College football has seen generations of exceptional talent, with countless players leaving a lasting impact on the game’s storied history. Among them, quarterbacks have consistently stood out—not just for their on-field brilliance, but for their leadership and ability to elevate their teams to greatness.
This list highlights the most legendary college football quarterbacks, celebrating their remarkable achievements and the legacies they’ve etched into the fabric of the sport.
19. Joe Burrow – LSU
Joe Burrow is renowned for his exceptional college career at LSU. He led the Tigers to a 15-0 season and a national championship in 2019, winning the Heisman Trophy. Burrow set numerous LSU records, including career touchdowns and passing yards.
18. Steve Spurrier – Florida
Steve Spurrier, the 1966 Heisman Trophy winner, led Florida to two major bowls. He was known for his clutch performances, including a memorable 40-yard field goal against Auburn. Spurrier later became a renowned coach, inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2017 as both a player and coach.
17. Jim Plunkett – Stanford
Jim Plunkett, a legendary Stanford quarterback, won the Heisman Trophy in 1970. He led Stanford to a Rose Bowl victory over Ohio State and was the first Latino to win the Heisman. Plunkett’s college success preceded a storied NFL career with the Raiders.
16. John Elway – Stanford
John Elway, a legendary quarterback, rewrote Stanford’s record books from 1979 to 1982. He holds the Stanford record for most career touchdown passes with 77 and was a two-time Pac-10 Player of the Year. Elway finished second in the 1982 Heisman Trophy voting.
15. Davey O’Brien – TCU
Davey O’Brien, a legendary TCU quarterback, led the Frogs to a national championship in 1938. He won the Heisman and Maxwell Awards, throwing 19 touchdowns that season. Known for his exceptional play selection, O’Brien was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1955.
14. Sammy Baugh – TCU
Sammy Baugh, known as “Slingin’ Sam,” revolutionized college football with his passing prowess at TCU. He led the Horned Frogs to a 29-7-2 record, including victories in the Sugar and Cotton bowls, and twice led the nation in passing yards and touchdowns.
13. Archie Griffin – Ohio State
Archie Griffin is not a quarterback but a legendary running back. He won two Heisman Trophies (1974, 1975) and led Ohio State to four Big Ten titles. Griffin’s achievements are iconic in college football history, though he doesn’t fit this listicle’s quarterback focus.
12. Matt Leinart – USC
Matt Leinart, a Heisman Trophy winner in 2004, led USC to consecutive national championships. He holds a 37-2 record as a starter and is a three-time All-American. Leinart was inducted into the Orange Bowl Hall of Fame in 2024.
11. Johnny Manziel – Texas A&M
Johnny Manziel, known as “Johnny Football,” was a dynamic quarterback at Texas A&M. He won the Heisman Trophy in 2012 as a freshman and holds multiple school records, including most career rushing yards by a quarterback. Manziel’s impact was marked by his dual-threat abilities and historic performances.
10. Lamar Jackson – Louisville
Lamar Jackson, the dynamic quarterback from Louisville, won the Heisman Trophy in 2016. He set records with his dual-threat abilities, rushing for 1,571 yards and passing for 3,543 yards that year. His college success paved the way for his NFL career with the Baltimore Ravens.
9. Baker Mayfield – Oklahoma
Baker Mayfield is renowned for his achievements at Oklahoma, where he won the Heisman Trophy in 2017 as the first walk-on player to do so. He led the Sooners to multiple playoff appearances and finished his career with 12,292 passing yards and 119 touchdowns.
8. Deshaun Watson – Clemson
Deshaun Watson led Clemson to a national championship in 2016, showcasing exceptional skill with over 4,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards in his sophomore season. He was a Heisman finalist and won the Davey O’Brien Award. Watson’s impact remains significant in college football history.
7. Doug Flutie – Boston College
Doug Flutie is renowned for winning Boston College’s first Heisman Trophy in 1984. He set NCAA records for passing yards and total offense, throwing for 3,454 yards and 27 touchdowns that year. Flutie’s iconic “Hail Mary” pass against Miami remains legendary.
6. Roger Staubach – Navy
Roger Staubach, known as “Roger the Dodger,” led Navy to a second national ranking and won the Heisman Trophy in 1963. He set numerous records and earned All-American honors, later becoming a legendary NFL quarterback with the Dallas Cowboys.
5. Peyton Manning – Tennessee
Peyton Manning led the Tennessee Volunteers to a 39-6 record as a starter, earning the Maxwell, Davey O’Brien, and SEC Player of the Year awards in 1997. His impressive college career set the stage for his Hall of Fame NFL career.
4. Cam Newton – Auburn
Cam Newton is renowned for his incredible 2010 season at Auburn, where he won the Heisman Trophy and led the Tigers to a national championship. He threw for 2,589 yards and rushed for 1,409 yards, setting numerous records.
3. Tommie Frazier – Nebraska
Tommie Frazier led Nebraska to consecutive national titles in 1994 and 1995, earning consensus All-American honors in 1995. He was named MVP in three national championship games, a feat unmatched in college football history. Frazier was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2013.
Read More: 15 Legendary NHL Goalies Who Redefined the Game
2. Vince Young – Texas
Vince Young is renowned for his exceptional college career at Texas, boasting a 30-2 record as a starter with a 60.8% completion rate. He led Texas to numerous victories, including the 2006 Rose Bowl, and holds records for rushing yards by a quarterback.
Read More: 30 College Football Stars Who Struggled in the NFL
1. Tim Tebow – Florida
Tim Tebow is renowned for his exceptional college football career at Florida. He won the Heisman Trophy as an underclassman and led the Gators to two BCS National Championships. Tebow holds numerous SEC records, including career rushing touchdowns and passing efficiency.
Read More: 20 Heisman Winners Who Disappointed Us in the NFL
