Fansided

The 30 best college football quarterbacks of the 21st century

By Cody Williams

LSU Tigers quarterback Joe Burrow (9) attempts a pass during the second half of the 2019 Peach Bowl college football playoff semifinal game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
LSU Tigers quarterback Joe Burrow (9) attempts a pass during the second half of the 2019 Peach Bowl college football playoff semifinal game against the Oklahoma Sooners at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
  • Heisman Trophy winner (2013)
  • Consensus All-American (2013)
  • Manning Award (2013), Walter Camp Award (2013), Davey O’Brien Award (2013)
  • BCS National Champion (2013)

Jameis Winston came to the Florida State Seminoles as a two-sport star, playing both baseball and football. Ultimately, it would be football that proved to be his calling, though he didn’t get his opportunity right away. Winston redshirted his first year in Tallahassee in 2012 as EJ Manuel was still entrenched as the starter. Once Manuel left for the NFL, though, it was Winston’s time to shine.

And shine Winston did. Winston led the Seminoles to an undefeated season and the BCS National Championship in that 2013-14 season and was phenomenal in doing so. The polarizing quarterback exploded onto the scene as he threw for 4,057 yards, 40 touchdowns and 10 interceptions on the year. With his exploits and Florida State’s success, Winston was able to capture the 2013 Heisman Trophy.

Entering his redshirt sophomore season, expectations were unbelievably high for both Winston and the Seminoles. For the most part, the team lived up to those expectations as they earned a berth in the inaugural College Football Playoff. Winston, however, dropped off quite a bit as he threw for 3,907 yards still but only 25 touchdowns and 18 interceptions.

Winston elected to enter the NFL Draft following that season, where he was taken first overall by the Buccaneers. With such a short career as the starter for Florida State, the controversy that surrounded his time there and the fact that he dropped off after his Heisman win, he can’t crack the top 10. Even still, his production and hardware are enough to firmly give him a spot at No. 13.

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