50 greatest college football players this century, ranked
- Heisman Trophy (2007)
- 2x Maxwell Award (2007, 2008)
- Davey O’Brien Award (2007)
- AP Player of the Year (2007)
- Consensus All-American (2007)
- 2x SEC Offensive Player of the Year (2008, 2009)
- 3x First-Team All-SEC (2007 2008, 2009)
Tim Tebow redefined the concept of “dual-threat” when he became the first quarterback in NCAA history to throw and rush for 20 touchdowns in a season in 2007. His 3,286 yards in the air, 895 yards on the ground and 55 total touchdowns that season made him the first ever sophomore Heisman winner in addition to winning him the Davey O’Brien Award, Maxwell Award, SEC Player of the Year, and consensus first-team All-American honors.
For three straight seasons, Tebow led the SEC in passing yards, quarterback rating, and yards per attempt, while finishing no lower than second in passing touchdowns. He broke Emmitt Smith’s record for career rushing touchdowns at Florida by the midway point of his junior season. His 57 total rushing touchdowns are the third highest career total of any quarterback in NCAA history and his 145 total touchdowns still rank first in SEC history.
Over a four-year career at Florida, Tebow helped the Gators win two BCS National Championships and two SEC Titles while compiling an overall record of 48-7. His record over three years as the team’s starting quarterback was a 35-6. Tebow went 14-1 against rivals Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama and Florida State and 3-1 in bowl appearances.
The game will continue to evolve and offenses will continue to put up points and yards at increasingly impressive clips. Tebow’s records may be broken but his career of sustained, on-field dominance and legacy as a winner will hold a place in college football lore that cannot be touched.
Bonus Stat: Tebow ran or threw for a touchdown in 41 consecutive games spanning the last games of the 2007 season through the end of his career at Florida.