ESPN recently unveiled its ranking of the top 90 college quarterbacks of the 2000s, with former Clemson stars Deshaun Watson and Trevor Lawrence earning spots near the top.

Watson, a two-time Heisman Trophy finalist, ranked No. 6 on the list. His legendary college career included leading Clemson to its second national title in 2016 and back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances. Over his final two seasons, Watson guided the Tigers to 28 wins, throwing for 10,163 yards and 90 touchdowns while compiling a 32-3 record as a starter.

ESPN’s Bill Connelly credited Watson with transforming Clemson into a dominant force. “Remember when ‘Clemsoning’ meant ‘failing spectacularly on the big stage’? No? That’s because Watson came to town,” Connelly wrote. “‘Clemsoning’ now simply means ‘winning big.’”

Lawrence, the 2020 Heisman Trophy runner-up, landed at No. 11 on the list. The 2018 national champion and winningest quarterback in Clemson history finished his career with a 34-2 record as a starter. He set multiple records, including career winning percentage, pass efficiency rating, and yards per attempt. Lawrence threw for 10,098 yards, 90 touchdowns, and just 17 interceptions while leading the Tigers to three College Football Playoff appearances.

Connelly praised Lawrence for living up to sky-high expectations. “It was going to be almost impossible for Lawrence to meet the expectations set for him as an all-world recruit… He surpassed them,” he wrote.

At the top of the list were quarterbacks such as Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield, Auburn’s Cam Newton, Texas’ Vince Young, Florida’s Tim Tebow, and Ohio State/LSU’s Joe Burrow. Still, Watson and Lawrence’s rankings solidified their legacies as two of the most impactful quarterbacks of the modern era.

​Clemson University has been privileged to field some of the most exceptional quarterbacks in college football, particularly in the 2000s. Among these, Deshaun Watson and Trevor Lawrence stand out, both securing top spots in ESPN’s rankings of the best college quarterbacks of the 21st century.​

Deshaun Watson (2014–2016)

Deshaun Watson’s tenure at Clemson was marked by remarkable achievements that significantly elevated the program’s national standing. Starting as a freshman in 2014, Watson quickly showcased his dual-threat capabilities, combining precise passing with agile rushing. His sophomore year was particularly noteworthy; Watson led the Tigers to a 14-1 record and an appearance in the College Football Playoff National Championship game. He amassed over 4,100 passing yards and 1,100 rushing yards, becoming the first player in FBS history to surpass 4,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards in a single season.​

In 2016, Watson guided Clemson to a national championship victory over Alabama, a game remembered for his poise and clutch performance. He finished his collegiate career with over 10,000 passing yards, 90 passing touchdowns, and nearly 2,000 rushing yards, solidifying his legacy as one of Clemson’s all-time greats. ESPN recognized Watson’s impact by ranking him sixth among the top college quarterbacks since 2000.

Trevor Lawrence (2018–2020)

Trevor Lawrence arrived at Clemson with high expectations and exceeded them from the outset. As a true freshman in 2018, Lawrence led the Tigers to a perfect 15-0 season, culminating in a dominant national championship win over Alabama, where he threw for 347 yards and three touchdowns. His combination of arm strength, accuracy, and composure under pressure drew widespread acclaim.

Over his three-year college career, Lawrence compiled over 10,000 passing yards and 90 touchdowns, with only 17 interceptions. His leadership and consistent excellence earned him numerous accolades, including ACC Player of the Year. ESPN honored Lawrence by placing him eighth in their ranking of the top college quarterbacks of the 2000s, reflecting his significant contributions to Clemson’s sustained success during his tenure. ​

Legacy and Impact

The accomplishments of Watson and Lawrence have had a lasting impact on Clemson’s football program. Their leadership not only brought national championships but also elevated the university’s profile in collegiate athletics. Their success has paved the way for future talents, inspiring a culture of excellence and attracting top recruits to Clemson.​

In conclusion, Deshaun Watson and Trevor Lawrence have etched their names among the elite quarterbacks of the 21st century. Their performances have not only secured top spots in ESPN’s rankings but have also left an indelible mark on Clemson’s football legacy.