The Greatest College Football Quarterbacks of All Time

As the ever-iconic starting quarterback for the Florida Gators from 2007 to 2009, Tim Tebow continuously shattered records with his unique combination of strength, agility, and ability to read defenses like a seasoned pro. Winning the Heisman Trophy in 2007, Tebow was a force to be reckoned with, twice leading his team to national championships in 2006 and 2008. In addition, his unyielding determination and fervor for the sport made him one of the most memorable and passionate players in college football history.

Transferring to Auburn University in 2010, Cam Newton took the college football world by storm with his powerful physicality and pinpoint accuracy. Newton's unstoppable force on the field landed him the Heisman Trophy and led the Auburn Tigers to a decisive national championship victory. With his remarkable one-season reign, Cam Newton redefined what a college quarterback could accomplish, leaving a lasting legacy on the sport.

In 2019, Joe Burrow catapulted onto the scene as quarterback for the LSU Tigers, breaking a multitude of NCAA records with a staggering 60 passing touchdowns in a single season. While his 2018 debut at LSU was impressive, it was Burrow's senior season that brought home the hardware, as he secured both the Heisman Trophy and a national championship for his team. Through precision and poise, Joe Burrow's monumental season solidified his place among the all-time greats of college football.

Peyton Manning, starting quarterback for the Tennessee Volunteers from 1994 to 1997, was hailed for his incredible arm talent and unmatched football IQ. While he narrowly missed winning the Heisman Trophy in 1997, Manning put up staggering numbers with 11,201 passing yards and 89 touchdowns. His storied college career laid the groundwork for an even more remarkable NFL career and solidified Manning's place among college football's most excellent quarterbacks.

Demonstrating exceptional arm strength and poise during his time as the starting quarterback for Stanford from 1979 to 1982, John Elway became one of the most formidable players in college football history. Although he never won a Heisman Trophy or national championship, Elway amassed an impressive 9,349 passing yards and 77 touchdown passes throughout his college career. His remarkable tenure at Stanford laid the groundwork for a hall-of-fame career in the NFL.

Explosive athleticism combined with remarkable passing accuracy defined Robert Griffin III's tenure as the starting quarterback for Baylor from 2008 to 2011. Griffin's storied career culminated in a 2011 Heisman Trophy win, making him the first player in school history to receive the prestigious award. Moreover, his dynamic style of play helped usher in a new era of dual-threat quarterbacks, forever transforming the way the position is played at the collegiate level.