As most fervent fans know, Oregon isn’t renowned for producing outstanding quarterbacks on a consistent basis through its entire history. That being said, the program has laid claim to a respectable list of distinguished signal callers over the years. Here are some of the all-time greats to have suited up in the green and yellow.
Norm Van Brocklin
Van Brocklin is a member of the Pro and College Football Halls of Fame and was named an All-American in 1948. He led the Pacific Coast Conference in passing two times and in punting once. He also spearheaded Oregon’s journey to its first bowl game in 29 years, the 1949 Cotton Bowl, and finished sixth in voting for the Heisman trophy that season.
Years played: 1946-48
Passing stats: 1949 yards, 16 touchdowns, 22 interceptions
Record as starter: 16-5-0 (.761 win pct.)
Dan Fouts
Fouts is a member of the Oregon Sports and Pro Football Halls of Fame and left Eugene holding 19 school records. He is sixth all-time in career passing yards, despite having played just three seasons. During his time in the NFL, he was one of the league’s most prolific passers and was a named an All-Pro on three occasions (1979, 1982, 1985).
Years played: 1970-72
Passing stats: 5995 yards, 37 touchdowns, 54 interceptions
Record as starter: 15-17-1 (.455 win pct.)
Bill Musgrave
Musgrave revived the Oregon program by leading the Ducks to their first bowl game in 26 years, a 27-24 victory over Tulsa in the 1989 Independence Bowl. He remains Oregon’s career passing leader with 8,343 yards and threw for a single game-record of 489 yards against BYU in 1990, the same year he was named first-team All-Pac-10.
Years played: 1987-90
Passing stats: 8343 yards, 60 touchdowns, 40 interceptions
Record as starter: 28-19-0 (.596 win pct.)
Joey Harrington
Harrington was the first Heisman finalist in Oregon history and helped the program gain momentum that has carried into the current day. During the 2001-02 season, Harrington was named Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year while leading the Ducks to a BCS berth and victory in the Fiesta Bowl as well as a No. 2 national ranking in the final Associated Press poll. Harrington holds a share of the school record for most touchdown passes in a single game (6), a feat he achieved twice.
Years played: 1998-01
Passing stats: 6,911 yards, 59 touchdowns, 23 interceptions
Records as starter: 25-3 (.893 win pct)