The 30 best college football quarterbacks of the 21st century

• 2X Heisman Trophy finalist (2015, 2016)
• Consensus All-American (2015)
• 2X Manning Award (2015, 2016), 2X Davey O’Brien Award (2015, 2016)
• CFP National Champion (2016)

As shocking as it may seem, Deshaun Watson never won the Heisman Trophy while playing for the Clemson Tigers. He was a two-time finalist, finishing third in 2015 (behind winner Derrick Henry and runner-up Christian McCaffrey) and second in 2016 (behind Lamar Jackson). Even without ever hoisting that award, though, anyone doubting what Watson did at Clemson as enough to make him an all-time great is in denial.

Ranked as the top quarterback recruit for 2014 by some, Watson came to Clemson and, though he began his true freshman season as the backup to Cole Stoudt, he took the starting job after three games. Unfortunately, that first season was marred by injuries, limiting his production in his first year. However, he was just getting warmed up.

Returning healthy for the 2015 season, Watson and the Tigers didn’t look back. They went 12-0 in the regular season made it to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game against Alabama, though they lost in a nail-biter. Even still, Watson was unbelievably good that year, throwing for 4,109 yards, 35 touchdowns and 13 interceptions while also rushing for 1,105 yards and 12 scores.

The following season, though, Watson got his revenge against Alabama. In a season where he threw for 4,593 yards, 41 touchdowns and 17 interceptions along with rushing for nine more scores and 629 yards, Watson put his greatness on display in the CFP title game as he threw the game-winning touchdown pass to seal the victory for the Tigers.

For his big-game prowess, production and penchant for always coming up with big moments, Watson is a top-three quarterback of the 21st century — even without a Heisman to his credit.