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Ranking the 25 best Oregon Ducks since 2000: No. 3 — Justin Herbert
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- Ranking the 25 best Oregon Ducks since 2000: No. 3 — Justin Herbert
Over the last 25 years, the Oregon Ducks have been one of the single best teams in all of college football, sitting near the top of the sport for the better part of a quarter-century.
Since 2000, Oregon has compiled an overall record of 239-83 (.742), with just two losing seasons during that span. They've been to 24 bowl games, won three Rose Bowls, been to a pair of College Football Playoffs, and appeared in two National Championships. They've seen a Heisman Trophy winner in Marcus Mariota and had 99 players selected in the NFL Draft.
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It's safe to say that when looking at the nation's best in this millennium, Oregon belongs in the conversation. But who are the players who helped get Nike University into that conversation? That's a different question entirely.
To celebrate the quarter-century mark, we're going to dive into that question over the next month as we approach the start of the 2025 season. The Ducks have had hundreds of memorable and beloved players over the years, many of whom will live on forever in some way.
But who is the best of the best?
That answer, of course, is subjective. When reviewing the numbers and conducting our research, we took several factors into account: career statistics, overall impact and success, legacy, fan adoration, and NFL success.
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Boiling 25 years of Oregon football down to 25 players is no easy task, and not one that we took lightly. Dozens of players were left on the cutting room floor who deserve a spot in the top 25, and at some point, subtracting names off the list started to feel like pulling teeth. But in the end, we were left with 25 players, whom we will honor over the next few weeks.
If you want to catch up, let's take a look at how we've gotten to where we're at in the rankings:
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Today, let's continue with No. 3 — the Hometown Hero, Justin Herbert
Player Overview
Jan 1, 2020; Pasadena, California, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Justin Herbert (10) passes against the Wisconsin Badgers in the first quarter in the 106th Rose Bowl game at Rose Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
A carousel of elite quarterbacks has passed through Eugene over the past couple of decades, but few have had as significant an impact as Justin Herbert. He didn't post the most incredible statistics from season to season, but the totality of his collegiate career is what made him so special to the Ducks .
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In 2016, Herbert became the first true freshman to start for Oregon in nearly 30 years, taking over as one of the lone bright spots on one of the worst Ducks teams of the century. He would help improve the team's record in each of his four years on his way to establishing himself as an Oregon legend, winning a Rose Bowl before going to the NFL and becoming one of the best passers in the league.
Justin Herbert's Career Stats
Jan 1, 2020; Pasadena, California, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Justin Herbert (10) passes against the Wisconsin Badgers in the second quarter during the 106th Rose Bowl game at Rose Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
44 Games - 10,541, 95 TD, 23 INT
Justin Herbert's Single Best Season
Nov 30, 2019; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Mario Cristobal congratulates quarterback Justin Herbert (10) after a game against the Oregon State Beavers at Autzen Stadium. The Oregon Ducks beat the Oregon State Beavers 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
2019 – 14 Games, 3,471 yards, 32 TD, 6 INT
All the obstacles Herbert faced through his first three years culminated in a masterpiece of a senior season. Not only did he have the best statistical season of his career, but he also led the Ducks to a 12-2 record and a thrilling one-point victory in the Rose Bowl over the Wisconsin Badgers.
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Herbert's arm talent and efficiency in the passing game during this season cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players in Oregon history.
Justin Herbert's Historical Records
Nov 30, 2019; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws a pass during the first half against the Oregon State Beavers at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
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Second Most Career Passing Yards in Oregon History (10,541)
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Seventh and Ninth Most Single-Season Passing Yards in Oregon History (2018, 2019)
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Tied Most Single-Game Passing Yards in Oregon History (489)
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Second Most Career Passing Touchdowns in Oregon History (95)
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Fourth Most Single-Season Passing Touchdowns in Oregon History (32)
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Tied Most Single-Game Passing Touchdowns in Oregon History (6)
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Second Most Total Offensive Yards in Oregon History (11,101)
Justin Herbert NFL Draft
Dec 19, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws against the Denver Broncos during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Herbert's senior season solidified his status as one of the top quarterbacks in the class, being picked No. 6 overall in the 2020 draft by the Los Angeles Chargers .
Justin Herbert's NFL Success
Jul 17, 2025; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws the ball during training camp at The Bolt. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
His career began at a feverish pace, becoming one of the fastest quarterbacks in NFL history to reach 100 passing touchdowns and 10,000 yards. His stats have deflated in the past couple years due to a change in offensive philosophy, but Herbert is still widely viewed as one of the most talented passers of this era.
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He hasn't been able to find his footing in the playoffs just yet, but at just 27 years old, the Chargers star has ample time to improve his already impressive legacy.
Justin Herbert's Lasting Legacy
Jan 1, 2020; Pasadena, California, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Justin Herbert (10) runs against Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Rachad Wildgoose (5) in the fourth quarter during the 106th Rose Bowl game at Rose Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
There are some quarterbacks in Oregon's history with better individual seasons than Herbert, but very few have chiseled out the complete body of work that he has. The hometown hero started in each of his four years with the Ducks and left Eugene as arguably the most accomplished quarterback to play there.
Being near the top of multiple all-time Oregon statistical categories and two bowl game wins makes Herbert one of the most essential Ducks in program history , and his connection to the town, growing up in Eugene and going to Sheldon High School, makes his case as one of the greats even stronger.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon football's top 25 players since 2000: No. 3 Justin Herbert
