College Football: 25 Greatest Quarterbacks of the 21st century

Troy Smith’s argument to appear on this list largely stems from his standout senior season, in 2006. In that year, Smith led Ohio State to a 12-1 record and a national runner-up finish after losing to Florida in the BCS national championship game, 41-14.

In Smith’s final two seasons as a Buckeye, he rushed for 839 yards and 12 touchdowns. Though he purposefully scrambled less often as a senior, his downfield passing markedly improved. His 2006 season statistics reflect this improvement: 2,542 passing yards, 30 touchdowns, and six interceptions for a 161.9 passer rating.

The Columbus, Ohio native won the 2006 Heisman Trophy, beating out Arkansas running back Darren McFadden and Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn, who received the second and third-most overall votes. Smith received 91.6% of the possible first-place votes, a Heisman record that still stands today.

On his way to leading Ohio State to a perfect regular season, Smith paved the way for the Buckeyes in an all-important win against its archrival, Michigan. In the 42-39 victory against the Wolverines, Smith completed 29-of-41 passes for 316 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception.

Smith’s dominant senior season — a Heisman Trophy, a dominant statistical showing, and leading the nation’s second-best team — might figure to earn him a spot higher on this list.

It’s his less-than-stellar national title game showing, though that holds him back. In the loss to Florida, Smith had a line of 4-of-14 passing for 35 yards, zero touchdowns, and one interception. The Gators’ defense flummoxed Smith and the Ohio State offense with a championship ring on the line, spoiling an otherwise outstanding Buckeye season.