Great college quarterbacks don’t just put up stats—they leave a legacy. Whether it’s a Heisman-winning campaign, a legendary championship run, or a highlight reel that still makes fans shake their heads in disbelief, these guys changed the game.
This isn’t just about who made it big in the NFL—some of these quarterbacks barely took a snap as a pro. But on Saturdays, they were unstoppable. Let’s count down the 15 best college quarterbacks of all time, ranked from great to legendary.
15. Kellen Moore – Boise State
If winning was an art form, Kellen Moore was Picasso. He went 50-3 as a starter at Boise State, leading the Broncos to some of the biggest wins in program history, including that unforgettable Fiesta Bowl win over Oklahoma. He wasn’t the flashiest QB, but he was one of the smartest and most efficient passers ever.
14. Archie Manning – Ole Miss
Archie Manning might not have won a Heisman or a national championship, but his impact on college football is undeniable. Playing for an average Ole Miss team, he still became a legend with his athleticism, toughness, and ability to carry an entire offense by himself. His 436-yard, three-touchdown game against Alabama in 1969 is still talked about today. The Manning legacy started with him, and his influence on college football remains unmatched.
13. Danny Wuerffel – Florida
Danny Wuerffel was Steve Spurrier’s perfect quarterback—slinging it all over the field in the Gators’ high-powered “Fun ‘n’ Gun” offense. He won the Heisman Trophy in 1996, took Florida to its first-ever national championship, and put up video-game numbers before that was the norm.
12. Robert Griffin III – Baylor
Before RG3, Baylor was not a football powerhouse. That changed when he won the 2011 Heisman Trophy, throwing for 4,293 yards and 37 touchdowns while leading Baylor to its first 10-win season in decades. His mix of speed, arm talent, and swagger made him one of the most exciting college QBs ever.
11. Vince Young – Texas
If this list were based on single-game performances, Vince Young might be No. 1. His 2006 Rose Bowl performance against USC (467 total yards, three TDs) is arguably the greatest college football moment ever. While his passing stats weren’t the best, his ability to take over a game with his legs and leadership made him an all-time great.
10. Marcus Mariota – Oregon
Mariota was Oregon’s ultimate weapon, winning the 2014 Heisman Trophy while leading the Ducks to the national title game. He threw for 4,454 yards, 42 touchdowns, and just four interceptions in his Heisman season, all while making it look effortless.
9. Cam Newton – Auburn
Cam Newton only had one season as a starter in college, but what a season it was. In 2010, he dragged Auburn to a national championship, won the Heisman Trophy, and made defenders look silly every week. He threw for 30 touchdowns, ran for 20 more, and passed for 2,854 yards, cementing himself as one of the most dominant forces in college football history.
8. Baker Mayfield – Oklahoma
Baker Mayfield walked on at two different schools, yet still won a Heisman Trophy in 2017 and took Oklahoma to the College Football Playoff twice. He was fiery, competitive, and could absolutely sling the football, finishing his career with 14,607 passing yards and 131 touchdowns.
7. Deshaun Watson – Clemson
Deshaun Watson was the ultimate clutch player. He led Clemson to back-to-back national championship games, winning the 2016 title against Alabama with a last-second touchdown pass. He finished his career with over 10,000 passing yards, 90 touchdowns, and countless jaw-dropping moments.
6. Johnny Manziel – Texas A&M
Johnny Football was a one-man highlight reel. He became the first freshman to ever win the Heisman Trophy in 2012, putting up 5,116 total yards and stunning Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Love him or hate him, his two years at Texas A&M were pure entertainment.
5. Tim Tebow – Florida
Tim Tebow wasn’t just a quarterback—he was a phenomenon. He won two national championships, took home the 2007 Heisman Trophy, and was the emotional leader of some of the best Florida teams ever. His running style, leadership, and ability to come up clutch made him a college football legend.
4. Matt Leinart – USC
Matt Leinart had one of the smoothest careers in college football history. He won the Heisman Trophy in 2004, led USC to back-to-back national championships, and threw for over 10,000 yards in his career. If not for that loss to Vince Young’s Texas team, his Trojans might be considered the best dynasty ever.
3. Peyton Manning – Tennessee
Peyton Manning never won a national championship, but he was still one of the most dominant quarterbacks in college football. He threw for over 11,000 yards and 89 touchdowns at Tennessee, completely changing the way quarterbacks were evaluated. Even though he left before Tennessee won the title in 1998, he’ll always be a legend in Knoxville.
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2. Tommie Frazier – Nebraska
Tommie Frazier didn’t put up crazy passing stats, but Nebraska’s back-to-back national championships in 1994 and 1995 were built on his leadership and game-changing ability. His 75-yard touchdown run in the 1996 Fiesta Bowl is one of the greatest plays in college football history.
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1. Joe Burrow – LSU
Joe Burrow’s 2019 season was the greatest single season by a quarterback in college football history. He threw for 5,671 yards, 60 touchdowns, and just six interceptions, leading LSU to a perfect season and a national championship. His confidence, accuracy, and ability to show up in the biggest moments make him one of the all-time greats.
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