Best college football quarterback born in every state

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OXFORD, MS – OCTOBER 3, 1970: Archie Manning, #18 quarterback of the University of Mississippi Rebels throws the ball up field during a game on October 3, 1970 at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by University of Mississippi/Getty Images) /

Mississippi: Archie Manning – Ole Miss Rebels

Before there was Peyton and Eli, there was Archie, and he was an outstanding quarterback in his own right. He was born in Drew, Mississippi and attended Drew High School, where he was a multi-sport star.

As the starting quarterback for the Ole Miss Rebels, Manning proved to be the lone superstar on the team. In the first national primetime broadcast of a college football game, the nation witnessed Archie throw for 436 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 104 yards in a close 33-32 loss to Alabama.

In 1969 and 1970, Manning was selected to the All-SEC and All-American teams. He also won the Walter Camp Trophy in 1969 while placing fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting that season. Archie placed third in the Heisman voting the following year. He went on to the NFL in 1971, where he achieved more success as a two-time Pro Bowl selection and the NFC Offensive Player of the Year in 1978. Five years after he retired, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Brett Favre is another Mississippi-born quarterback that deserves recognition, but his pro career was much better than his college one. In the end, Archie Manning was the easy choice for the best NCAA quarterback born in the Magnolia State.

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