Photos: Wisconsin football's all-time leading passers
Eight players have thrown for at least 5,000 yards during their careers in Madison. Here's a look at the quarterbacks who have reached that career milestone.
No. 1 Darrell Bevell, 7,686 yards
Darrell Bevell led the Badgers to new heights during this time in Madison, most notably a Rose Bowl title. He completed 61% of his passes, finishing with 7,686 yards passing. His best season came as a sophomore, when he threw for 2,390 yards and completed 67.8% of his attempts.
No. 2 Joel Stave, 7,635 yards
Joel Stave played under four coaches during his Badgers career, starting with Bret Bielema then Gary Andersen, Barry Alvarez for two games and Paul Chryst. Stave completed 59.5% of his passes and finished his career with 7,635 yards passing. His senior season in 2015 ended with 2,687 yards and a win in the Holiday Bowl.
No. 3 John Stocco, 7,227 yards
John Stocco saw limited action his freshman year, completing passes in three games. But his Badgers career took off from there. His 2,920 yards passing as a junior ranks second on the program's all-time list. He completed 57.2% of his passes and finished with 7,227 yards.
No. 4 Brooks Bollinger, 5,627 yards
Brooks Bollinger never surpassed 2,000 yards passing in a season, but he saw Wisconsin go 32-19 during his four seasons. His 1,758 yards as a senior was his most productive. He completed 53.7% of his passes on his way to 5,627 yards during his Badgers career.
No. 5 Alex Hornibrook, 5,438 yards
Alex Hornibrook only played three seasons with the Badgers before leaving for Florida State, but he made the most of his time in Madison. He won the Orange Bowl MVP award his sophomore year, finishing that campaign with 2,644 yards while completing 62.3% of his passes. He completed his Badgers career with 5,438 yards on 426-of-704 passing.
No. 6 Graham Mertz, 5,405 yards
Graham Mertz saw limited in two games in 2019 before taking over starting duties in 2020. He had an exceptional starting debut, completing 20 of 21 attempts with five TDs against Illinois. He threw for 2,136 yards as a redshirt junior before transferring to Florida. He finished his Badgers career with 5,405 yards while completing 59.5% of his attempts.
No. 7 Scott Tolzien, 5,271 yards
Scott Tolzien essentially earned his spot on this list in two seasons. He threw for 2,705 yards as a redshirt junior before amassing 2,459 yards passing in his final season. His Badgers career ended with a loss to TCU in the Rose Bowl. He completed 68.1% of his passes while throwing for 5,271 yards.
No. 8 Randy Wright, 5,003 yards
Randy Wright, much like Scott Tolzien, did the bulk of his work during two seasons under coach Dave McClain. His 1982 season, when he threw for 2,292 yards, ended with an MVP award in the Badgers' Independence Bowl win. He then threw for 2,329 yards in 1983 to finish with 5,003 yards on 377-of-714 passing.Â
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