8 Best BYU Quarterbacks Ever
Brigham Young University (BYU) football is one of the most popular sports in Utah. With a rich history dating back to the early 1900s, the BYU Cougars have seen some incredible players throughout the years. The quarterback position, in particular, has been crucial to the success of BYU football. In this article, we will look at the best BYU quarterbacks of all time and their contributions to the team.
What is BYU Football?
BYU football is the college football program at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. The team has been a part of college football since 1922 and has won 23 conference championships. The BYU Cougars also won a national title in 1984. The team has a rich tradition and has produced some of the best football players in the country.
Importance of Quarterbacks in Football
The quarterback is arguably the most critical position on a football team. The quarterback leads the team down the field and scores points. A great quarterback can change the outcome of a game with a single throw. BYU has been lucky enough to have some of the best quarterbacks in college football history.
Best BYU Quarterbacks
Here are the top BYU quarterbacks of all time, in no particular order:
8. Zach Wilson
Zach Wilson played for BYU from 2018-2020 and had a breakout season in 2020. Wilson led the team to an 11-1 record and was named the Offensive Player of the Year in the Independent Conference. Moreover, he set numerous records at BYU, including the most passing yards in a single game (425 yards). Wilson was drafted second by the New York Jets.
7. Taysom Hill
Taysom Hill played for BYU from 2012-2016 and was known for his versatility on the field. Hill played quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and on special teams while at BYU. In addition, he set a BYU record for most rushing yards by a quarterback during his tenure, with 2,815 yards. Hill is currently playing in the NFL with the New Orleans Saints.
6. John Beck
John Beck played for BYU from 2003-2006 and set numerous records during his time at BYU. Beck led the team to an 11-2 record in 2006 and was named the Mountain West Conference Offensive Player of the Year. He had a brief NFL career with the Miami Dolphins and the Washington Redskins.
5. Max Hall
Max Hall played for BYU from 2007-2009 and had a successful career with the Cougars. Hall led the team to a 10-3 record in 2007 and was named the Mountain West Conference Freshman of the Year. He also led the team to an 11-2 record in 2009 and was named the Mountain West Conference Offensive Player of the Year. Hall set numerous records during his time at BYU, including the most touchdown passes in a single season (35) and the most career touchdown passes (94).
Hall was known for his competitiveness and leadership on the field. He had a knack for making big plays when it mattered most and could lead the team to victory in many close games. Despite going undrafted in the NFL, Hall had a brief career with the Arizona Cardinals and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Canadian Football League.
4. Robbie Bosco
Robbie Bosco played for BYU from 1983-1985 and was the quarterback for the 1984 National Championship team. Bosco was known for his accuracy and ability to make big plays when it mattered most. He led BYU to a 24-17 victory over Michigan in the 1984 Holiday Bowl and was named the game’s MVP.
3. Steve Young
Steve Young played for BYU from 1981-1983 and won the Davey O’Brien Award in 1983. Young led BYU to a National Championship in 1984 and was named the MVP of the Holiday Bowl in 1983. Young was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 1984 NFL Draft and went on to have a Hall of Fame career with the San Francisco 49ers.
2. Jim McMahon
Jim McMahon played for BYU from 1977-1981 and was a two-time All-American. McMahon led BYU to the Holiday Bowl in 1980 and the Miracle Bowl in 1980. McMahon was known for his toughness and leadership on the field. He went on to have a successful career in the NFL, winning two Super Bowls with the Chicago Bears.
1. Ty Detmer
Ty Detmer played for BYU from 1988-1991 and won the Heisman Trophy in 1990. Detmer set numerous records during his time at BYU, including the most passing yards in a single season (5,188), most career passing yards (15,031), and most touchdown passes (121). In addition, Detmer led BYU to a 28-21 victory over the #1 ranked Miami Hurricanes in 1990, considered one of the greatest upsets in college football history.
Honorable Mentions
There have been many other great quarterbacks to play at BYU, including Gifford Nielsen, Marc Wilson, and Brandon Doman. These quarterbacks all had successful careers at BYU and helped to contribute to the success of the football program.
BYU football has a rich history and has produced some of the best quarterbacks in college football history. From Ty Detmer to Zach Wilson, these quarterbacks have impacted the BYU football program. They have set numerous records and led the team to victory.
FAQs About the Best BYU Quarterbacks
Who is the most successful BYU quarterback in the NFL?
Steve Young is considered the most successful BYU quarterback in the NFL. He won three Super Bowls with the San Francisco 49ers and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Who has the most passing yards in a single season at BYU?
Ty Detmer holds the record for most passing yards in a single season at BYU, with 5,188 yards in 1990.
Has BYU ever won a national championship?
Yes, BYU won a national championship in 1984.
Who is the all-time leading passer at BYU?
Ty Detmer is the all-time leading passer at BYU, with 15,031 career passing yards.
Who is the current BYU quarterback?
The current BYU quarterback is Jaren Hall, who took over the starting job in 2021.
