The 30 best college football quarterbacks of the 21st century

• Heisman Trophy winner (2002)
• Consensus All-American (2002)
• Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award (2002)

Carson Palmer is a player that just barely made the cut for these rankings of 21st-century quarterbacks thanks to the fact that he used his redshirt for the 1999 season after he broke his collarbone early in the year, which ultimately gave him three seasons of eligibility with the USC Trojans in the 2000s.

Palmer’s career, however, began in the 1998 season when he was used sporadically. He was the backup to start the year and occupied that role, playing mostly in garbage time for over half the year. However, he took over the starting job late in the season and took the reins firmly. He finished the year with 1,755 yards, seven touchdowns and six interceptions.

In his first full season as the starter, Palmer and the Trojans struggled as the team went just 5-7 and Palmer threw 18 interceptions to just 16 touchdowns on the year. He improved somewhat in his junior campaign, Pete Carroll’s first as head coach, though the Trojans went just 6-6 on the year. Palmer threw 13 touchdowns and 12 interceptions that season.

Carroll, however, rejuvenated the program and unleashed Palmer in the quarterback’s final college season. Leading USC to an 11-2 record and Orange Bowl win, Palmer threw for 3,942 yards, 33 touchdowns and 10 interceptions en route to winning the 2002 Heisman Trophy.

While Palmer may not have enjoyed sustained statistical or team success, his talent was always evident and was finally put on full display in his senior year.