The modern Big 12 looks very different than it once did. With newer members like BYU, Cincinnati, UCF, Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah now in the fold, the conference has changed significantly. Still, the Big 12 has produced its share of notable NFL quarterbacks over the years. Below are the best NFL quarterbacks to come out of each current Big 12 program, based strictly on professional careers.
Arizona: Nick Foles
Foles will forever be remembered for his remarkable 2018 playoff run, stepping in as a backup and leading the Eagles to a Super Bowl victory. Outside of that stretch, his career was uneven, bouncing between starting and backup roles. Still, his Super Bowl performance cements his legacy and makes him an NFL legend in Philadelphia.
Career Stats: 14,227 passing yards, 82 touchdowns, 47 interceptions
Honorable Mention: Fred Enke
Arizona State: Jake Plummer
Plummer was the definition of a steady NFL quarterback. While he never achieved major accolades or playoff success, he provided serviceable play for both the Cardinals and Broncos over a lengthy career.
Career Stats: 29,253 passing yards, 161 touchdowns, 161 interceptions
Honorable Mention: Bill Kenney
Baylor: Robert Griffin III
RG3 remains one of the biggest what if stories in recent NFL history. His rookie season was electric, helping revive Washington before tearing his ACL in the playoffs. Injuries derailed the rest of his career, as he started just 27 games after his rookie year.
Career Stats: 9,271 passing yards, 43 touchdowns, 20 interceptions
Honorable Mention: Cotton Davidson
BYU: Steve Young
Young struggled early with Tampa Bay before finding his footing in San Francisco as Joe Montana’s successor. He went on to become a seven time Pro Bowler, three time All Pro, Super Bowl champion, and Hall of Famer. Despite not becoming a full time starter until later in his career, Young is one of the all-time greats, and certainly the best to ever come out of BYU.
Career Stats: 33,124 passing yards, 232 touchdowns, 107 interceptions
Honorable Mention: Jim McMahon
UCF: Daunte Culpepper
Culpepper’s career peaked in 2004 when he threw for 39 touchdowns and finished as an MVP candidate. Outside of that season, he was largely average, but that one elite year separates him from the rest of UCF’s quarterback history.
Career Stats: 24,153 passing yards, 149 touchdowns, 106 interceptions
Honorable Mention: Blake Bortles
Cincinnati: Jacky Lee
Cincinnati’s quarterback history is limited, and Lee gets the nod by default. His career was marked by more interceptions than touchdowns, which underscores how thin the options were for the Bearcats.
Career Stats: 6,191 passing yards, 46 touchdowns, 57 interceptions
Honorable Mention: Desmond Ridder
Colorado: Kordell Stewart
Stewart was a solid but unspectacular NFL quarterback, best known for his time with Pittsburgh before the Ben Roethlisberger era. He remains the clear choice for Colorado.
Career Stats: 14,476 passing yards, 77 touchdowns, 84 interceptions
Honorable Mention: Shedeur Sanders
Houston: Case Keenum
Keenum’s college résumé is legendary, but his NFL career was more modest. He was a capable starter and led the Vikings to the NFC Championship Game in 2018, which stands as the highlight of his professional career.
Career Stats: 15,175 passing yards, 79 touchdowns, 51 interceptions
Honorable Mention: Kevin Kolb
Iowa State: Brock Purdy
Drafted last overall in 2022, Purdy has already exceeded expectations. He has led the 49ers to a Super Bowl and has been one of the league’s more productive quarterbacks in recent seasons.
Career Stats: 10,960 passing yards, 76 touchdowns, 34 interceptions
Honorable Mention: Seneca Wallace
Kansas: John Hadl
Hadl was one of the better quarterbacks of the 1960s, earning six Pro Bowl selections and leading strong Chargers teams, even if a Super Bowl title eluded him.
Career Stats: 33,503 passing yards, 244 touchdowns, 268 interceptions
Honorable Mention: Bobby Douglass
Kansas State: Steve Grogan
Grogan was a long-time starter for the Patriots during the 1970s and early 1980s. He never posted eye popping numbers, but longevity and stability earn him the nod.
Career Stats: 26,886 passing yards, 182 touchdowns, 208 interceptions
Honorable Mention: Lynn Dickey
Oklahoma State: Brandon Weeden
Weeden’s NFL career never matched expectations, but Oklahoma State’s quarterback history offers limited alternatives. His first round selection at age 28 remains one of the more unusual draft stories.
Career Stats: 6,462 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, 30 interceptions
Honorable Mention: Mason Rudolph
TCU: Sammy Baugh
One of the earliest stars at the quarterback position, Baugh is a Hall of Famer and one of the best players of his era. His impact and accolades give him the edge over Andy Dalton.
Career Stats: 21,886 passing yards, 187 touchdowns, 203 interceptions
Honorable Mention: Andy Dalton
Texas Tech: Patrick Mahomes
Mahomes has defined the modern NFL era. With multiple MVP awards, Super Bowl titles, and Super Bowl MVPs, he is already one of the greatest quarterbacks in league history.
Career Stats: 35,939 passing yards, 267 touchdowns, 85 interceptions
Honorable Mention: Billy Joe Tolliver
Utah: Alex Smith
Smith enjoyed a long and respectable NFL career, finding team success with the 49ers and Chiefs. While not an elite quarterback, he was reliable and effective throughout his time in the league.
Career Stats: 35,650 passing yards, 199 touchdowns, 109 interceptions
Honorable Mention: Scott Mitchell
West Virginia: Geno Smith
Smith’s career resurgence in Seattle ultimately gave him the edge over Marc Bulger and Jeff Hostetler. After an early stint with the Jets derailed his trajectory, Smith revived his career and posted multiple 4,000 yard seasons before moving on to Las Vegas.
Career Stats: 21,971 passing yards, 121 touchdowns, 86 interceptionsHonorable Mentions: Marc Bulger, Jeff Hostetler
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