The Most Famous Division I Football Player From Each State

Special Report

Published: January 19, 2024 10:08 am

According to a report from Reviews.org, nearly 70% of Americans watch live sports. The National Football League (NFL) draws more viewers than any other sports league, followed by the National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball (MLB), and college football. While baseball is known as America’s national pastime, football is undoubtedly the most popular sport in the nation, occupying two of the top four spots among American viewers. It is no surprise, then, that some of the United States’ most famous athletes are football players. Here is a look at the most famous Division I college football player from each U.S. state. (And if you really want to step back in time, here’s a look at 21 of the greatest professional sports teams that disappeared.)

Selecting the Most Famous Players from Each State

To compile this list, 24/7 Wall St. cross-referenced a number of authoritative sports media outlets. We employed editorial discretion to finalize the list since “most famous” is not a completely objective metric.

It is important to note that “most famous” does not necessarily mean “most accomplished.” For example, few would argue that Ohio’s greatest Division I college football player is Archie Griffin. He is a legend at Ohio State and is still the only player in history to win the Heisman Trophy twice. His college football career is unmatched by any other player from the Buckeye State. However, is he more famous than the Ohioan who took the top spot? Clearly, no.

It is also important to note that the players in our list are linked to the U.S. state of their birth. This eliminated players such as Tim Tebow from consideration. While he is one of the greatest college football players in history, Tebow was the son of Baptist missionaries and was born in the Philippines.

Selecting the most famous player from some states was no contest (we’re looking at you, South Dakota). Other states, however, were hairsplittingly close. Florida, for example, was an especially difficult choice. Players such as Deion Sanders, Emmitt Smith, Michael Irvin, Amari Cooper, Ray Lewis, Derrick Henry, and Chad Johnson all hail from the Sunshine State. However, we landed on another player who is arguably the most famous from the state.

The List

referee throwing a penalty flag — If you want to throw a flag on some of our selections, go ahead. But don’t be surprised if we throw a challenge flag in protest.

After extensive analysis, here is our list of the most famous D1 college players from each state.

Alabama – Bo Jackson

University of Auburn Tigers vs Florida State Seminoles — Bo Jackson is an Auburn football legend. He went on to become the only player to be named an all-star in both the NFL and MLB.

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

Alaska – Mark Schlereth

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

Arizona – Randall McDaniel

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

Arkansas – Darren McFadden

NCAA Football - Arkansas vs Georgia - October 23, 2005 — Darren McFadden is the Razorbacks’ all-time leader with 4,590 career rushing yards and 5,881 career all-purpose yards.

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

California – Tom Brady

Tom Brady and Jim Harbaugh by Maize & Blue Nation — Tom Brady (L), seen here with Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh, is a legendary Wolverine. He is also arguably the greatest NFL quarterback of all time.

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

Colorado – Christian McCaffrey

Stanford v Oregon — CMC averaged 6.2 yards per carry at Stanford.

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

Connecticut – Dwight Freeney

Miami Dolphins v Indianapolis Colts — Dwight Freeney was inducted into the Indianapolis Colts Ring of Honor in 2019.

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

Delaware – Tim Wilson

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

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

Florida – Lamar Jackson

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

Georgia – Jim Brown

Jim Brown at LBJ Foundation 2014 by LBJ Foundation — Jim Brown is famous, not only as a football player but also as an actor and a civil rights activist.

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

Hawaii – Tua Tagovailoa

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 08: Tua Tagovailoa #13 of the Alabama Crimson Tide holds the trophy while celebrating with his team after defeating the Georgia Bulldogs in overtime to win the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) — As a true freshman, Tua Tagovailoa came off the bench after halftime to lead Alabama to the 2018 College Football National Championship.

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

Idaho – Larry Wilson

Idahoan Larry Willson balled out at the University of Utah.

Birthplace: Ribgy
School: Utah
Position: Halfback, Cornerback
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

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

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

Indiana – Bob Griese

WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 20: First row, U.S. President Barack Obama poses for photos with members of the 1972 Miami Dolphins including head coach Don Shula (R), quarterback Bob Griese (L), and running back Larry Csonka (4th L) during an East Room event August 20, 2013 at the White House in Washington, DC. President Obama hosted the undefeated 1972 Super Bowl champion who didn't get the chance to be honored at the White House back then. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) — Bob Griese (L) and the 1972 Dolphins were honored by President Barack Obama at a White House event in 2013 to celebrate the only NFL team to ever post a perfect record in the regular season and the postseason.

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

Iowa – Joe Burrow

College Football Playoff National Championship - Clemson v LSU — Joe Burrow was named the Offensive MVP in LSU’s 2020 win over Clemson in the College Football National Championship.

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

Kansas – Barry Sanders

STILLWATER, OK - NOVEMBER 13: Barry Sanders acknowledges fans after a statue was unveiled in his honor by the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium on November 13, 2021 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Sanders is holding a miniature version of the statue. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) — Barry Sanders attended the unveiling of his statue at Boone Pickens Stadium on November 13, 2021.

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

Kentucky – Phil Simms

Washington Redskinss vs New York Giants — After his college career at Morehead State, Phil Simms was the quarterback of the New York Giants for 14 seasons.

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

Louisiana – Peyton Manning

KNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 29: Former Tennesse quarterback Peyton Manning and current quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts is honored alongside his former college coach Phillip Fulmer before the start of the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks on October 29, 2005 at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) — Peyton Manning is practically royalty in Knoxville, Tennessee. (He’s also pretty popular in Indianapolis and Denver, too.)

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

Maine – John Huard

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

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

Maryland – Stefon Diggs

SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 30: Stefon Diggs #1 of the Maryland Terrapins warms up before their game against the Stanford Cardinal in the Foster Farms Bowl at Levi's Stadium on December 30, 2014 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) — Before becoming a star in the NFL, Stefon Diggs was a college standout in his home state of Maryland.

Birthplace: Gaithersburg
School: Maryland
Position: Wide Receiver
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 inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2001.

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

Michigan – Jerome Bettis

CANTON, OH - AUGUST 8: Jerome Bettis poses with his bust during the NFL Hall of Fame induction ceremony at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium on August 8, 2015 in Canton, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) — The Pro Football Hall of Fame became a “bus stop” when Jerome “The Bus” Bettis was inducted in 2015.

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

Minnesota – Larry Fitzgerald

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 23: Former Pittsburgh Panther Larry Fitzgerald Jr. watches the game in the first quarter against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Acrisure Stadium on September 23, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) — Larry Fitzgerald was a star at Pitt before he became the career receiving leader of the Arizona Cardinals.

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

Mississippi – Jerry Rice

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

Missouri – Ezekiel Elliott

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 01: Running back Ezekiel Elliott #15 of the Ohio State Buckeyes during the BattleFrog Fiesta Bowl against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 1, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Buckeyes defeated the Fighting Irish 44-28. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) — “Zeke” was a force to be reckoned with at Ohio State, posting the third-most rushing yards in school history.

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

Montana – Pat Donovan

Montana’s Pat Donovan played his collegiate career at Stanford.

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

Nebraska – Ahman Green

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

Nevada – Steven Jackson

10 NOV 2001: Steve Jackson #33 of Oregon State runs against the defense of Owen Biddle #43 of Washington during the game at Reser Stadium in Corvallis Oregon. Oregon State defeated Washington 49-24. DIGITAL IMAGE Mandatory Credit: Otto Greule/ALLSPORT — You want to tackle Steven Jackson? Good luck.

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

New Hampshire – Greg Landry

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

New Jersey – Joe Flacco

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

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

New Mexico – Ronnie Lott

SAN FRANCISCO - NOVEMBER 17: Former San Francisco 49er Ronnie Lott (R) has his #42 jersey retired during a ceremony with former owner Ed DeBartotlo Jr. , former teammates and family at halftime during the Pittsburgh Steelers v San Francisco 49ers game on November 17, 2003 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images) — The San Francisco 49ers retired #42 to honor college and professional hall of famer, Ronnie Lott (R).

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

New York – Rob Gronkowski

Birthplace: Amherst
School: Arizona
Position: Tight End
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 enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007.

Birthplace: Raleigh
School: USC
Position: Offensive Line
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 as a member of the Minnesota Vikings.

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

Ohio – Travis Kelce

Pittsburgh v Cincinnati — Before Travis Kelce was a superstar with the Kansas City Chiefs (and before he started dating Taylor Swift), he was an outstanding tight end at the University of Cincinnati.

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

Oklahoma – Steve Largent

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

Oregon – Justin Herbert

EUGENE, OREGON - OCTOBER 26: Justin Herbert #10 of the Oregon Ducks looks to throw the ball in the first quarter against the Washington State Cougars during their game at Autzen Stadium on October 26, 2019 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) — Justin Herbert was the quarterback of the Oregon Ducks before joining the Los Angeles Chargers in the NFL.

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

Pennsylvania – Joe Montana

Joe Montana #16, Quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers during the National Football Conference West Divisional game against the Minnesota Vikings on 6 January 1990 at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California, United States. The 49ers won the game 41 - 13. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) — Joe Montana is a 49ers legend with four Super Bowl rings, but fans of the Fighting Irish will always remember that he led Notre Dame to a national championship in 1977.

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

Rhode Island – Al Del Greco

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

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

South Carolina – A.J. Green

ATHENS, GA - OCTOBER 03: A.J. Green #8 of the Georgia Bulldogs fails to pull in a two-point conversion against Chris Hawkins #29 of the Louisiana State University Tigers at Sanford Stadium on October 3, 2009 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) — A.J. Green’s standout career at Georgia made him the fourth pick overall in the 2011 NFL draft.

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

South Dakota – Adam Vinatieri

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

Tennessee – Reggie White

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

Texas – Patrick Mahomes

ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 25: Patrick Mahomes II #5 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders interacts with fans after the game against the Baylor Bears on November 25, 2016 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Texas Tech defeated Baylor 54-35. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) — Patrick Mahomes was slingin’ it at Texas Tech before he was the star of the Kansas City Chiefs (and a whole bunch of insurance commercials).

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

Utah – Steve Young

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

Vermont – Steve Wisniewski

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

Virginia – Lawrence Taylor

You can say that Lawrence Taylor was not the greatest linebacker of all time. You’d be wrong, but you can say it.

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

Washington – John Elway

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

West Virginia – Randy Moss

Marshall University Thundering Herd vs Army Black Knights — Randy Moss is a Thunder Herd legend.

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

Wisconsin – J.J. Watt

HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 01: Former Houston Texans player J.J. Watt speaks during a ceremony inducting him into the Texans Ring of Honor during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at NRG Stadium on October 01, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images) — J.J. Watt was inducted into the Houston Texans Ring of Honor in 2023.

Birthplace: Pewaukee
Schools: Central Michigan, Wisconsin
Position: Defensive End
Professional Teams: Houston Texans, Arizona Cardinals

Wyoming – Chris Cooley

ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 19: Tight end Chris Cooley #47 of the Washington Redskins dives on a two point conversion against Barry Church #42 of the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) — Tight end Chris Cooley played at Utah State before joining Washington in the NFL.

Birthplace: Powell
School: Utah State
Position: Tight End
Professional Team: Washington Redskins

Get Ready To Retire ^(Sponsored)

Start by taking a quick retirement quiz from SmartAsset that will match you with up to 3 financial advisors that serve your area and beyond in 5 minutes, or less.

Each advisor has been vetted by SmartAsset and is held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests.

Here’s how it works:
1. Answer SmartAsset advisor match quiz
2. Review your pre-screened matches at your leisure. Check out the advisors’ profiles.
3. Speak with advisors at no cost to you. Have an introductory call on the phone or introduction in person and choose whom to work with in the future

Read more: Special Report, Alabama, best, greatest, Michigan, NFL, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, States, NFL

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.