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Lone Star Today
By the People, for the People
Three Texas Tech Quarterbacks Named Among ESPN's Top 100 College Football QBs of the Century
Graham Harrell, Patrick Mahomes, and B.J. Symons were recognized as some of the best college quarterbacks in the last 100 years.
Feb. 26, 2026 at 9:35pm
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ESPN's Bill Connelly released his ranking of the top 100 college football quarterbacks of the last century, and three Texas Tech Red Raiders signal callers were included on the list. Graham Harrell came in at No. 41, Patrick Mahomes was ranked No. 66, and B.J. Symons was seen at No. 96. The trio of Texas Tech quarterbacks were recognized for their standout performances during their time in Lubbock.
Why it matters
Texas Tech has long been known for producing elite college quarterbacks, and this ESPN ranking further solidifies the program's reputation for developing top talent at the position. The inclusion of three Red Raiders quarterbacks on the list showcases the school's ability to consistently field high-caliber passers, which has helped elevate the program's national profile over the years.
The details
Graham Harrell, who played for Texas Tech from 2005 to 2008, was the highest-ranked Red Raider on the list at No. 41. Harrell thrived in Mike Leach's pass-heavy offense, forming a dangerous connection with wide receiver Michael Crabtree. Harrell finished his career with 15,793 passing yards, 134 touchdowns, and 12 rushing touchdowns. Patrick Mahomes, who played from 2014 to 2016, was ranked No. 66 after putting up some of the best passing performances in college football history, including a 734-yard, 5-touchdown game against Oklahoma in 2016. B.J. Symons, who played in 2003, rounded out the trio of Red Raiders at No. 96 after leading the nation in passing yards (5,833) and touchdowns (52) that season.
- Graham Harrell played for Texas Tech from 2005 to 2008.
- Patrick Mahomes played for Texas Tech from 2014 to 2016.
- B.J. Symons played for Texas Tech in 2003.
The players
Graham Harrell
A Texas Tech quarterback who played from 2005 to 2008, forming a dangerous passing connection with wide receiver Michael Crabtree and leading the Red Raiders to a No. 2 ranking in the AP Poll.
Patrick Mahomes
A Texas Tech quarterback who played from 2014 to 2016, putting up some of the best passing performances in college football history, including a 734-yard, 5-touchdown game against Oklahoma in 2016.
B.J. Symons
A Texas Tech quarterback who played in 2003, leading the nation in passing yards (5,833) and touchdowns (52) that season.
The takeaway
The inclusion of three Texas Tech quarterbacks on ESPN's list of the top 100 college football quarterbacks of the last century is a testament to the program's ability to consistently develop elite talent at the position. This recognition further solidifies Texas Tech's reputation as a quarterback factory, producing standout passers who have gone on to have successful careers both in college and the NFL.

