"[1] Harley was born in Chicago, Illinois, hence the source of the nickname Chic, but his family moved to Columbus, Ohio, when he was 12 years old.

Following the season, Harley was named as a consensus first-team All-America selection, including a spot on Walter Camp's authoritative list.

In 1918, Harley left school to be a pilot in the United States Army Air Service during World War I, but he returned the following year.

In Harley's only career loss, the team lost the conference title to the University of Illinois on a field goal with eight seconds left in the season finale.

Following the Buckeyes' 13–3 win, legendary Michigan head coach Fielding H. Yost asked for and was granted a rare moment to address the Ohio State team.

Throughout his Ohio State career, Harley played right halfback on offense and safety on defense, and was also the team's punter and place kicker.

In 1950, Harley was voted a first-team halfback on the Associated Press college football All-Star team for the first half of the 20th century.

"[3] In 1951 Harley was one of 44 players and coaches selected as the charter members of the College Football Hall of Fame.

However, that contract was voided when a physical revealed health impairments resultant from Harley's time in the war.

At the time he was diagnosed with Dementia praecox, a chronic, deteriorating psychotic disorder characterized by rapid cognitive disintegration, usually beginning in the late teens or early adulthood.

His pallbearers were the five Ohio State football captains at the time; Archie Griffin, Arnie Jones, Steve Myers, Neal Colzie, Pete Cuzick and tackle Kurt Schumacher.

Chic's final resting place is located at Union Cemetery along the Olentangy River, about two miles north of the Ohio State University campus.

The Chic Harley Award is presented by the Touchdown Club of Columbus to the College Football Player of the Year.