The 30 best college football quarterbacks of the 21st century

• ACC Player of the Year (2003)

Philip Rivers as the quarterback for the NC State Wolfpack was never a singularly transcendent player. His highest finish in Heisman Trophy voting came in his final season when he came in at just seventh, which wasn’t high enough for him to be named a finalist. However, when you look at Rivers’ sustained production, success and longevity throughout his college career, it’s clear why he kicks off this top 20.

Upon arrival in Raleigh, Rivers took command of the Wolfpack offense and didn’t look back. The quarterback played in 11 games as a freshman and had his growing pains, completing only 53.7 percent of his throws, but still managed to throw for 3,054 yards, 25 touchdowns and 10 interceptions while leading NC State to an 8-4 record and earning ACC Freshman of the Year honors. Rivers followed that up with a solid sophomore campaign (3,586 yards, 16 touchdowns, seven interceptions, 7-5 record).

Expectations were high entering Rivers’ junior year and he answered them. In the 2002 season, he got the Wolfpack off to a 9-0 start and, though they lost three-straight, they still finished the year 11-3, culminating with a bowl-game win over Notre Dame. For the year, Rivers threw for 3,353 yards, 20 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

While NC State didn’t have the same success as the year before, Rivers’ best year came in his senior campaign. The signal-caller threw for 4,491 yards and 34 touchdowns while completing a career-high 72 percent of his throws and tossing just seven interceptions, which earned him ACC Player of the Year honors.

With over 13,000 yards and 95 touchdowns to go with a 51-game consecutive start streak for the Wolfpack, Rivers was an iron man that consistently got it done, which earns him a spot among the 21st-century greats.