Oklahoma QBs starting in the NFL: How every Sooners QB1 from 2015-2023 became a starter in 20254 days ago7 min read999 comments

The pipeline from Norman to NFL stardom has become football’s most reliable assembly line, a quarterback factory so prolific that every single Oklahoma Sooners starter from 2015 through 2023 now commands an NFL huddle as a starting quarterback in 2025. This isn't just a statistical anomaly; it's a testament to a developmental system that has perfected the art of preparing signal-callers for the professional crucible, blending high-octane offensive schemes with a culture that breeds resilience.Consider the trajectory: Baker Mayfield, the fiery Heisman winner, has resurrected his career in Tampa Bay with the swagger of a gunslinger, his journey from Cleveland's disappointment to a two-time Pro Bowler mirroring the underdog spirit he embodied in college. Then there's Kyler Murray, whose dual-threat capabilities drew comparisons to Michael Vick during his electric 2018 Heisman campaign; despite an ACL tear that tested his mettle, he remains the Cardinals' dynamic centerpiece, his career 20,460 passing yards and 32 rushing touchdowns showcasing a versatility that defenses still struggle to contain.Jalen Hurts, the stoic leader who transferred from Alabama, has engineered one of the league's most dramatic ascents, transforming from a second-round question mark into a Super Bowl-winning maestro for the Eagles, his 59 rushing touchdowns a stark reminder that the modern quarterback must be as dangerous with his legs as with his arm. The narrative deepens with Spencer Rattler, a former top recruit whose path was anything but linear; benched at Oklahoma, he refined his craft at South Carolina, and now, as the Saints' surprise starter following Derek Carr's retirement, he's demonstrating the poise that once made him a phenom, his 990 yards and six touchdowns through five games signaling a promising recalibration.Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick, carries the weight of Chicago's hopes, his rookie season marred by coaching turmoil but now showing flashes of the improvisational genius that earned him a Heisman at USC—his four-touchdown dismantling of Dallas in Week 3 was a masterclass in pocket presence and playmaking.Rounding out this fraternity is Dillon Gabriel, the journeyman who honed his skills at UCF and Oregon before Cleveland handed him the reins after a sluggish start, his 190-yard, two-touchdown debut in London underscoring the adaptability that defines this entire group. Analytically, this cohort's success stems from Oklahoma's offensive philosophy under coaches like Lincoln Riley, which emphasizes quick decision-making, pre-snap reads, and RPO-heavy attacks that translate seamlessly to today's NFL meta.When you stack them against other quarterback-producing schools, the Sooners' six starters dwarf the competition, a statistic that speaks volumes about their scouting, development, and the sheer volume of reps in a system designed to simulate pro complexity. This isn't a coincidence; it's a blueprint, one that every college program now studies with envy, as Oklahoma continues to churn out quarterbacks who don't just reach the league, but dominate it.