Quarterback U: ESPN releases updated Top-10 for best QB producing schools

ESPN released its updated top-10 for best quarterback producing schools, also known as the sacred Quarterback U schools.

“ESPN Stats & Information combed through data on every team dating back to 1998, looking at key markers of greatness at each position,” David Hale of ESPN wrote. “We awarded points for college production (by way of all-conference and All-America honors), NFL draft selections and NFL production (though only through the players’ first five years — Michigan can claim responsibility for Tom Brady’s success for only so long).”

In the world of transfers, ESPN’s NFL points and criteria are credited to the player’s final collegiate stop. Without further ado, let’s dive into ESPN’s Quarterback U rankings ahead of 2023.

1. Oklahoma

Oklahoma had quite the run of Baker Mayfield, Jalen Hurts and Kyler Murray all right in a row. Heisman winners in the front and back, plus a finalist in the middle. Dillon Gabriel is a solid addition.

But don’t forget the legacies at this point in Jason White and former Heisman winner Sam Bradford. You can thank Lincoln Riley for a lot of this, but this is still a hot destination for quarterbacks.

2. USC

It’s the Caleb Williams show right now, who won the Heisman last season under, well, Lincoln Riley. In the past, there was Matt Leinart, Matt Cassell and John David Booty all in one room.

Sam Darnold once roamed the campus and went high in the draft, as well as Mark Sanchez. Heck, for all the flak Sanchez received in the NFL, he went to two AFC Championship games. Williams easily looks like the best of the bunch right now though.

3. Oregon

Marcus Mariota and Justin Herbert are your top two selections from this list. Mariota won a Heisman and is nearing a decade in the NFL with varied degrees of success.

Herbert just signed the biggest deal in NFL history after three tremendous years with the Los Angeles Chargers. Bo Nix, who’s there now, looks like an NFL quarterback. If we turn back the clock about 20 years, you had success stories like Joey Harrington, Kellen Clemens and Dennis Dixon.

4. Alabama

The recent run at Alabama is fantastic. Bryce Young, Mac Jones, Tua Tagovailoa and Jalen Hurts (before his transfer). Young was the No. 1 overall pick and a former Heisman winner.

Those guys really elevated the Crimson Tide but there were some solid college quarterbacks who made it to the NFL such as Greg McElroy and AJ McCarron. But Nick Saban can thank the placement on this list due to his recent run of Heisman-caliber signal callers. But the biggest question for Alabama is who will be under center in 2023.

5. Ohio State

Ohio State’s quarterback battle isn’t decided yet for the fall, but they should thrive under head coach Ryan Day. CJ Stroud was the latest example, as he went No. 2 overall and was a two-time Heisman finalist.

Justin Fields and Dwayne Haskins had tremendous success at Ohio State as well. There was also a run of Braxton Miller, JT Barrett and Cardale Jones in there, under Urban Meyer, that included a national title. Lest we forget Troy Smith in the mid-2000s. That man could play some quarterback, as well as Terrelle Pryor a few years later.

6. Texas

This list should start and stop with Vince Young. Okay we kid, but Young was one of the biggest college football superstars ever, especially with the national title win for the Longhorns. Colt McCoy followed it up and nearly got a title of his own.

The quarterback play went through its ups and downs since then, but had highs with Sam Ehlinger for four years. Recently, it’s had its potential, but now Quinn Ewers is primed for a breakout year. That’s not to mention landing Arch Manning as a recruit.

7. Louisville

Lamar Jackson is the highlight of the list. A Heisman winner, an NFL MVP and a brand new contract to show for it. Malik Cunningham followed after him and was solid with the Cardinals.

Head coach Jeff Brohm played once upon a time, as well as his brother Brian. Remember when Louisville won the Big East in 2012 with battered Teddy Bridgewater? As the kids would say, he’s a dog.

8. Florida

This is highlighted by Tim Tebow, arguably one of the greatest college football players of all-time. Dating back to 1998 for Florida, guys like Jesse Palmer, Rex Grossman and Chris Leak were prior to Tebow.

It’s been hit and miss since Tebow, but there were solid college guys like Jeff Driskel and Feleipe Franks. Kyle Trask put up huge numbers and Anthony Richardson just went one-and-done, essentially, as a starter and was selected with the No. 4 overall pick.

9. Florida State

Jordan Travis is one of the best quarterbacks the school has had in recent memory. Many like him as a Heisman dark horse this season.

Since it dates back 1998, according to ESPN, you can’t have this list without mentioning Chris Weinke. However, there was a bit of a drop off. You had guys like EJ Manuel and Deondre Francois. But, Jameis Winston is the other star on this list. Regardless of his NFL status, he’s a former No. 1 overall pick, Heisman trophy winner and national champion.

10. LSU

Put Joe Burrow at the top of this list. A former national champion, No. 1 overall pick and national champion, Burrow is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL and was close to a Super Bowl win two years ago.

Jayden Daniels is a nice addition to LSU in the present day, going into his second year under Brian Kelly. You have to go back to 2011-13 for Zach Mettenberger for another solid quarterback in the program. Don’t forget Jordan Jefferson. We do have to mention Jamarcus Russell, who was a star and former No. 1 overall pick. Unfortunately, he’s known as the biggest bust in NFL history for his pro career.

So can this list evolve after this year? Sure. It’s tough to take this list just as the present day, but rather history. History changes every day so expect ESPN to shake things up for 2024.