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College Football’s Quarterback Landscape evolves: New Stars Join the Ranks
The debate over the best college quarterbacks of the 21st century continues to intensify as each season brings new talent to the forefront. Despite concerns about a potential dip in quarterback performance following the departure of stars like Jayden Daniels and Caleb Williams,the 2024 season saw the emergence of five standout players who have earned their place among the greats.
The Class of 2024: A New Era of Quarterback Excellence
Dillon Gabriel, Cam ward, Jaxson Dart, Shedeur Sanders, and Kurtis Rourke collectively amassed an impressive 73,849 passing yards and 607 touchdowns throughout their college careers. Each quarterback left an indelible mark on their respective programs. Gabriel and Rourke spearheaded remarkable playoff runs, Ward and Dart came close to achieving similar success, and Sanders transformed a struggling one-win team into a formidable nine-win contender.Their outstanding performances have solidified their positions on the updated list of top quarterbacks.
Reassessing Quarterback Greatness in the Modern Era
The early 2000s witnessed a revolution in quarterback play,with dynamic talents like Michael Vick,Drew Brees,and the innovative offenses of Mike leach redefining the position. As the game continues to evolve, the updated list seeks to capture the essence of quarterback greatness, acknowledging both passing prowess and electrifying running abilities. The rankings now extend to 90 quarterbacks.
A Closer Look at the Updated Rankings
90. Max Hall, BYU (2007-09): Hall’s leadership and consistent performance helped BYU maintain its status as a competitive program. (Stats and accomplishments to be added.)
Top College Quarterbacks: Hall, Hooker, Browning, and Milton Make the List
Several standout quarterbacks have left their mark on college football, achieving remarkable statistics and leading their teams to success. From prolific passers to dual-threat dynamos, these players have earned their place among the greats.
Max Hall,BYU (2007-09)
During his time at BYU from 2007 to 2009, Max Hall accumulated 11,365 passing yards with a 65% completion rate, throwing for 94 touchdowns and 40 interceptions. Hall spearheaded a potent passing offense that helped the cougars secure four consecutive seasons with double-digit wins, restoring the program’s prominence in the Mountain West Conference.
Hendon Hooker, virginia Tech/Tennessee (2018-22)
Hendon Hooker showcased his potential at Virginia Tech before truly blossoming at Tennessee under coach josh Heupel. Over his college career (2018-2022), Hooker amassed 8,974 passing yards, completing 67% of his passes, with 80 touchdowns and just 12 interceptions.He also added 2,079 rushing yards and 25 rushing touchdowns. In his senior year, he threw for 3,135 yards and 27 touchdowns in just 11 games before an ACL injury cut his season short, costing him a potential Heisman Trophy.
Jake Browning, Washington (2015-18)
Jake Browning quarterbacked Washington from 2015 to 2018, achieving 12,296 passing yards, a 65% completion rate, 94 touchdowns, and 34 interceptions, along with 16 rushing touchdowns. Browning was instrumental in Washington’s successful 2016 season, throwing for 3,340 yards and 43 touchdowns, leading the Huskies to a 12-win season and a College football Playoff appearance.He finished sixth in Heisman Trophy voting that year.
McKenzie Milton, UCF/Florida State (2016-21)
mckenzie Milton played college football from 2016 to 2021 at UCF and Florida State. He recorded 9,458 passing yards with a 61% completion rate,75 touchdowns,and 28 interceptions. Additionally, he rushed for 1,066 yards and 20 touchdowns.
College Football Legends: Milton, Miller, Zappe, and Sanders Among Gridiron Greats
The landscape of college football is paved with the memories of exceptional quarterbacks, each leaving an indelible mark on their respective programs and the sport itself.From record-breaking performances to overcoming adversity, some players have risen above the rest in skill and memorability. here’s a look at four quarterbacks who have earned their place in college football lore:
McKenzie Milton: The “What Could Have Been” Story at UCF
McKenzie Milton led the UCF Knights to an undefeated season in 2017,showcasing his arm talent with 4,037 passing yards and 37 touchdowns. Projecting toward what could have been, he was on a trajectory to potentially reach 12,000 career passing yards and 100 touchdowns.Sadly, a severe leg injury in 2018 halted his momentum. After three years of recovery, he returned to the field as a backup at Florida State.
Braxton Miller: A Dual-Threat Dynamo at Ohio State
braxton Miller, who played for Ohio State from 2011 to 2015, was a dynamic player. Miller accumulated 5,295 passing yards with a 59% completion rate, tossing 52 touchdowns and 17 interceptions.He also added 3,314 rushing yards and 33 touchdowns on the ground. In both 2012 and 2013, Miller surpassed 2,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards, earning the Big Ten’s Offensive Player of the Year award in both seasons and finishing fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting in 2012. An injury forced a shift to wide receiver for his final season in 2015.
Bailey Zappe: A One-Season Wonder at Western Kentucky
Bailey Zappe’s name is etched in FBS record books thanks to an astounding 2021 season at Western Kentucky. While his prior accomplishments at Houston Christian were noteworthy, it was his performance with the Hilltoppers that solidified his place in college football history.Zappe threw for 5,967 yards, completing 69% of his passes for 62 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.He surpassed 400 passing yards in eight games. In just 14 games, Zappe accumulated more FBS passing yards than Troy Smith had in his entire college career.
Shedeur Sanders: A Colorado Catalyst
Shedeur Sanders’ impact extends beyond statistics, marking him as a transformative figure. Before joining Colorado, Sanders threw for 6,963 yards and 70 touchdowns at Jackson State, amassing 23 wins. Following his father to Colorado in 2023, the Buffaloes improved from a 1-11 record to 4-8. in his second season, they went 9-4. Sanders, alongside Travis Hunter, became synonymous with the Buffaloes’ resurgence.
Beyond statistics, what qualities define a truly impactful college football quarterback leader, based on the examples discussed?
College Football Quarterback Landscape: Q&A
This Q&A section delves deeper into the players and themes discussed in the college football quarterback article, providing context, clarifying details, and offering interesting insights for fans.
Q&A:
Who are the “New Stars” mentioned in the article, and what makes them stand out?
The “New Stars” of the 2024 season include Dillon Gabriel, Cam Ward, Jaxson Dart, Shedeur Sanders, and Kurtis Rourke. Their combined accomplishments – 73,849 passing yards and 607 touchdowns – highlight their impact. Sanders,in particular,transformed a struggling team,showcasing the potential of these players.
What were some of the challenges in the early 2000s and how did the game of football change?
Dynamic talents like Michael Vick and Drew Brees, along with innovators like Mike Leach, redefined the position.the game began favoring passing prowess and electrifying running abilities.
Can you provide more details about Max Hall’s career at BYU?
Max Hall played for BYU from 2007-2009. He threw for 11,365 passing yards at a 65% completion rate, with 94 touchdowns and 40 interceptions. He lead BYU to four consecutive seasons with double-digit wins, restoring the program’s prominence in the Mountain West Conference.
How did Hendon Hooker perform throughout his college career?
Hendon Hooker started at Virginia Tech before transferring to Tennessee. Over his career (2018-2022), he had 8,974 passing yards (67% completion rate), 80 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He also rushed for 2,079 yards and 25 touchdowns. An ACL injury in his senior year at Tennessee cut his Heisman campaign short.
What were Jake Browning’s achievements at the University of Washington?
Jake Browning quarterbacked Washington from 2015-2018. He amassed 12,296 passing yards with a 65% completion rate,94 touchdowns,and 34 interceptions,plus 16 rushing touchdowns.He led the Huskies to a College Football Playoff appearance in 2016, finishing sixth in Heisman voting.
What are some of the key takeaways from McKenzie Milton’s career?
McKenzie Milton played from 2016-2021 at UCF and Florida State. He recorded 9,458 passing yards (61% completion rate), 75 touchdowns, and 28 interceptions, plus 1,066 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns. He led UCF to an undefeated season in 2017. A severe leg injury in 2018 halted his momentum.
Can you elaborate on Braxton Miller’s impact at Ohio State?
Braxton Miller played for Ohio state from 2011-2015. He had 5,295 passing yards (59% completion rate), 52 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions, plus 3,314 rushing yards and 33 touchdowns. He won Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year in 2012 and 2013 and finished fifth in the Heisman voting in 2012.an injury caused him to shift to wide receiver his final season.
What made Bailey Zappe’s 2021 season at Western Kentucky so remarkable?
Bailey Zappe’s 2021 season at Western Kentucky saw him throw for a staggering 5,967 yards (69% completion rate), 62 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He surpassed 400 passing yards in eight games. In just 14 games,Zappe had more FBS passing yards than Troy Smith had in his entire college career.
How did Shedeur Sanders impact the Colorado Buffaloes?
Before joining Colorado, Shedeur Sanders threw for 6,963 yards and 70 touchdowns at Jackson State.in 2023, he led the Buffaloes from a 1-11 record to 4-8, and in his second season, they went 9-4, becoming a transformative figure.
This Q&A provides a clearer picture of the exciting developments in college football’s quarterback landscape. Consider these names as you follow the upcoming season!
