10 Most Unbelievable Single-Game Passing Performances in College Football History
Quarterbacks have long pushed the limits of the college passing game, but a few have reached numbers that still stand unmatched decades later. The NCAA record for single-game passing yards has climbed past 700, while several others have crossed the 600-yard mark in high-stakes matchups. These rare performances trace how offensive systems, tempo, and talent have evolved.
10. Scott Mitchell, Utah – 631 Yards (1988)
Before his NFL career, Scott Mitchell delivered one of the most prolific passing performances in college football history. In October 1988, the Utah quarterback threw for 631 yards and five touchdowns against Air Force, completing 36 of 60 passes. Despite his record-setting effort, Utah lost 56–49.
9. Brian Lindgren, Idaho – 637 Yards (2001)
Brian Lindgren turned a regular-season matchup into a track meet when Idaho faced Middle Tennessee. He hit 69 percent of his passes for 637 yards and five scores. The Vandals’ defense didn’t hold up its end, though—Idaho gave up 70 points. Even so, Lindgren’s arm was the only reason the game stayed entertaining past halftime.
8. Cody Hodges, Texas Tech – 643 Yards (2005)
Life in Lubbock has always been about throwing until your shoulder gives out. Cody Hodges embodied that perfectly in 2005 when he launched 64 passes against Kansas State, completing 67 percent of them for 643 yards and five touchdowns. The Red Raiders cruised 59–20, and Hodges joined the long line of Tech quarterbacks known for turning high-volume passing into routine dominance.
7. Graham Harrell, Texas Tech – 646 Yards (2007)
Two years later, Texas Tech was back at it. Graham Harrell faced Oklahoma State in an all-out offensive brawl that featured almost no tackling. Harrell tossed for 646 yards and five touchdowns, with receivers Michael Crabtree and Danny Amendola catching a combined 470 yards’ worth of passes. The Red Raiders still lost 49–45, but Harrell’s precision kept them in it until the end.
6. Geno Smith, West Virginia – 656 Yards (2012)
Few quarterbacks have ever looked as untouchable as Geno Smith did against Baylor in 2012. He threw for 656 yards, eight touchdowns, and didn’t toss a single interception. Smith completed 88 percent of his passes while leading West Virginia to a 70–63 win in one of the wildest score-fests college football has ever seen. Baylor’s Nick Florence also threw for 581 yards, but Geno stole the headlines.
5. B.J. Symons, Texas Tech – 661 Yards (2003)
Yes, another Texas Tech quarterback. B.J. Symons’ 2003 season was one long fireworks show, and his 661-yard game against Ole Miss was the brightest. He threw six touchdowns, completed 69 percent of his passes, and even ran for another score in a 49–45 win. The game pushed him toward a record-setting season with over 5,800 passing yards.
4. Matt Vogler, TCU – 690 Yards (1990)
In just his second career start, Matt Vogler faced an undefeated Houston team and delivered a remarkable performance despite the loss. He threw for 690 yards and five touchdowns in a 56–35 defeat. The outing remains one of the most productive passing displays ever by a young quarterback.
3. David Klingler, Houston – 716 Yards (1990)
If 690 yards wasn’t enough, Houston’s David Klingler decided to push the limits just two weeks later. Against Arizona State, he piled up 716 yards and seven touchdowns in a 62–45 win. More than 30 years later, no quarterback has topped his total outright, and it remains one of college football’s most unbreakable passing marks.
2. Connor Halliday, Washington State – 734 Yards (2014)
Connor Halliday had one of those nights that quarterbacks dream about and fans never forget. Against Cal in 2014, he threw for 734 yards and six touchdowns, then lost 60–59. Washington State actually led by two scores in the third quarter, but their defense couldn’t close it out. Still, Halliday’s accuracy and nerve kept him in rare company at the top of the all-time list.
1. Patrick Mahomes, Texas Tech – 734 Yards (2016)
Image via Wikimedia Commons/All-Pro Reels
It’s fitting that the quarterback who would later redefine NFL passing once tied the NCAA single-game record. In 2016, Patrick Mahomes threw 88 passes against Oklahoma, completing 52 for 734 yards and five touchdowns, while adding 85 rushing yards and two more scores. Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield threw for 545 yards in the same game, but Mahomes’ performance stood out as a benchmark for offensive output in college football history.