Best Memphis Tigers Quarterbacks All Time
Considering the positive recent pre-season poll results for the Memphis Tigers had we wondering about the team’s quarterback history outside of Seth Henigan, who currently is the all time passing leader. So, let’s explore the best University of Memphis QBs of all-time.
Best University of Memphis QBs of All Time
Memphis Tigers Most Passing Yards
Let’s first explore the Tigers quarterbacks based on total passing yards which is an important Memphis football metric but not the only one to consider when trying to name someone the “best” . Majority of the top ten leaders in passing have come after the year 2000 despite the program being around since early 20th century.
| Player | Years | CMP | ATT | % | YDS | TDs | INT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seth Henigan | 2021-23 | 838 | 1314 | 63.8 | 10,764 | 79 | 25 |
| Brady White | 2018-20 | 769 | 1232 | 62.4 | 10,690 | 90 | 30 |
| Danny Wimprine | 2001-04 | 808 | 1469 | 55.0 | 10,215 | 81 | 49 |
| Paxton Lynch | 2013-15 | 758 | 1205 | 62.9 | 8,863 | 59 | 23 |
| Riley Ferguson | 2016-17 | 579 | 917 | 63.1 | 7,955 | 70 | 19 |
| Martin Hankins | 2006-07 | 487 | 805 | 60.5 | 5,770 | 43 | 25 |
| Danny Sparkman | 1983-85 | 328 | 662 | 49.5 | 4,311 | 27 | 32 |
| Lloyd Patterson | 1975-78 | 246 | 560 | 43.9 | 4,201 | 30 | 34 |
| Steve Matthews | 1992-93 | 341 | 559 | 61.0 | 3,980 | 31 | 25 |
| Bernard Oden | 1995-97 | 209 | 400 | 52.3 | 2,686 | 14 | 15 |
Riley Ferguson is an interesting standout when you look at what he was able to do in 2 seasons at the start under Mike Norvell. Ferguson currently holds the single season passing record, almost 400 yards more than Henigan’s season high of 3,883.
Henigan’s predecessor, Brady White, is solid but it’s fair to asssume that after this next season the gap between the two will widen. There is also a chance at Henigan topping the single game passing record if all goes well.
Passing Yards – Single Season
Riley Ferguson (2017) – 4,257
Brady White (2019) – 4,014
Seth Henigan (2023) – 3,883
Passing Yards – Single Game
Brady White (2020) – 486 v/ UCF
Riley Ferguson (2o17) – 471 v/ Houston & 471 v/UCF (American Championship)
Seth Henigan (2021) – 463 v/ Tulsa
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Current University of Memphis Quarterback – Seth Henigan
Seth Henigan has been a standout quarterback for the Memphis Tigers since 2021. As a true freshman, he made history by becoming the first to start a season opener for Memphis. In his collegiate debut season, Henigan impressed with 3,322 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and only eight interceptions. His performance earned him a spot on the 2021 FWAA Freshman All-America Team.
Henigan’s success continued in subsequent seasons. In 2022, he led the Tigers to victory in the First Responder Bowl, earning MVP honors. By his junior year in 2023, Henigan had established himself as one of the American Athletic Conference /AAC‘s top quarterbacks, securing Second-Team All-AAC honors and being named TSWA Player of the Year. His college career builds on an impressive high school record at Denton Ryan, where he accumulated 7,234 passing yards and 79 touchdowns over three years, leading his team to a state title in 2020.
Memphis Tigers Quarterbacks in the NFL
Paxton Lynch, a quarterback who played college football for the Memphis Tigers, entered the NFL when the Denver Broncos selected him in the opening round of the 2016 draft. His professional career with the Broncos lasted two years, coming to an end when the team cut him prior to the 2018 campaign. Following his time in Denver, Lynch’s NFL journey continued with stints on various teams, including the Seattle Seahawks and Pittsburgh Steelers.
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Notable Memphis Tigers QBs
It’s worth nothing that the Memphis Tigers football program was subpar for many years the turn of the millenium. The Tigers’ move to Conference USA in the 90s and the addition of coach, Tommy West in 2001 , could be factors in the elevated production of the offense.
If we are looking at numbers and collegiate success with Memphis, it feels like Ferguson or White could still be considered the best. When you take into account which QBs went on to succeed post-college then it looks a bit different. Paxton Lynch went on to play for Broncos and the XFL after Memphis but is not mentioned much in the “greatest Memphis QB” conversation.
Here are a few notable Memphis Tigers quarterbacks in no particular order:
Danny Sparkman (1982-1985)
Sparkman set early records for Memphis with 4,311 career passing yards and 662 pass attempts. He led the Tigers to a 6-4-1 record in 1983, contributing to the team’s significant improvement. While notable for his time, his statistics have since been surpassed by later quarterbacks.
Steve Matthews (1992-1993)
Despite a short career at Memphis, Matthews made a significant impact. He set single-season records in his first year and amassed 3,980 yards and 31 touchdowns in just 20 games. His potential was cut short by injury, but he showed promise in his brief time with the Tigers.
Riley Ferguson (2016-2017)
Ferguson’s two-year tenure was highly productive. He set single-season records with 4,257 passing yards and 38 touchdowns in 2017. His career total of 7,955 passing yards and 70 touchdowns in just two seasons demonstrates his efficiency and impact on the program.
Brady White (2018-2020)
White’s accomplishments include school records for wins as a starting quarterback (28), career passing yards (10,690), and passing touchdowns (90). His leadership led to consistent success, including a Montgomery Bowl victory. His academic achievements, culminating in the William V. Campbell Trophy, add to his legacy.
Danny Wimprine (2001-2004)
Wimprine stands out as the best quarterback in Memphis history. He holds numerous school records, including career completions (808), pass attempts (1,469), passing yards (10,215), and touchdown passes (85). His consistency over four years, coupled with leading the team to consecutive bowl appearances, solidifies his top ranking.
