Jordan Love has quickly become a prominent name in the NFL, especially after stepping into the starting quarterback role for the Green Bay Packers. Fans are eager to learn more about his journey, and a common question arises: Where Did Jordan Love Play College football?
The answer is Utah State University. Love spent his college football career with the Utah State Aggies, making a significant impact on their program and showcasing the talent that would eventually lead him to the NFL. His time in Logan, Utah, was marked by record-breaking performances and development into a top quarterback prospect. Let’s delve deeper into Jordan Love’s college career at Utah State.
Utah State University: Jordan Love’s Launchpad
Jordan Love’s journey to the NFL began at Utah State University, where he played from 2017 to 2019. He redshirted his freshman year in 2016 and then quickly rose to prominence, becoming a three-year starter for the Aggies. Utah State provided the platform for Love to hone his skills and demonstrate his potential on the college gridiron.
Early Years and Breakthrough (2017-2018)
Love’s first significant action came in 2017. After making his debut early in the season, he took over as the starting quarterback for the final six games of the year. Even as a freshman, he showed flashes of brilliance, setting a single-season school record for passing yards by a freshman. He threw for 1,631 yards and eight touchdowns in his first year of play, signaling a bright future.
2018 was truly Love’s breakout season. He earned second-team All-Mountain West honors after a stellar year where he completed 267 of 417 passes for 3,567 yards and a staggering 32 touchdowns with just six interceptions. His passing efficiency ranked among the nation’s best, and he led the Mountain West Conference in touchdown passes. He set single-season school records for touchdown passes, passing yards, and 300-yard passing games, earning Mountain West Offensive Player of the Week honors five times throughout the season. Love’s performance was instrumental in Utah State setting a Mountain West record for points scored in a season.
Junior Year and NFL Draft Entry (2019)
In his junior season in 2019, Love continued to be a key player for the Aggies. He completed 293 of 473 passes for 3,402 yards and 20 touchdowns. While his interception numbers increased this year, he still earned honorable mention All-Mountain West recognition and third-team all-league honors from Phil Steele’s College Football. He set single-season school records for completions and attempts, and his passing yardage total was the second-highest in school history.
After a successful junior campaign, Jordan Love declared for the 2020 NFL Draft, leaving Utah State with an impressive college resume.
Jordan Love’s College Stats and Achievements at Utah State
Throughout his three seasons playing for Utah State, Jordan Love amassed impressive statistics and etched his name into the school’s record books. He finished his college career:
- Ranked No. 2 in school history in passing yards (8,600), completions (689), and attempts (1,125).
- Tied for No. 2 in school history in touchdown passes (60).
- No. 3 in school history in completion percentage (61.2%).
- Set school career records for total offense (9,003 yards), 300-yard passing games (12), and completions of 80-plus yards (four).
His individual season accolades include:
- 2018 Second-Team All-Mountain West
- 2019 Honorable Mention All-Mountain West
- 5-time Mountain West Offensive Player of the Week in 2018
Mountain West Conference and College Football Landscape
Utah State University competes in the Mountain West Conference, which is part of the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). While not considered a “Power Five” conference, the Mountain West has produced notable NFL talent and is known for competitive football. Playing in this conference provided Jordan Love with valuable experience against a variety of defenses and playing styles, preparing him for the next level.
From College to the NFL Draft: Green Bay Packers Calling
Jordan Love’s strong college career at Utah State drew the attention of NFL scouts. His arm talent, athleticism, and potential were evident throughout his time with the Aggies. In the 2020 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers traded up to select Jordan Love in the first round, with the 26th overall pick.
Being drafted in the first round is a testament to the high regard NFL teams had for Love’s abilities, honed and displayed during his college years at Utah State. He joined Alex Smith (Utah) and Josh Allen (Wyoming) as the only quarterbacks from the Mountain West Conference to be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft, highlighting the caliber of quarterback he developed into while playing college football.
Conclusion: Utah State Shaped Jordan Love’s Path
Jordan Love’s college football career at Utah State University was foundational to his journey to becoming an NFL quarterback. He excelled with the Aggies, breaking records and demonstrating the skills that made him a first-round draft pick. For those wondering “where did Jordan Love play college?”, the answer is Utah State – a place where he developed into the player Packers fans know today. His time in Logan, Utah, laid the groundwork for his professional success and solidified Utah State’s place in his football story.
