Big 12 Football: Top 20 quarterbacks since 2000

Career Stats: 66.1% completions, 8,992 yards, 62 touchdowns, 25 interceptions

The lone current player on this list has been the catalyst for the rejuvenation of the Iowa State football program. Brock Purdy took over the program, after consecutive 3-9 seasons. The Cyclones hadn’t made a bowl game since 2012, and their last winning season was 2009.

Purdy was not the original starter in 2018, as he was third on the depth chart, behind Kyle Kempt and Zeb Noland.

After both went inactive, Purdy got the opportunity to start and took advantage of it, leading Iowa State to eight wins. He finished with 66 percent completion rate, alongside 2,250 passing yards, with 16 touchdowns.

Following the successful season, there was a lot of reason for optimism in Ames. The Cyclones returned a plethora of key stars on both sides of the ball, and Purdy was getting comfortable within the system.

Purdy started his sophomore campaign red hot, throwing six touchdowns and throwing for over 800 yards in his first three games. The Cyclones got out to a 5-2 start and were in contention for a Big 12 championship appearance.

However, the Clones faltered down the stretch. Purdy still played well, finishing with 3,982 yards and 27 touchdowns. In an effort against Oklahoma, Purdy tossed five touchdowns and was a completion away from upsetting the Sooners in Norman.

Purdy’s campaign for being the best quarterback in the conference became a hot debate throughout the off-season, leading up to 2020. However, Purdy’s play was not quite up to expectations. His completion percentage dropped and finished with just 19 touchdowns.

However, Purdy led the Cyclones to their first-ever conference championship game, alongside a Fiesta Bowl win over Oregon.

Purdy still has the 2021 season, to climb the list, so his potential is there. The success and new heights Purdy has taken this program — alongside his arm talent — lands him on the list.