back

College: Buffalo

Year: Junior

Brandon is a powerful runner who plays both tailback and fullback for the Bulls. He’s considered a fringe NFL prospect.

He rushed for 454 yards and seven touchdowns on 100 carries in 2008 when the Bulls won the Mid-American Conference championship. Last season he rushed for another 560 yards and four TDs. He’ll split carries with Ike Nduka in 2010.

Odds of surpassing father’s stardom: 500,000-to-1

Father: Phil Simms

Position: Quarterback

College: Morehead State

Age: 55

Who needs QB guru Steve Clarkson when you could just have Phil Simms father a future signal caller for you. Phil’s oldest son Chris was a star at Texas and still has hopes of sticking around the NFL after seven so-so seasons.

As a quarterback at Morehead (1975-78), it would have been difficult to predict Phil’s future NFL success as his career was less than spectacular (409 of 835 passing for 5,545 yards, 32 touchdowns and 45 interceptions). But the New York Giants made him a surprise first-round pick and he survived 14 seasons and was part of two Super Bowl championships.

His post NFL career has included TV stops with ESPN, NBC and now with CBS on the lead NFL team with Jim Nantz.

Son: Matt Simms

Position: Quarterback

College: Tennessee

Year: Junior

Matt was a New Jersey high school stud who started his college career at Louisville. Matt didn’t last long after some photos appeared online of him rolling spliff and he never got out of then coach Steve Kragthrope’s doghouse.

Matt has landed on his feet, though. After a season with El Camino College in California, Matt is back at a top program—Tennessee—and all signs out of spring camp have him starting this fall for first-year coach Derek Dooley. In the Volunteers recent spring game, Matt wasn’t overly impressive. He was 12-of-26 for 125 yards, but threw three interceptions and was sacked five times.

The talent remains, but Matt’s once-promising future doesn’t look like it live up to his father’s career, much less that of his older brother, Chris.

Odds of surpassing father’s stardom: 1,200-to-1

Father: Tony Dungy

Position: Quarterback

College: Minnesota

Age: 54

Tony is best known for becoming the first African-American head coach to win the Super Bowl, when the Indianapolis Colts defeated the Chicago Bears 29-17 on Feb. 4, 2007. Tony is also revered by players and colleagues as one of the good men in the game.

Following a successful collegiate career with the Gophers, Tony latched on with the Pittsburgh Steelers as a free agent in 1977 and was part of the 1978 Super Bowl championship team.

He retired after the 2008 season and works as a color analyst on NBC’s Sunday Night Football pregame show. He’s certain to join the Pro Football Hall of Famer one day. Tony has also become the go-to guy for players or teams who need a mentor, including Mike Vick and former Oregon running back LeGarrette Blount.

Son: Eric Dungy

Position: Defensive back

College: Oregon

Year: Freshman

Eric was a solid defensive back for Plant High School in Tampa, Fla., but he didn’t have a ton of scholarship offers. Florida State wanted him to considering a gray shirt offer, but Oregon’s Chip Kelly made a late offer and Eric jumped at the chance. Eric visited campus and got to know Kelly when his father, Tony, was asked to advise Kelly and LeGarrette Blount following Blount’s one-man brawl at Boise State.

At 6-1, 170, Eric will have to get into the weight room before he can contribute to the Ducks, but he could be moved to safety in the future.

It will take a lot for Eric to step outside of his father’s large shadow, but going across country to the campus in Eugene will allow Eric to create his own identity and who knows what may happen.

Odds of surpassing father’s stardom: 25,000-to-1

Father: Craig James

Position: Running back

College: Southern Methodist

Age: 49

While most people today know Craig James as the ESPN commentator who was at the center of getting Mike Leach fired at Texas Tech, he was a star college player in the early 1980s with SMU.

Craig teamed with Eric Dickerson to form the vaunted Pony Express. He played one season in the USFL with the Washington Federals and five seasons with the New England Patriots, earning All-Pro in 1986. He’s also the last white player to rush for more than 1,000 yards in the NFL, which earned him the nickname “The Great White Hope.”

He has worked at CBS doing both college and pro analysis, but is now a color analyst on college football for ESPN. It's not like he needs the additional money, but Craig also runs his own broadcasting school—Craig James School of Broadcasting.

Son: Adam James

Position: Wide receiver

College: Texas Tech

Year: Junior

The former three-star recruit out of Celina (Texas) High School, has played sparingly with the Red Raiders and managed just a handful of receptions his first two seasons.

Adam sustained one of the most famous concussions in history on Dec. 16, 2009. After an evaluation the next day he was told not to practice and, according to him and his family, he was treated improperly by then coach Mike Leach.

Adam remains with the Red Raiders, while Leach was fired. With new coach Tommy Tuberville, James looks like he’ll get a fair shot but the fans in Lubbock may never forgive him.

Odds of surpassing father’s stardom: 150,000-to-1

Father: Archie Griffin

Position: Running back

College: Ohio State

Age: 55

If you are reading this right now you know who Archie Griffin is. You know the resume—only two-time Heisman Trophy winner, Ohio State celebrity and College Football Hall of Famer.

Archie makes a living off being Archie. He heads up the OSU Alumni Association and loves meeting with fans, alumni groups and school children around Ohio.

Despite his almost mythological college career, Archie’s seven years in the NFL and a brief stay in the USFL were below average.

Son: Adam Griffin

Position: Running back

College: Ohio State

Year: Freshman

His father won two Heisman Trophies and remains the most revered (living) Buckeye around. There is almost no way for Adam to live up to the legend that is his father in Columbus.

But there won’t be a lot of pressure on Adam as there isn’t much hype. Adam was a lightly recruited out of St. Francis DeSales High School in Columbus, and the scholarship is partly a publicity stunt.

This isn’t a rip on Adam, but if not for his father he wouldn’t be wearing the Scarlet and Gray this fall. He has decent speed, but he’s a bit small to be competing in the Big Ten.

If Ohio State wants to add a little pressure to the kid Coach Tressel could give him No. 45 to wear on Day 1.

Odds of surpassing father’s stardom: 1,000,000-to-1

Father: Joe Montana

Position: Quarterback

College: Notre Dame

Age: 53

We all know the story. Joe was the 82nd pick out of Notre Dame and he went on to lead the 49ers to four Super Bowl championships en route to his Hall of Fame career.

He retired in 1994 after earning three Super Bowl MVP awards, two NFL MVP honors and eight trips to the Pro Bowl. At Notre Dame, Montana had a flair for the dramatic.

His most famous contribution came on Jan. 1, 1979, when he was sick, but led the Irish to a touchdown with two seconds remaining for a 35-34 victory over Houston in the Cotton Bowl.

Son: Nick Montana

Position: Quarterback

College: Washington

Year: Freshman

It can’t be easy being the son of Joe Montana, but Nick seems to embrace it as well as anyone could. He chose Washington because of coach Steve Sarkisian. It appears he’ll wait at least one season before getting a shot at starting since Jake Locker returned for his final season.

Still, Nick has a good shot at being the No. 2 guy in 2010 or redshirt and still have four seasons to play. He was an outstanding player at Oaks Christian HS in California and was considered one of the top QB prospects.

Odds of surpassing father’s stardom: 10,000,00-to-1

Son: Nate Montana

Position: Quarterback

College: Notre Dame

Year: Sophomore

Nate doesn’t have the God-given talents of his father or younger brother, but he still walked on at Notre Dame. He left after one season and played JC ball, but he’s now back in South Bend with new coach Brian Kelly. Nate’s potential to play increased greatly with his performance in the spring game. He completed 18-of-30 passes for 223 yards and one interception. He led the Gold team to a 27-19 victory. A weak arm and inaccurate passes will more than likely keep him from making any real contributions at Notre Dame.

Odds of surpassing father’s stardom: 100,000,00-to-1