ESPN names QBU, updates Top 5 for quarterback producing schools

There are many debates about which schools in college football produce the best position-specific talent, and should be deemed ‘insert position’ U. From “DBU” to “RBU”, there are many worthy candidates and close competitions between schools in regards to producing positional ability. But ESPN Stats & Information took it a step further, and calculated the top five schools for the each of the major positions since 1998 (the start of the BCS era), and weighing in factors like all-conference and All-America selections, being drafted (weighted by round) and for success at the next level (using Pro Football Reference’s weighted career value on the first four years of an NFL career).

Let’s see who ranked the highest at the most premier position in football, quarterback, and who ESPN deemed as QBU.

The top 5

1. Oklahoma
2. USC
3. Oregon
4. Alabama
5. Louisville

Best by conference
ACC: Louisville
Big 12: Oklahoma
Big Ten: Ohio State
Pac-12: USC
SEC: Alabama
Non-Power 5: Fresno State

ESPN crowned Oklahoma as QBU for the third straight year, a tough case to argue against based off their recent history. Producing back-to-back Heisman trophy winners turned No. 1 overall draft picks in Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray certainly helps your case. Then one year later add second-round draft pick Jalen Hurts to the mix, and you’ve got yourself QBU.

All of those quarterbacks played under offensive mastermind Lincoln Riley, who has since left Oklahoma for USC, which ranks second on the list. Riley definitely played a major role in building Oklahoma into QBU, and the quarterback whisperer could very well do the same at USC and help them overtake Oklahoma eventually for the top spot, starting with quarterback Caleb Williams who followed Riley to USC from Oklahoma. Williams could be the next in line to follow in the footsteps of Sam Darnold, Mark Sanchez, Matt Leinart, and Carson Palmer joining USC’s pantheon of quarterbacks.

ESPN also deemed Alabama the ‘biggest mover’, as they moved from 33rd at QBU four years ago to number four on the list this year. The Tide have had plenty of quarterbacks lead them to National Championship success over the years, but it hasn’t necessarily translated to NFL success. But in the last few years quarterbacks like Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones, and the previously mentioned transfer Hurts have changed that. And with Hesiman trophy winner Bryce Young waiting for his shot in the NFL, we could se even more movement for Alabama waiting in the wings.