As a junior and senior he was named the left halfback in a single-wing formation offense, making him the team's primary ball handler.
Scott was a two-time All-American selection for the Ohio State University Buckeyes football team.
He was called the most versatile back in college football because he was a brilliant passer, blocker, and ball carrier.
His head coach, Francis Schmidt, later said, "I can’t remember a back as dangerous in so many departments of play.” Scott lettered for the Ohio State Buckeyes football team in 1938, 1939, and 1940.
He became the Buckeyes' starting quarterback as a junior in 1939 and led the team to the Big Ten Conference title.
Scott had participated in the Civilian Pilot Training Program, sponsored by the Civil Aeronautics Administration, while at Ohio State.