Texas Football: 5 best quarterbacks in program history

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9 Sep 2000: Quarterback Major Applewhite #11 of the Texas Longhorns celebrates during the game against the University of Lafayette Louisiana Ragin Cajuns at the Royal Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas. The Ragin Cajuns defeated the Longhorns 10-0.Mandatory Credit: Ronald Martinez /Allsport /

Statistically, few quarterbacks were much better for the Horns than a coach currently with the Houston Cougars in Major Applewhite. Playing for Texas between 1998 and 2001, Applewhite put together two massive years statistically. And, he was named the 1999 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year.

Consistency between his sophomore and junior seasons put Applewhite as one of the absolute best quarterbacks in Texas football history. However, a senior campaign that saw him lose his starting job to Chris Simms did put a dent in the legacy of Applewhite.

Simms replaced a fan favorite in Applewhite, but that doesn’t replace what Applewhite did in his first three years with Texas. He started each of his first three years on campus in Austin. He never tossed less than 18 touchdowns and more than 11 interceptions. As a relatively mistake free quarterback, Applewhite managed the offense about just as well as anyone.

If not for Simms taking his place under center in 2001. Applewhite might be even higher up on this list. Mack Brown did see something in Simms since he was also one of the statistically best quarterbacks in program history. But, Applewhite’s 8,353 career passing yards is good for second best in Texas history. His 60 touchdowns was also good for the same spot for the program.

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