The 30 best college football quarterbacks of the 21st century

• Heisman Trophy finalist (2007)
• 2X Davey O’Brien Award finalist (2006, 2007)
• 2X Third-Team All-American (2006, 2007)

Colt Brennan certainly didn’t take a conventional route to become one of the all-time great college quarterbacks. He was initially a walk-on for the Colorado Buffalos but then left after being kicked off the team for legal trouble. Brennan then attended Saddleback College (a junior college) in 2004 before ultimately transferring to play for the Rainbow Warriors.

Upon arrival, the Laguna Beach native didn’t take long to earn his keep as the starter for Hawaii, earning 10 starts in 12 games for the Rainbow Warriors and making an impact right out of the gate. While the team finished 5-7 on the year, Brennan threw for an impressive 4,301 yards, 35 touchdowns and 13 interceptions on the year, showcasing the talent he would put on further display in his final two college seasons.

Brennan’s junior campaign was the most successful individual campaign of his time at Hawaii. In 14 games, he threw for an impressive 5,549 yards, an NCAA single-season record 58 touchdown passes and just 12 interceptions while completing 72.6 percent of his passes on the year. For good measure, the Rainbow Warriors made it back to the postseason behind the quarterback’s efforts.

While the signal-caller may not have replicated his junior year production as a senior, he led Hawaii to by far their most successful season in program history. The Rainbow Warriors were the lone undefeated team in the country after the regular season and earned a big to play Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. While they were trounced by the Bulldogs, Brennan finished third in the Heisman voting that season and cemented his legacy in the college ranks.