The world of college football has seen some great quarterbacks come through its doors. Some of them had even greater NFL careers, while others fizzled out after making magic in their college careers. However, some names are elite when it comes to college football.
The position of quarterback, albeit it may have changed over the years, remains one of the most important positions in college football, or even on a professional football team. So, who is on the Mount Rushmore of college football quarterbacks?
Ranking The Mount Rushmore of College Football Quarterbacks
The sport of college football has seen its fair share of some greats come through its doors.
Guys like Johnny Manziel, Baker Mayfield, Joe Burrow, Justin Fields, Lamar Jackson, Cam Newton, and more come to mind. But, who is the Mount Rushmore?
Vince Young, Texas (2002-05)
From 2002 to 2005, Vince Young lit the field as the Texas Longhorns quarterback. He put on one of the greatest performances in a championship game the world has ever seen in the 2006 Rose Bowl, after the 2005 season. That performance alone is worthy enough for him to be on this list. But he was already a star before that game.
While his 2003 season was a time to figure some stuff out, it wasn’t until 2004 that the light came on and we saw flashes of who he would become. He led Texas to a Rose Bowl victory over Michigan in 2004.
It wasn’t until 2005 that his arm became a factor as much as his legs did. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in 2004 and 2005, but in 2005, he also threw 26 touchdowns, which was more than double what he threw in 2004.
But, he would not be on this list without taking home a Big 12 title in 2005, as they beat the breaks off the Colorado Buffaloes, 70-3. They then beat the back-to-back National Champion USC Trojans, 41-38, in a Rose Bowl for the ages.
Tim Tebow, Florida (2006-09)
From 2007-2009, Tim Tebow was arguably one of the best quarterbacks the state of Florida has ever seen at the collegiate level, and it’s easy to see why. Tebow is considered by many to be not only the greatest Gator in history but also the greatest player in SEC football history.
The iconic Florida quarterback helped lead the Gators to two National Championships and two conference championships. He also added a Heisman Trophy to his achievement list in a non-championship season. He has been a part of many iconic moments for Florida, including the infamous bloody nose game.
Despite the massive success on the field, Tebow is also remembered for his leadership off the field, including moments such as ‘The Speech’ following the 2008 loss to the Ole Miss Rebels for the Gators. While players like Cam Newton may have matched his ability, nobody has been able to replicate what Tebow accomplished in his three years at Florida.
Case Keenum, Houston (2006-11)
From 2007 to 2011, Case Keenum tore up the field for Houston. Arguably, the most popular football player in school history, Keenum wrapped up his career in 2011 with 37 career wins and 17 NCAA records.
With Keenum at the controls, the Cougars were amongst the most prolific offenses in the nation, leading in total offense in 2009 and 2011.
A two-time winner of the Sammy Baugh Trophy, Keenum set NCAA records for total offense (20,114), touchdown passes (155), passing yards (19,217), completions (1,546) and 300-yard games (39).
If that’s not already impressive, Keenum also had three 5,000-yard seasons. Keenum led the Cougars to one of the best seasons in school history in 2011, going 13-1 and coming within a win in the C-USA championship game of a spot in the Bowl Championship Series.
He went undrafted in 2012 and signed with the Texans. After a stint with the St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams, Keenum spent the 2017 season with the Minnesota Vikings and moved into the starting role after Sam Bradford’s injury.
He led the Vikings within one victory of the Super Bowl. Despite his NFL career not working out the way many would have hoped, he remains one of the best of all time at the college level.
Joe Burrow, LSU (2018-19; Ohio State 2015-17)
In 2018 and 2019, Joe Burrow accomplished massive things at the college level before jumping up to the NFL and taking over the reins as the Cincinnati Bengals’ starting quarterback. What Burrow accomplished during his two seasons, especially in 2019, may never be done again by an LSU quarterback.
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He passed for 5,671 yards and threw 60 touchdowns en route to leading the program to an undefeated season and a national championship win in 2019. In total at LSU, Burrow threw for 8,565 yards and 76 touchdowns. These numbers are astronomical for any college player, let alone accomplishing it in two years.
Even in 2018, Burrow put up solid numbers. However, the offense was more defined in 2019, leading to the Heisman Trophy and the Maxwell Award, along with numerous other awards for Burrow. With what he was able to accomplish in such a short time, not only is Burrow on LSU’s Mount Rushmore, but he should be on college football’s as a whole.
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