Top 10 Illinois football quarterbacks of all time

No. 3 Jeff George

Jeff George is a weird one, as he was elevated at the NFL level but his numbers weren’t great while in Champaign. He is easily one of the best quarterbacks in program history, though.

After starring at Warren Central High School in Indianapolis, George decided to take his talents to Purdue. He spent the 1986 season with the Boilermakers before hitting the transfer portal. George eventually picked Illinois as his next landing spot, and finally suited up for the Orange and Blue after sitting out the 1987 season due to transfer rules.

Illinois saw success once George started playing for the program. In year one, he threw for 2,257 yards, nine touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Illinois made it to the All-American Bowl and fell just short of Florida.

The following season, George came back in a big way. He threw for 2,417 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. The Illini were close to winning the Big Ten with a 10-2 record overall and 7-1 in the conference. Illinois still made the Citrus Bowl and took down Virginia, 31-21.

I realize that people are going to question George being No. 3 and not No. 1. Yes, he was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1990 NFL Draft, but that doesn’t mean he was the greatest quarterback in the history of the program. He had a strong arm, and NFL teams can base their decisions on potential and the way an athlete looks.

George still had a great two-year run with Illinois, though. He won a bowl game and was able to fling the ball around the field. He also had a two-year record of 16-7-1, which is impressive.

For his Illinois career, George finished with 4,674 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 19 interceptions to go along with his 59.9% completion rate. He was able to win and lead Illinois to some great heights. I think George is in the right spot at No. 3 on the list of the greatest Illinois quarterbacks of all time.