Since the Pac-12 was formed in 2011, the conference has had many great QB's. We present you with the Top 10.
Photo: Oregon Athletics
Article by WestCoastCFB
1. Marcus Mariota (Oregon)
Mariota came to Oregon as just a 3 star recruit from Hawaii but quickly became arguably the most dominant QB we have ever seen in the Pac-12. After redshirting his freshman season in 2011, Mariota earned the starting job in 2012 and went 12-1 as Oregon finished 2nd in the Country. After two dominant seasons in 2012 and 2013 that resulted in 23 total wins, the Oregon star elevated his game to another level. Mariota would win the Heisman in 2014 while leading the Ducks to the College Football National Title Game. Mariota's final career stat line was 105 TD passes, 14 interceptions and 2237 rushing yards.
2. Andrew Luck (Stanford)
Andrew Luck was largely responsible for starting the dominant Stanford run in the 2010's while winning 12 games in 2010 and 11 in 2011. Luck would throw 82 TD's and just 22 interceptions while going on to be the #1 pick in the NFL Draft. He would have a very successful NFL career before retiring abruptly after the 2018 season.
3. Justin Herbert (Oregon)
Justin Herbert grew up in Eugene as a Duck fan and later became a hometown hero for Oregon. His career was capped off with a Rose Bowl win in 2020 over Wisconsin and the star QB was named Rose Bowl MVP. Herbert finished his college career with 95 TD's, 22 interceptions and 560 rushing yards. The 6th overall pick in the NFL Draft, Herbert would go on to have arguably the best rookie season by an NFL QB.
4. Jared Goff (Cal)
Goff's career at Cal was held back by an awful defense and as a result, despite an elite offense, the Bears were often not very good. But, Goff had an amazing statistical career with 96 touchdown passes and 30 interceptions. Goff was selected 1st overall in the NFL Draft and has been a solid player ever since.
5. Gardner Minshew (WSU)
Minshew played just one season for WSU, but what a season it was as he led the Cougs to an 11 win season. With an infectious personality, Minshew was an outstanding leader and elevated WSU to an elite level while he tossed 38 touchdowns on the season. Despite the spectacular season, Minshew was selected in the 6th round and again he proved the doubters wrong while becoming an NFL starter for the Jaguars.
6. Sam Darnold (USC)
Darnold was extremely exciting to watch as a college player with an innate ability to avoid the pass rush and scramble around until he found an open receiver. His electric play led USC to two straight NY6 bowls and he eventually was selected 3rd overall by the New York Jets.
7. Brett Hundley (UCLA)
Hundley may be a surprise to some on this list, but he was a dynamic playmaker that led the Bruins to two 10 win seasons. His college career ended with 75 touchdown passes, 25 interceptions and 1,747 rushing yards with 30 touchdowns on the ground.
8. Kevin Hogan (Stanford)
Kevin Hogan wasn't a flashy player but he went out and won games. While with the Cardinal, Hogan played in 3 Rose Bowls during his 4 seasons. His stats weren't too shabby either with 75 touchdown passes and 29 interceptions.
9. Matt Barkley (USC)
Barkley's college career was a little bit of a let down by USC standards as he won 10+ games just once in his 4 years there. Statistically, however, he was prolific with 116 career touchdown passes.
10. Jake Browning (UW)
Jake Browning was simply a winner at Washington with 3 10+ win seasons, 3 NY6 bowl appearances and 2 Pac-12 titles. The Husky legend won 2016 Pac-12 offensive player of the year and is the only QB on this list to reach the College Football Playoff other than Marcus Mariota. His final college stats are some of the best we have ever seen in the Pac-12 with 93 touchdown passes, 34 interceptions and 14 rushing touchdowns.
Honorable Mention:
Darron Thomas (Oregon)
Taylor Kelly (ASU)
Keith Price (UW)
Sean Mannion (OSU)
Luke Falk (WSU)
Cody Kessler (USC)
Tyler Huntley (Utah)
Josh Rosen (UCLA)
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