Excelling in college football is no guarantee of NFL stardom. Some players lit up the NCAA with jaw-dropping stats, Heisman-worthy performances, and championship runs, only to fall flat once they hit the pro ranks.
Whether it was because of injuries, lackluster play, bad fits with teams, or off-the-field distractions, these highly touted college stars never lived up to the hype in the NFL. From can’t-miss prospects to first-round flops, here are 30 college football legends who couldn’t make it work at the next level.
30. Alex Smith (QB)
Alex Smith was a first-team All-American at Utah and the No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft. However, his first few years with the 49ers were rough, as he threw more interceptions (53) than touchdowns (51) in his first five seasons. Though he eventually found success with the Chiefs, he never lived up to the expectations of a No. 1 pick and never won a Super Bowl.
29. JaMarcus Russell (QB)
Russell was a college star at LSU, winning the Sugar Bowl MVP before becoming the No. 1 overall pick in 2007. But his work ethic and preparation were questioned from the start. In just three disastrous seasons with the Raiders, he went 7-18 as a starter, throwing more interceptions (23) than touchdowns (18).
28. J.J. Stokes (WR)
A Heisman candidate at UCLA, Stokes was drafted 10th overall by the 49ers in 1995 to be the heir to Jerry Rice. But in eight seasons with San Francisco, he never became a true No. 1 receiver, averaging just 40 catches per year before bouncing around with the Jaguars and Patriots.
27. Joey Harrington (QB)
A college star at Oregon, Harrington was taken third overall in 2002 by the Lions. However, he struggled mightily in the NFL, winning just 33% of his starts and throwing more interceptions (85) than touchdowns (79). After a short stint with the Dolphins and Falcons, his NFL career was over.
26. Ryan Leaf (QB)
One of the biggest busts in NFL history, Leaf was a dominant college quarterback at Washington State and the No. 2 overall pick in 1998. But his NFL career was a disaster—he lasted just four seasons, going 4-17 as a starter and throwing nearly three times as many interceptions (36) as touchdowns (14).
25. Terry Hanratty (QB)
Hanratty was a two-time All-American at Notre Dame and a second-round pick by the Steelers in 1969. But despite several opportunities, he couldn’t secure the starting job. In 50 career games, he threw 24 touchdowns and 35 interceptions before fading out of the league.
24. Ken MacAfee (TE)
MacAfee was one of the greatest tight ends in college football history, finishing third in the 1977 Heisman voting. Drafted seventh overall by the 49ers, he lasted just two seasons before being asked to switch to the offensive line. He retired rather than change positions.
23. Eric Curry (DE)
A dominant defensive end at Alabama and a first-round pick in 1993, Curry was expected to anchor Tampa Bay’s defense. Instead, he managed just 10 sacks in five seasons before fading into obscurity.
22. Walt Patulski (DE)
The No. 1 overall pick in 1972, Patulski won the Lombardi Award at Notre Dame and looked like a future star. But after a solid rookie season, injuries and inconsistency derailed his career, and he was out of the league after just five seasons.
21. Trev Alberts (LB)
A College Football Hall of Famer, Alberts was drafted fifth overall by the Colts in 1994. Injuries limited him to just three seasons, and he recorded only four sacks before calling it quits.
20. Steve Spurrier (QB)
Spurrier won the Heisman Trophy in 1966 but never found success in the NFL. A backup for most of his career, he finished with a 13-24-1 record as a starter and threw more interceptions than touchdowns.
19. Desmond Howard (WR)
A Heisman winner at Michigan, Howard was drafted fourth overall in 1992 but never became an elite receiver. He caught just 123 passes in 12 seasons, though he did find success as a return specialist, winning a Super Bowl MVP for his special teams play.
18. David Klingler (QB)
One of college football’s most prolific passers, Klingler was drafted sixth overall by the Bengals in 1992. But he struggled mightily in the NFL, losing 20 of his 24 starts and never becoming the star Cincinnati hoped for.
17. Blair Thomas (RB)
Thomas was a dominant rusher at Penn State and the No. 2 pick in the 1990 draft. However, he never lived up to expectations, scoring just five touchdowns in four years with the Jets before bouncing between teams.
16. Curtis Enis (RB)
An All-American at Penn State, Enis was taken fifth overall in 1998 but struggled in Chicago. He never broke 1,000 yards in a season and was out of the league by 2001.
15. Andre Ware (QB)
The 1989 Heisman winner, Ware set multiple passing records at Houston but flopped in the NFL. The Lions took him seventh overall in 1990, but he started just six games and was out of the league in four years.
14. Tony Mandarich (OT)
Dubbed “The Incredible Bulk,” Mandarich was an All-American at Michigan State and the second overall pick in 1989. However, he was a massive disappointment, lasting just three years in Green Bay before briefly reviving his career with the Colts.
13. Chuck Long (QB)
An Iowa legend and Heisman runner-up, Long was drafted 12th overall by the Lions but struggled mightily. He threw 19 touchdowns and 28 interceptions in his short NFL career.
12. Alonzo Highsmith (RB)
A star at Miami, Highsmith was the third overall pick in 1987 but never became a top running back. He scored just seven career touchdowns in six seasons.
11. Andre Wadsworth (DE)
The third pick in the 1998 draft, Wadsworth had a solid rookie year but was plagued by injuries. After just three seasons, he was out of the league.
10. Todd Blackledge (QB)
A national champion at Penn State, Blackledge was drafted seventh overall in 1983 but never became a franchise quarterback. He completed just 48% of his passes and had nearly as many interceptions (38) as touchdowns (29).
9. Rick Mirer (QB)
Hyped as the next Joe Montana, Mirer went second overall in 1993 but struggled in the NFL. He threw 76 interceptions and only 50 touchdowns in his career.
8. Steve Emtman (DT)
The first pick in the 1992 draft, Emtman suffered multiple injuries that derailed his career. He played just six seasons and never lived up to his draft status.
7. Peter Warrick (WR)
A dominant college receiver, Warrick was drafted fourth overall in 2000 but never became a No. 1 wideout. He finished his career with just 18 touchdown receptions.
6. Ki-Jana Carter (RB)
The No. 1 overall pick in 1995, Carter suffered a devastating knee injury before his rookie season. He never recovered and finished his career with just 1,144 rushing yards.
5. Brian Bosworth (LB)
A two-time Butkus Award winner, Bosworth was one of the most hyped college players ever. But injuries and poor play ended his career after just three seasons.
4. Matt Leinart (QB)
A Heisman winner and USC legend, Leinart was drafted 10th overall in 2006 but failed to secure a long-term starting job in the NFL.
3. Art Schlichter (QB)
A first-round pick in 1982, Schlichter’s gambling addiction derailed his career. He never won an NFL game as a starter.
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2. Lawrence Phillips (RB)
Phillips had all the talent but was plagued by off-field issues. Drafted sixth overall in 1996, he lasted just three seasons.
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1. Archie Griffin (RB)
The only two-time Heisman winner, Griffin struggled in the NFL. He played seven seasons but scored just seven career touchdowns.
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