When we look at the landscape of college football quarterbacks, it’s clear that the position has evolved dramatically since the turn of the millennium. From dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks to towering pocket passers, the game has been shaped by a wide range of talent. Now, as the college football world continues to produce impressive quarterbacks, it’s time to take a look back and rank the top 90 quarterbacks since 2000. These players have defined eras, broken records, and earned a place in college football lore.
Evolution of the Quarterback Position in College Football
The quarterback position has seen a tremendous shift over the past two decades, with a marked increase in mobility and versatility. In the early 2000s, players like Michael Vick and Drew Brees showcased the potential for both passing and running threats. By 2025, quarterbacks like Trevor Lawrence and Joe Burrow have come to exemplify the blend of efficiency and athleticism that has become the hallmark of the modern game. These quarterbacks didn’t just excel in traditional passing roles; they revolutionized the expectations for what a college quarterback could do.
From Standout Stars to Legacy Builders
1. Baker Mayfield (Oklahoma)
Years: 2013-2017
Stats: 14,607 passing yards, 131 TDs, 30 INTs
Baker Mayfield’s journey to becoming a Heisman Trophy winner and one of the best quarterbacks of his era is nothing short of remarkable. His leadership and fierce competitiveness transformed Oklahoma‘s offense and elevated the program to national prominence. He finished his career with over 14,000 yards passing and 131 touchdowns, while leading his team to multiple conference titles. Mayfield’s incredible senior season cemented his place as the No. 1 quarterback on this list.
2. Cam Newton (Auburn)
Years: 2007-2010
Stats: 2,908 passing yards, 30 TDs, 1,586 rushing yards, 24 TDs
Newton’s one-year wonder at Auburn in 2010 has become the stuff of legend. After transferring from Florida, he led the Tigers to a national championship and was named the Heisman Trophy winner. Newton’s dual-threat ability set him apart—he dominated defenses with both his arm and his legs, rewriting what it meant to be a quarterback in college football.
3. Vince Young (Texas)
Years: 2003-2005
Stats: 6,040 passing yards, 44 TDs, 3,127 rushing yards, 37 TDs
Vince Young’s legacy is defined by his clutch performances, especially during the unforgettable 2005 national championship game against USC. His ability to control the game with his legs while making pinpoint throws made him a nightmare for defenses. Young’s contributions to the Texas Longhorns’ national title run solidified him as one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the college game.
4. Joe Burrow (LSU)
Years: 2016-2019
Stats: 8,852 passing yards, 78 TDs, 13 INTs
Joe Burrow’s 2019 season is widely considered one of the best single-season performances in college football history. Under Burrow’s leadership, LSU went 15-0 and captured the national championship, with Burrow throwing for 5,671 yards and 60 touchdowns. His ability to lead in high-pressure situations, including winning the Heisman Trophy, places him among the elite.
5. Trevor Lawrence (Clemson)
Years: 2018-2020
Stats: 10,098 passing yards, 90 TDs, 18 rushing TDs
As the face of Clemson’s rise to dominance, Trevor Lawrence lived up to the immense expectations placed on him from his freshman year. His precision, poise, and ability to lead his team to the national championship in 2018 marked him as one of the best quarterbacks in recent memory. Lawrence was the total package: an accurate passer with the ability to make plays outside the pocket when needed.
6. Johnny Manziel (Texas A&M)
Years: 2012-2013
Stats: 7,820 passing yards, 63 TDs, 2,169 rushing yards, 30 TDs
“Johnny Football” became a household name during his Heisman-winning season in 2012. With his flashy style of play, Manziel broke the mold for quarterbacks and captivated fans with his remarkable ability to make plays when nothing seemed possible. His influence on Texas A&M’s offense was immediate, making him one of the most electrifying players of his era.
7. Andrew Luck (Stanford)
Years: 2009-2011
Stats: 9,430 passing yards, 82 TDs, 7 rushing TDs
Andrew Luck is widely considered one of the most complete college quarterbacks of the 2000s. His combination of intelligence, skill, and physicality led Stanford to new heights, including a BCS bowl victory in 2011. Though he didn’t win a national championship, Luck’s consistent excellence and his status as the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft make him one of the best in college football history.
Key Traits of a Great College Quarterback
When discussing the best quarterbacks in college football, several common themes emerge. Accuracy, decision-making, and leadership are non-negotiables. The ability to perform in high-pressure situations, especially in bowl games or national championships, distinguishes the truly great quarterbacks. A player’s success is not just measured by their passing yards or touchdowns but by how they handle the moment when the stakes are highest.
The Future of College Football Quarterbacks
As college football continues to evolve, new quarterbacks are rising to prominence. CJ Stroud (Ohio State) and Bryce Young (Alabama) are among the newest stars looking to make their mark on the game. These quarterbacks embody the blend of pocket passing and mobility that has become the norm for success at the position.
The next wave of quarterbacks will continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible, and the position will only grow in importance as college football enters a new era of high-powered offenses.
Conclusion
The top 90 quarterbacks since 2000 have each left a lasting legacy in the history of college football. Whether through their individual brilliance, clutch performances, or the championships they led their teams to, these quarterbacks have set the standard for what it means to be great at the college level. Their careers have shaped the game and will continue to inspire future generations of quarterbacks as they aim for greatness.
