FSU Quarter-Century QB Review: Ranking Florida State’s quarterbacks from 1997 onward
As Florida State approaches the 25th anniversary of its 1999 national title, this look back at a quarter-century of Seminoles quarterback play ranks the signal-callers by impact, hardware, and production. Rules for the ranking were simple: a quarterback must have at least one start, shared-start seasons count when applicable (notably in 2024), and the focus is on national championships, Heismans, ACC titles, passing yards, and touchdowns, with room for subjective judgment.
22. D.J. Uiagalelei (2024)
In five games he threw for 1,065 yards with four touchdowns and six interceptions. The expectations were high, but the results at Florida State left him toward the bottom of this list.
21. Chubba Purdy (2020–21)
Four games, one start, 317 yards, four touchdowns, one interception. A brief chapter before moving on to other programs.
20. Fabian Walker (2002–03, 2005)
Stepped in for the Sugar Bowl in 2002 amid Chris Rix’s suspension, with limited practice time and a challenging situation.
19. Luke Kromenhoek (2024)
A freshman season with a late start against Charleston Southern; limited opportunities, but the experience earns him a place higher than some others with fewer starts.
18. Tate Rodemaker (2020–23)
Mixed appearances, including a 2023 emergency start at Florida. Competent when called upon, but limited in game-time experience.
17. McKenzie Milton (2021)
Remarkable comeback tale after a major knee injury, with a notable real-world impact beyond traditional stats.
16. Alex Hornibrook (2019)
Transfer from Wisconsin brought practical efficiency; a 7 TD–2 INT ratio is solid for a single season.
15. Brock Glenn (2023–24)
Helped deliver an ACC title; numbers aren’t eye-popping, but he contributed to a key team achievement.
14. Wyatt Sexton (2003–04)
Started more games in 2004 than in 2003, posting an 8 TD–8 INT line in 2004 and earning a role on the 2003 ACC title roster.
13. Xavier Lee (2005–07)
Career totals of 2,323 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions; a 2005 ACC championship adds a notable credential.
12. Everett Golson (2015)
Came from Notre Dame with two 2,400+ yard seasons elsewhere; in 2015 he logged 1,778 yards, 11 TDs, and 3 INTs, a respectable showing in a transitioning era.
11. Adrian McPherson (2001–02)
A starter in multiple games behind Chris Rix, he posted 1,215 yards and 14 TDs to just one interception, contributing to the 2002 ACC title run.
10. Sean Maguire (2013–16)
Spent four years in Tallahassee and helped bridge the post-Jameis years; peak came in 2015, and he steered the program through a turbulent period after 2013’s title run.
9. Deondre Francois (2016–18)
Despite a career-altering injury in 2017, his 2018 comeback showed resilience; 36 total TDs to 21 INTs across his tenure, with a notable Orange Bowl win.
8. Drew Weatherford (2004–08)
Led the program during a successful stretch that included an ACC title in 2005; he threw plenty of interceptions but had productive moments and steady presence.
7. James Blackman (2017–20)
Strong early seasons, but later years dipped; finished with the most career passing yards and touchdowns among those discussed: 433 completions on 716 attempts for 43 TDs and 26 INTs, highlighted by an Independence Bowl victory.
6. Chris Rix (2001–04)
A dynamic era with two ACC titles; 575 completions on 1,042 attempts, 63 TDs, and 40 INTs with more than 8,000 passing yards to his name.
5. Christian Ponder (2007–10)
Three bowl appearances and a first-round NFL draft pick; finished with 49 touchdowns to 30 interceptions and shared in ACC division play and a title run.
4. EJ Manuel (2009–12)
A standout who helped Florida State claim an ACC title in 2012 and led the nation in completion percentage that year; career lines of 600 completions on 897 attempts, 7,741 yards, 47 TDs, and 28 INTs.
3. Jordan Travis (2019–23)
Transformed the program with a dynamic dual-threat style, leading to an ACC title and 8,715 yards, 66 TDs, and 20 interceptions; widely regarded as one of the most influential quarterbacks in the modern Seminoles era.
2. Jameis Winston (2013–14)
Starter on the 2013 national championship team, undefeated as a redshirt freshman in 2013, and a Heisman winner; ACC titles in 2013 and 2014, 29 straight wins, 65 TDs to 28 INTs, and 7,964 career passing yards.
1. Chris Weinke (1997–2000)
The 25-year window’s top signal-caller, notable for leading Florida State to the 1999 national title, capturing the 2000 Heisman, and earning multiple ACC titles. He surpassed 9,000 passing yards with 79 TDs—an era-defining performance in Seminoles history.
A look back at these quarterbacks highlights how the program has evolved—from Weinke’s late-1990s mastery to Winston’s era-defining national title run, through Travis’s modern dual threat and beyond. The list reflects different eras, playing styles, and the changing landscape of college football, all under the banner of Florida State’s enduring pursuit of championships.
Summary and takeaways
– Florida State’s quarterback history over the last 25 years is a study in evolution, from pure pocket passers to versatile dual threats.
– The top ranks combine championship hardware with meaningful on-field production, illustrating how leadership at quarterback can shape a program’s fortunes.
– The present and near future remain promising, with young signal-callers and a program that continues to recruit and develop high-level talent.
Additional context and value
– If readers want deeper breakdowns, a follow-up piece could compare year-by-year team success with quarterback metrics, or analyze how Florida State’s schemes influenced each quarterback’s effectiveness.
– A chronological timeline graphic showing the transitions from Weinke to Winston to Travis could help fans visualize the program’s continuity and changes.
Discussion prompt
– Which Florida State quarterback do you believe had the most lasting impact on the program’s identity, and why? Share memories, favorite games, and how you think the next generation of Seminoles quarterbacks will shape the next chapter.