Top Division 1 Football Player From Every State

Published: May 21, 2024 by 24/7 Tempo Staff

Almost 70% of Americans watch live sports events, as reported by Reviews.org. The National Football League attracts the largest audience of any sports league, followed by the National Basketball Association (NBA), Major League Baseball (MLB), and college football. Although baseball is referred to as America’s national pastime, football is undeniably the most popular sport in the country, dominating two of the top four spots among American viewers. As a result, it’s not surprising that some of the most popular athletes are football players. This is a look at the most renowned Division 1 college football player from every U.S. state. (And for a blast from the past, here’s a look at 21 of the greatest professional sports teams that disappeared.)

To compile this list, 24/7 Tempo cross-referenced information from several authoritative sports media outlets. We used editorial discretion to finalize the list, as determining “most famous” is inherently subjective.

It is important to note that “most famous” does not necessarily mean “most accomplished.” For instance, while many would agree that Ohio’s greatest Division I college football player is Archie Griffin – a legend at Ohio State and the only player in history to win the Heisman Trophy twice – his college football career remains unmatched by any other player from the Buckeye State. But, is he more famous than the Ohioan who took the top spot? Obviously not.

Also notable is that the players in our list are connected to the U.S. state of their birth. This criterion eliminated players like Tim Tebow from consideration. Although he is one of the best college football players in history, Tebow was born in the Philippines.

While choosing the most famous player from some states was straightforward, in other states, the decision was incredibly close. Florida, for example, posed a particular challenge. With players like Deion Sanders, Emmitt Smith, Michael Irvin, Amari Cooper, Ray Lewis, Derrick Henry, and Chad Johnson all being from the Sunshine State, the competition was fierce. Nevertheless, we selected another player who arguably stands out as the most famous from Florida.

The List

We’re calling the shots with our list of the most famous D1 college players.

After extensive analysis, here is our list of the most famous D1 college football players from every state:

Alabama – Bo Jackson

Bo Jackson is an Auburn football legend who went on to become the only athleteto be named an All-Star in both the NFL and MLB.

Birthplace: Bessemer
Position: Running Back
School: Auburn
Professional Teams: Los Angeles Raiders, Kansas City Royals (MLB), Chicago White Sox (MLB), California Angels (MLB)

Alaska – Mark Schlereth

Mark Schlereth had a successful NFL career and was honored with induction into the University of Idaho Vandal Athletics Hall of Fame in 2008.

Birthplace: Anchorage
Position: Left Guard
School: University of Idaho
Professional Teams: Washington Redskins, Denver Broncos

Arizona – Randall McDaniel

Randall McDaniel became only the second individual born in Arizona to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Birthplace: Phoenix
Position: Left Guard
School: Arizona State
Professional Teams: Minnesota Vikings, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Arkansas – Darren McFadden

Darren McFadden holds the record for the Razorbacks’ all-time leader with 4,590 career rushing yards and 5,881 career all-purpose yards.

Birthplace: Little Rock
Position: Running Back
School: Arkansas
Professional Teams: Oakland Raiders, Dallas Cowboys

California – Tom Brady

Tom Brady is widely considered one of the greatest NFL quarterbacks of all time.

Birthplace: San Mateo
Position: Quarterback
School: Michigan
Professional Teams: New England Patriots, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Colorado – Christian McCaffrey

Christian McCaffrey averaged 6.2 yards per carry at Stanford.

Birthplace: Castle Rock
Position: Running Back
School: Stanford
Professional Teams: Carolina Panthers, San Francisco 49ers

Connecticut – Dwight Freeney

Dwight Freeney was inducted into the Indianapolis Colts Ring of Honor in 2019.

Birthplace: Hartford
Position: Defensive End
School: Syracuse
Professional Teams: Indianapolis Colts, San Diego Chargers, Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Seattle Seahawks, Detroit Lions

Delaware – Tim Wilson

Tim Wilson is honored in the Delaware Sports Hall of Fame.

Birthplace: New Castle
Position: Running Back
School: Maryland
Professional Teams: Houston Oilers, New Orleans Saints

Florida – Lamar Jackson

Lamar Jackson’s legendary elusiveness was evident during his tenure as a Louisville Cardinal.

Birthplace: Pompano Beach
Position: Quarterback
School: Louisville
Professional Team: Baltimore Ravens

Georgia – Jim Brown

Jim Brown is renowned not only for his football career but also for his work as an actor and civil rights activist.

Birthplace: St. Simons
Position: Running Back
School: Syracuse
Professional Team: Cleveland Browns

Hawaii – Tua Tagovailoa

As a true freshman, Tua Tagovailoa came off the bench at halftime to lead Alabama to victory in the 2018 College Football National Championship.

Birthplace: ʻEwa Beach
Position: Quarterback
School: Alabama
Professional Team: Miami Dolphins

Idaho – Larry Wilson

Idahoa native Larry Willson excelled at the University of Utah.

Birthplace: Ribgy
Position: Halfback, Cornerback
School: Utah
Professional Team: St. Louis Cardinals (Not to be confused with the MLB team. This NFL franchise is now known as the Arizona Cardinals)

Illinois – Dick Butkus

Dick Butkus, who passed away on October 5, 2023, is commemorated with a statue outside the Henry Dale and Betty Smith Football Performance Center at the University of Illinois.

Birthplace: Chicago
Position: Linebacker
School: Illinois
Professional Team: Chicago Bears

Indiana – Bob Griese

Bob Griese (L) and the 1972 Dolphins were honored by President Barack Obama at a White House event in 2013 to celebrate their achievement as the only NFL team to post a perfect record in the regular season and the postseason.

Birthplace: Evansville
Position: Quarterback
School: Purdue
Professional Team: Miami Dolphins

Iowa – Joe Burrow

Joe Burrow was named Offensive MVP in LSU’s victory over Clemson in the 2020 College Football National Championship.

Birthplace: Ames
Position: Quarterback
Schools: Ohio State, LSU
Professional Team: Cincinnati Bengals

Kansas – Barry Sanders

Barry Sanders played for the Detroit Lions for 10 seasons.

Birthplace: Wichita
Position: Running Back
School: Oklahoma State
Professional Team: Detroit Lions

Kentucky – Phil Simms

After his college career at Morehead State, Phil Simms spent 14 seasons as the quarterback for the New York Giants.

Birthplace: Springfield
Position: Quarterback
School: Morehead State
Professional Team: New York Giants

Louisiana – Peyton Manning

Peyton Manning is practically royalty in Knoxville, Tennessee. He’s also a fan favorite in Indianapolis and Denver.

Birthplace: New Orleans
Position: Quarterback
School: Tennessee
Professional Teams: Indianapolis Colts, Denver Broncos

Maine – John Huard

College Football Hall of Fame by Bani — John Huard was enshrined into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2014.

Birthplace: Waterville
Position: Linebacker
School: Maine
Professional Teams: Denver Broncos, New Orleans Saints, Montreal Alouettes (Canadian Football League (CFL)), Toronto Argonauts (CFL)

Maryland – Stefon Diggs

Before rising to stardom in the NFL, Stefon Diggs was a college standout in his home state of Maryland.

Birthplace: Gaithersburg
Position: Wide Receiver
School: Maryland
Professional Teams: Minnesota Vikings, Buffalo Bills

Massachusetts – Nick Buoniconti

04 Aug 2001 : Nick Buoniconti poses next to his bronze bust during the 2001 Induction Ceremony at Hall's Game Day Theater in Canton, Ohio. DIGITAL IMAGE.Mandatory Credit: Tom Pidgeon/Allsport — Nick Buoniconti was honored with induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2001.

Birthplace: Springfield
Position: Linebacker
School: Notre Dame
Professional Teams: Boston Patriots, Miami Dolphins

Michigan – Jerome Bettis

The Pro Football Hall of Fame gained another legendary figure when Jerome “The Bus” Bettis was inducted in 2015.

Birthplace: Detroit
Position: Running Back
School: Notre Dame
Professional Teams: Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams, Pittsburgh Steelers

Minnesota – Larry Fitzgerald

Larry Fitzgerald made a name for himself as a star player at Pitt before going on to become the career-receiving leader of the Arizona Cardinals.

Birthplace: Minneapolis
Position: Wide Receiver
School: Pittsburgh
Professional Team: Arizona Cardinals

Mississippi – Jerry Rice

Jerry Rice holds NFL records for receptions, yards, and touchdown catches.

Birthplace: Starkville
Position: Wide Receiver
School: Mississippi Valley State
Professional Teams: San Francisco 49ers, Oakland Raiders, Seattle Seahawks

Missouri – Ezekiel Elliott

Ezekiel Elliott, nicknamed “Zeke,” was a force to be reckoned during his time at Ohio State, before playing for the Dallas Cowboys.

Birthplace: St. Louis
Position: Running Back
School: Ohio State
Professional Teams: Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots

Montana – Pat Donovan

Macro shot of a flag and football placed on Dallas, Texas in a map. — Montana’s Pat Donovan played his collegiate career at Stanford before becoming a Dallas Cowboy.

Birthplace: Helena
Position: Offensive Tackle
School: Stanford
Professional Team: Dallas Cowboys

Nebraska – Ahman Green

Ahman Green endeared himself to Cornhusker fans before making the leap to the NFL.

Birthplace: Omaha
Position: Running Back
School: Nebraska
Professional Teams: Seattle Seahawks, Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans, Green Bay Packers, Omaha Nighthawks (United Football League)

Nevada – Steven Jackson

Atlanta Falcons v New York Giants — Steven Jackson shattered school records at Oregon state before moving on to the NFL.

Birthplace: Las Vegas
Position: Running Back
School: Oregon State
Professional Teams: St. Louis Rams, Atlanta Falcons, New England Patriots

New Hampshire – Greg Landry

Birthplace: Nashua
Position: Quarterback
School: University of Massachusetts
Professional Teams: Detroit Lions, Baltimore Colts. Chicago Blitz (United States Football League (USFL)), Arizona Wranglers (USFL), Chicago Bears

New Jersey – Joe Flacco

Joe Flacco went on to a super successful NFL career, most of which was spent as the quarterback of the Baltimore Ravens.

Birthplace: Audubon
Position: Quarterback
Schools: Pittsburgh, Delaware
Professional Teams: Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, Cleveland Browns

New Mexico – Ronnie Lott

The San Francisco 49ers retired the number#42 in honor of Ronnie Lott, a Hall of Famer in both college and professional football.

Birthplace: Albuquerque
Position: Defensive Back
School: USC
Professional Teams: San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Raiders, New York Jets

New York – Rob Gronkowski

Rob Gronkowski has won four Super Bowl championships.

Birthplace: Amherst
Position: Tight End
School: Arizona
Professional Teams: New England Patriots, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

North Carolina – Bruce Matthews

CANTON, OH - AUGUST 04: Bruce Matthews checks out his bust during the Class of 2007 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony August 4, 2007 in Canton, Ohio. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images) — Bruce Matthews was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007.

Birthplace: Raleigh
Position: Offensive Line
School: USC
Professional Team: Houston Oilers/Tennessee Oilers/Tennessee Titans

North Dakota – Jim Kleinsasser

SAN DIEGO - NOVEMBER 9: Jim Kleinsasser #40 of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball against Raylee Johnson #99 of the San Diego Chargers on November 9, 2003 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. The Chargers defeated the Vikings 42-28. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images) — Jim Kleinsasser was a feared tight end at North Dakota and later with the Minnesota Vikings.

Birthplace: Carrington
Position: Tight End
School: North Dakota
Professional Team: Minnesota Vikings

Ohio – Travis Kelce

Before Travis Kelce was a superstar with the Kansas City Chiefs, he was an outstanding tight end at the University of Cincinnati.

Birthplace: Westlake
Position: Tight End
School: University of Cincinnati
Professional Team: Kansas City Chiefs

Oklahoma – Steve Largent

Birthplace: Tulsa
Position: Wide Receiver
School: University of Tulsa
Professional Team: Seattle Seahawks

Oregon – Justin Herbert

Before joining the Los Angeles Chargers in the NFL, Justin Herbert was the quarterback for the Oregon Ducks.

Birthplace: Eugene
Position: Quarterback
School: Oregon
Professional Team: Los Angeles Chargers

Pennsylvania – Joe Montana

Joe Montana is a 49ers legend with four Super Bowl rings, but fans of the Fighting Irish will always remember his leadership in Notre Dame’s 1977 national championship win.

Birthplace: New Eagle
Position: Quarterback
School: Notre Dame
Professional Teams: San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs

Rhode Island – Al Del Greco

Al Del Greco, Oilers — Before becoming an NFL kicker, Al Del Greco was sending them through the uprights at Auburn.

Birthplace: Providence
Position: Placekicker
School: Auburn
Professional Teams: Green Bay Packers, St. Louis/Phoenix Cardinals, Houston Oilers/Tennessee Oilers/Tennessee Titans

South Carolina – A.J. Green

A.J. Green’s stellar career at Georgia led to him being the fourth pick overall in the 2011 NFL draft.

Birthplace: Summerville
Position: Wide Receiver
School: Georgia
Professional Teams: Cincinnati Bengals, Arizona Cardinals

South Dakota – Adam Vinatieri

Adam Vinatieri is widely considered to be one of the greatest kickers of all time.

Birthplace: Yankton
Position: Placekicker
School: South Dakota State
Professional Teams: Amsterdam Admirals (NFL Europe), New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts

Tennessee – Reggie White

Reggie White was inducted into both the College Football and Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Birthplace: Chattanooga
Position: Defensive End
School: Tennessee
Professional Teams: Memphis Showboats (USFL), Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers, Carolina Panthers

Texas – Patrick Mahomes

Patrick Mahomes was quarterback at Texas Tech before he became the star of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Birthplace: Tyler
Position: Quarterback
School: Texas Tech
Professional Team: Kansas City Chiefs

Utah – Steve Young

Steve Young was a Hall of Famer both in college at BYU and in the NFL.

Birthplace: Salt Lake City
Position: Quarterback
School: BYU
Professional Teams: Los Angeles Express (USFL), Tampa Bay Buccaneers, San Francisco 49ers

Vermont – Steve Wisniewski

Birthplace: Rutland
Position: Guard
School: Penn State
Professional Team: Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders

Virginia – Lawrence Taylor

Some consider Lawrence Taylor the greatest linebacker of all time.

Birthplace: Williamsburg
Position: Linebacker
School: North Carolina
Professional Team: New York Giants

Washington – John Elway

John Elway is widely regarded as one of the top five quarterbacks of all time.

Birthplace: Port Angeles
Position: Quarterback
School: Stanford
Professional Team: Denver Broncos

West Virginia – Randy Moss

Birthplace: Rand
Position: Wide Receiver
School: Marshall
Professional Teams: Minnesota Vikings, Oakland Raiders, New England Patriots, Minnesota Vikings, Tennessee Titans, San Francisco 49ers