There are plenty of proud programs in the Pac-12, especially when it comes to quarterback tradition. As part of Rivals QB Week, we take a look at five schools in the conference that have done especially well at that position.
1. CAL GOLDEN BEARS
The Golden Bears have produced Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers and Los Angeles Rams’ Jared Goff, the first overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, among many other quarterbacks during the Rivals era. Of course, Rodgers – a future Hall of Famer – and Goff, going into his second year with the Rams, are the headliners and the players other quarterbacks look to when considering Cal in their own recruitment. There have been some misses in Berkeley as well, such as high four-star Zach Kline and others, but it’s still a beacon for top quarterback play. Freshman Chase Garbers has a chance to do something special there as well.
2. USC TROJANS
USC has been a quarterback factory for years and based on recent recruiting the Trojans will continue to pump out players at that position. While former five-stars Mark Sanchez and especially Matt Barkley have had marginal NFL careers, there is plenty of hope for current USC QB Sam Darnold, who could be one of the top players taken in the NFL Draft after this season. One of the best quarterbacks in recent memory, 2019 five-star and No. 1 prospect JT Daniels, is already committed to the Trojans. There is a long line of outstanding QBs during and prior to the Rivals era at USC, and that tradition should continue, especially if the Trojans continue winning.
3. STANFORD CARDINAL
A bunch of talented quarterbacks have come through the hallowed halls of Stanford, but none have had more success than former high four-star Andrew Luck, who’s already a three-time Pro Bowl selection. The interesting thing about Stanford’s quarterback recruiting is that it seems to only be getting better. Former three-star Kevin Hogan had a hugely successful career with the Cardinal and four-star Keller Chryst is leading the offense now. Next could be four-star K.J. Costello or five-star Davis Mills, a superstar-in-waiting who could be the next special QB in the Pac-12. Stanford missed out on JT Daniels but it’s such a fantastic athletic and academic institution it’s almost a given that a top 2019 quarterback will commit there.
4. OREGON DUCKS
Marcus Mariota was a cult-like figure at Oregon, leading the Ducks to the national championship game, winning the Heisman Trophy and forever etching his name in Oregon football history. He was that special to the program and might still be a big reason why Hawaii prospects continue to look at the Ducks in their recruitment. Dennis Dixon was a major player for the Ducks who ended up being on two Super Bowl championship teams. First-year coach Willie Taggart is talking up current QB Justin Herbert and he could be a big part of Oregon’s resurgence in the Pac-12 North.
5. UCLA BRUINS
Five-star quarterback Josh Rosen leads the way here and he could be one of the top quarterbacks taken in next year’s NFL Draft. Rosen turned down Michigan and many others to play for the Bruins and after missing half of last season with a shoulder injury, Rosen is back and ready to do big things in Westwood. He could be one of the best quarterbacks to ever play at the school. Another big-timer in recent years is Brett Hundley, who is now the backup to Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay. There have been other top quarterbacks to play in Westwood but Rosen and Hundley have definitely been the most successful in recent years.
