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Top 10 Boise State Quarterbacks of All Time
- Garrison Gridiron
- May 13
- 4 min read
Who’s the greatest quarterback in Boise State history? Most fans will shout "Kellen Moore" without blinking, and they’re not wrong. But behind him, it’s a tight and underrated race filled with game-changers, stat monsters, and one Fiesta Bowl hero who pulled off college football’s most legendary trick play. Here’s our definitive, debate-ready list.
Historical Context
Boise State’s quarterback lineage spans multiple eras:
I-AA era (pre-1996): Competing for national titles at the lower-division level
WAC era (1996–2010): Dominant stretch of mid-major success
Mountain West era (2011–present): Nationally ranked contender and perennial G5 power
Understanding each era’s context helps highlight how each QB’s accomplishments stack up historically.
1. Kellen Moore (2008–2011)
Kellen Moore is the most iconic player in Boise State history, and the numbers back it up: 14,667 passing yards, 142 touchdowns, and just 28 interceptions while completing nearly 69.8% of his passes. He holds the FBS record for most wins by a starting quarterback at 50–3.
A two-time first-team All-American and two-time WAC Offensive Player of the Year, Moore finished fourth in the 2010 Heisman Trophy voting. His calm, cerebral approach and precision passing led Boise State into the national spotlight.
Signature moment: 2010 Fiesta Bowl win over TCU, where Moore led a disciplined, clutch performance on the national stage.
2. Brett Rypien (2015–2018)
The Mountain West’s all-time passing leader, Rypien threw for 13,581 yards and 90 touchdowns. Known for his poise and mechanics, he started all four years and won the 2018 Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year.
His steady presence helped keep the Broncos nationally relevant during a period of transition. With a 64% completion rate and an MWC title, Rypien is one of the most prolific passers to wear the blue and orange.
Signature moment: 305 yards and three touchdowns in the 2017 Las Vegas Bowl win over Oregon.
3. Ryan Dinwiddie (2000–2003)
Dinwiddie was a gunslinger with one of the most efficient arms in college football during the early 2000s. He passed for 9,819 yards and 82 touchdowns while leading the Broncos to a 2002 WAC title.
He was a two-time All-WAC selection and finished his career with a record-setting 168.9 NCAA passing efficiency. Dinwiddie was fearless and unshakable in the pocket.
Signature moment: 297 yards and four touchdowns in a 2001 upset over ranked Fresno State.
4. Bart Hendricks (1997–2000)
Hendricks bridged the program from transitional success to national respect. He totaled 9,020 yards and 78 touchdowns, earning back-to-back Big West Offensive Player of the Year honors.
His leadership and consistency helped solidify Boise State as a powerhouse in the making. Hendricks led the Broncos to a 10-2 season and a Humanitarian Bowl win in 2000.
Signature moment: 274 yards and four touchdowns in the 2000 Humanitarian Bowl.
5. Jared Zabransky (2003–2006)
Zabransky was electric, unpredictable, and ultimately unforgettable. He threw for 8,256 passing yards and 58 passing touchdowns but accounted for 89 total touchdowns including rushing scores.
He quarterbacked the most iconic win in Boise State history: the 2007 Fiesta Bowl upset over Oklahoma. His dual-threat ability and leadership helped Boise go undefeated in 2006.
Signature moment: The Statue of Liberty play to win the 2007 Fiesta Bowl.
6. Tony Hilde (1993–1996)
Hilde was a tough, gritty quarterback who led the Broncos to the 1994 Division I-AA national championship game. He threw for 9,107 yards and 70 touchdowns in his career.
As the face of the program during its final FCS years, Hilde helped build momentum for Boise State’s eventual jump to the FBS level.
Signature moment: 22-for-36 with 283 yards and 2 TDs in the 1994 playoff win over Marshall.
7. Jim McMillan (1971–1974)
McMillan’s 5,508 yards and 58 touchdowns came before Boise State’s rise to national prominence, but his impact is undeniable. His leadership and consistent play helped build the Broncos into a regional power.
McMillan remains the only player in program history to have his jersey retired.
Signature moment: Leading the team to multiple playoff wins in the early '70s.
8. Grant Hedrick (2011–2014)
Often overlooked, Hedrick quietly posted a 70.2% completion rate and threw for 5,656 yards and 39 touchdowns. He was also a strong runner and dual-threat weapon.
Hedrick capped his career with a win in the 2014 Fiesta Bowl over Arizona, throwing for 305 yards and 3 TDs.
Signature moment: 309 total yards and 1 touchdown in the 2014 Fiesta Bowl win.
9. Joe Aliotti (1978–1980)
Aliotti didn’t stuff the stat sheet, but he led Boise State to a 1980 Division I-AA national championship. His leadership and control of the game were vital in the program’s earliest title-winning era.
Signature moment: Guided the Broncos to a 31–29 win over Eastern Kentucky in the 1980 I-AA title game.
10. Taylor Tharp (2007)
Tharp was a one-year starter, but he made it count. He passed for 3,340 yards and 30 touchdowns in 2007, keeping Boise’s high-powered offense rolling post-Zabransky.
Though not as decorated as others on this list, his efficiency and command deserve recognition.
Signature moment: Four-touchdown game in a shootout win vs. Nevada in 2007.
Honorable Mentions
Hank Bachmeier (2019–2022): Started fast but struggled with inconsistency and injuries.
Joe Southwick (2011–2013): Nearly 7,000 passing yards and quietly efficient.
Eric Guthrie (1971): All-American and a leader in the pre-Division I era.
Final Take
From national titles to record-setting stat lines to unforgettable trick plays, Boise State’s quarterback legacy is one of the most colorful and accomplished in college football. Kellen Moore stands alone at the top, but every QB on this list left a mark on the program.
Disagree with the list? Let us know your Top 5 @boisesportszone.
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