Greatest college football player born in each state
Montana does not have a college football program that plays at the FBS level, though both the University of Montana and Montana State have a rich football history in Division 1-AA/FCS and Carroll College is a longstanding NAIA powerhouse. The state, which ranks No. 4 in total land area but No. 44 in population hasn’t produced college football legends in large numbers, but there have been several players born in the Treasure State that have made a big impact.
The most noteworthy Montana native is former Washington State quarterback Ryan Leaf, who exploded onto the national scene in 1997 when he led the nation in passing with 3,968 yards and tossed 34 touchdowns, ran for six more scores, and helped the Cougars win ten games, capture a share of the Pac-10 title, and play in the Rose Bowl. Leaf won the Sammy Baugh Trophy, was named Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year, and was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy – finishing behind Charles Woodson and Peyton Manning.
Under Leaf’s direction, Wazzu scored 40.2 points per game, which ranked second in the country, and they nearly upset Woodson’s Wolverines in the Rose Bowl, but lost 21-16 to the co-national champions. Listed at a prototypical 6-foot-5 and 235 pounds, the Great Falls native was selected No. 2 overall int he 1998 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers.
Unfortunately, Leaf did not live up to high expectations in the NFL, played only four seasons, and has suffered through various legal troubles since leaving the league in 2002.
Other Notable College Football Players Born in Montana:
- John Friesz, QB, Idaho
- Tim Hauck, DB, Montana
- Wayne Hawkins, OL, Pacific
- Jerry Kramer, OL, Idaho
- Matt Miller, WR, Boise State
Next: Nebraska