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BYU Football National Championships, Heisman Trophy Winners and NFL Legends

BYU won the 1984 national championship and has produced one Heisman Trophy winner. Behind the leadership of Head Coach LaVell Edwards, the Cougars program has also produced NFL legends that have earned Super Bowl champion and NFL MVP status. Many BYU players have also played at such a high level at the collegiate level that they have been selected in the first round of the NFL Draft.

Notable BYU Football Accomplishments

BYU Roars to a 1984 National Championship

BYU is a football program that is close to the heart of many fans. It is known for its honor code, its unique fan base, and its incredible winning streaks throughout the years. In 1984, BYU made history by winning the National Championship, which has become a pillar in the program’s iconic history.

The 1984 national championship season was a true testament to BYU’s grit and determination as they took on some of the best teams in the country. Led by Head Coach LaVell Edwards, the Cougars came out of the gate strong and showed their dominance by toppling the No. 3 ranked Pittsburgh Panthers in their season opener. The game was a nail-biter, but BYU came out on top, winning 20-14. It was a statement game that foreshadowed the greatness that the team would achieve during the season.

Humble Beginnings

College Football pundits did not put much faith in the 1984 BYU program playing at national championship level. The Cougars began the season unranked before their season-opening upset win over third-ranked Pitt propelled BYU to a No. 13 national ranking. BYU bolted into the top 10 national rankings the next week after a 47-13 win over Baylor.

BYU’s offense was a force to be reckoned with, and it was led by quarterback, Robbie Bosco. The junior quarterback took over as the starting quarterback in 1984, replacing the legendary Steve Young. Although he had big shoes to fill, Bosco proved himself and quickly established himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the nation. In the regular season, Bosco was outstanding, passing for over 3,800 yards and throwing 33 touchdowns. His performance that season earned him a third-place nod in the Heisman vote.

BYU’s Final Test Was No Holiday

The top-ranked Cougars last chance to impress the voters was a December 21st Holiday Bowl matchup vs unranked Michigan. National title homes dimmed as BYU trailed the Wolverines 14-7 at the end of the 3rd quarter. However, the Cougars scored two 4th quarter touchdowns to claim victory. The winning points were scored with 1:23 left in the game when Bosco connected with Kelly Smith for a touchdown.

A Champion is Crowned

After beating Michigan in the Holiday Bowl, the Cougars had a dream season in 1984, finishing with an unblemished record of 13-0, the only undefeated team in the country that year. It was an incredible feat that helped BYU earn its first-ever national championship title. BYU’s 13-0 season was validated in unanimous fashion with both the AP and the UPI Coaches Poll selecting the Cougars as their NCAA National Championship Choice. Other teams in the national championship race included Washington and Florida. Both teams had just one loss on the season. The final AP voting saw BYU receive 38 first-place national title votes while Washington receive 16 votes and Florida six.

Following the national championship season, Edwards was named the Paul “Bear” Bryant Award as the NCAA National Coach of the Year. Along with having the team’s head coach receive national honors, the team also produced six players selected in the 1985 NFL Draft

BYU Heisman Trophy Winner Ty Detmer

BYU Heisman Winner – Ty Detmer 1990

Ty Detmer is a legendary figure in college football, known for his outstanding abilities during his tenure at BYU. The 1990 season was, undoubtedly, one of his greatest. Detmer’s incredible performance at quarterback led his team to an impressive 10-3 record, with the high point being a stunning upset over the top-ranked Miami Hurricanes. Detmer’s leadership and talent were on full display during this game, as he passed for an incredible 406 yards and three touchdowns against the defending national champions. By the end of the season, Detmer had set an astonishing 42 NCAA records, cementing his place as one of the greatest players of all time. His 1990 Heisman Trophy win was a fitting tribute to an incredible season and a player who will always be remembered as a true college football icon. Detmer’s No. 14 jersey was retired by the the BYU program.

Following his collegiate career, Detmer was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the ninth round of the 1992 NFL Draft. Detmer played for six NFL franchises over his 14-year pro career. His NFL career stats include 6,531 passing yards and 34 touchdowns.

BYU NFL Legends

The accomplishments of former Cougar quarterbacks Jim McMahon and Steve Young in professional football elevated BYU to “Quarterback U.” Status. Both players entered the league with great fanfare and delivered championship results.

Jim McMahon – Super Bowl XX Champion Quarterback

When it comes to BYU football legends, Jim McMahon sits comfortably at the top. A Heisman hopeful in both 1980 and 1981, McMahon cemented his place in college football folklore. But it was his move to the NFL that truly made him a household name. Selected by the Chicago Bears with the 5th overall pick in 1982, McMahon wasted no time making an impact. Winning the NFC Offensive Rookie of the Year award in his debut season, he had set the stage for what was to come. And what came was nothing short of miraculous. With the Bears’ 1985 season now recognized as the greatest in NFL history, it’s no surprise that Jim McMahon was at the forefront of it all. His outstanding play and infectious personality earned him the adoration of fans and media alike. And though his career would later see him play for an impressive 7 NFL teams, it’s his time with the Bears that endures in the memories of fans everywhere.

Steve Young Passed and Ran His Way to the Hall of Fame

Steve Young’s senior year in 1983 was nothing short of incredible. As the quarterback for BYU, he led the team to set an NCAA record by averaging 584.2 yards of total offense per game, with Young contributing 370.5 of those yards through his passing and rushing. Impressive as it was, it was only the beginning of what would be a legendary career. Following his unanimous All-American selection and 2nd place finish in the Heisman Voting, Young was the first pick of the NFL’s 1984 Supplemental Draft. Though he initially played for the USFL’s Los Angeles Express and then for two seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Young’s true talent shone bright once he joined the San Francisco 49ers in 1987. Steve Young’s senior year was just the start of his road to greatness.

Steve Young’s impact on the San Francisco 49ers was nothing short of legendary. As the backup to the great Joe Montana for four years, Young surely learned a thing or two from his mentor. When he finally gained the starting quarterback position in 1991, he wasted no time making his presence felt. Young helped lead the 49ers to three Super Bowl victories and earned two NFL MVP awards in 1992 and 1994. He was a 6-time NFL passer rating leader and led the league in touchdown passes four times. San Francisco retired his No. 8 jersey as a tribute to his outstanding career, and he was rightfully inducted into the 49ers Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2005. Steve Young will always be remembered as a legendary quarterback for the 49ers.

BYU Players Selected in the First Round of the NFL Draft

BYU’s impact on the NFL Draft is undeniable. The Cougars’ dominance has been solidified through numerous first-round draft picks, showcasing the program’s strength and talent development. Here’s a look at BYU football players who were selected in the first round of the NFL Draft through the years:

2021

2013

2000

1999

1987 (Two First-Round Picks)

1985

1984

1982

1980

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