College Football's Elite: The 10 Players With The Most Passing Yards In A Single FBS Game

David

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Post on Aug 11, 2025

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College Football's Air Raid Aces: Top 10 Single-Game Passing Yardage Leaders

College football is a game of explosive plays and record-breaking performances. While rushing touchdowns often steal the headlines, the sheer artistry and precision of a quarterback launching a barrage of successful passes is a spectacle in itself. This article dives into the annals of FBS history, showcasing the ten quarterbacks who have unleashed the most passing yards in a single game, cementing their place in college football lore. These aren't just numbers; they represent moments of unparalleled offensive dominance, showcasing the peak of quarterback prowess.

Methodology: This list focuses solely on passing yards accumulated in a single FBS game, and reflects data up to the current 2023-2024 season.

The Elite Ten: A Look at the Legends

The following list showcases the quarterbacks who redefined what was possible in a single game, pushing the boundaries of passing yardage:

1. Graham Harrell (Texas Tech, 2008): 736 Yards – Harrell's performance against Houston remains a monumental achievement, a benchmark for future quarterbacks. This game showcased not only incredible arm strength but also the effectiveness of Mike Leach's Air Raid offense. [Link to a relevant Texas Tech football news site]

2. B.J. Symons (Texas Tech, 2003): 704 Yards – Another Texas Tech quarterback, Symons, highlights the potency of the Air Raid system. This game solidified Texas Tech's place as a passing powerhouse, paving the way for future record-breaking performances. [Link to a relevant Texas Tech football news site]

3. Nick Mullens (Southern Miss, 2015): 607 Yards – Mullens' stunning performance in 2015 demonstrated the potential for an exceptional quarterback to elevate a whole team. His game showcased not just raw power, but also exceptional accuracy and decision-making under pressure. [Link to a relevant Southern Miss football news site]

4. Colt Brennan (Hawaii, 2006): 599 Yards – Brennan's prolific career for Hawaii included several memorable games. This near-600-yard performance highlights the explosive potential of the Rainbow Warriors' offense. [Link to a relevant Hawaii football news site]

5. David Klingler (Houston, 1990): 578 Yards – Klingler's performance exemplifies a different era of college football, showcasing incredible arm talent in a more run-heavy landscape. His game stands as a testament to individual brilliance. [Link to a relevant Houston football news site]

6. Case Keenum (Houston, 2009): 567 Yards – Keenum's name frequently appears on record-breaking lists, and this 567-yard game is just one example of his prolific college career. His consistent excellence solidified his place as one of the greats. [Link to a relevant Houston football news site]

7. Ty Detmer (BYU, 1990): 557 Yards – Detmer's performance further illustrates the era's evolving offensive strategies, showing a shift towards passing dominance. This game cemented his status as a legend in BYU football history. [Link to a relevant BYU football news site]

8. Justin Fields (Ohio State, 2019): 548 Yards – Fields' incredible performance showcases the modern evolution of the quarterback position, emphasizing both arm strength and mobility. This is a more recent example showing the continuing quest for passing supremacy. [Link to a relevant Ohio State football news site]

9. Patrick Mahomes (Texas Tech, 2016): 540 Yards – Mahomes, now an NFL superstar, had already shown his exceptional talent at the college level. This impressive game cemented his legacy before his NFL success. [Link to a relevant Texas Tech football news site]

10. Gardner Minshew (Washington State, 2018): 504 Yards – Minshew's dynamic playing style quickly made him a fan favorite. This performance epitomizes the excitement and high-scoring nature of modern college football. [Link to a relevant Washington State football news site]

Beyond the Numbers: The Impact of Offensive Systems

It's important to note the significant role offensive schemes play in these remarkable achievements. The Air Raid offense, prominently featured in several of these performances, is designed to maximize passing opportunities. However, these quarterbacks' individual skills, accuracy, and decision-making were undeniably crucial in achieving these record-setting numbers.

Looking Ahead: The quest for more single-game passing yardage records will continue. As offensive strategies evolve and quarterbacks continue to hone their skills, the possibility of surpassing these impressive marks remains a captivating aspect of college football. Who will be the next to challenge the elite ten? Only time will tell.

Call to Action: Share your thoughts! Which performance was the most impressive, and who do you think will break these records in the future? Let us know in the comments below!