Josh Allen has become a household name in the NFL, celebrated for his exceptional talent and leadership as the quarterback for the Buffalo Bills. His journey to NFL stardom is a testament to his perseverance and skill, starting from his college career. While NFL fans marvel at his professional achievements, understanding Josh Allen’s college career stats provides crucial insights into the making of this football phenomenon.
Here’s a detailed look into Josh Allen’s impactful college football journey and career statistics.
Josh Allen: College Vitals
Before diving into the numbers, let’s establish the basics of Josh Allen’s college profile:
School: Wyoming
Position: Quarterback
Height: 6-5
Weight: 233 pounds
Years Active: 2015-2017
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of Josh Allen’s college career stats:
| Year | Games | Completions | Attempts | Comp. % | Yards | Y/A | TD | INT | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 66.7 | 51 | 8.5 | 0 | 0 | 138.1 |
| 2016 | 14 | 209 | 373 | 56.0 | 3,203 | 8.6 | 28 | 15 | 144.9 |
| 2017 | 11 | 152 | 270 | 56.3 | 1,812 | 6.7 | 16 | 6 | 127.8 |
| Career | 27 | 365 | 649 | 56.2 | 5,066 | 7.8 | 44 | 21 | 137.7 |
From Junior College to Wyoming Star: Josh Allen’s Path
Josh Allen’s college trajectory wasn’t that of a highly-touted recruit from a young age. After a year at Reedley Community College in California, where he impressively led the team in both passing and rushing yards and accounted for 36 touchdowns, Allen found his way to the University of Wyoming. He spent three seasons with the Wyoming Cowboys, competing in the Mountain West Conference and making a significant impact on the program.
At Reedley College, despite his standout performance, Allen was still considered a developing prospect. However, his potential was evident, earning him recognition as a top-200 junior college prospect and the No. 5 dual-threat junior college quarterback in the 2015 recruiting class by 247Sports. This junior college experience was pivotal, serving as a launchpad for his Division I career.
Josh Allen’s College Records and Rankings
During his time at Wyoming, Josh Allen etched his name in the program’s record books, achieving notable statistical rankings:
- Single-Season Passing Efficiency Record: Allen holds the highest single-season passing efficiency in Wyoming history with a rating of 127.78.
- Single-Season Total Offense: He ranks 3rd in Wyoming history for single-season total offense, amassing 3,726 yards.
- Career Passing Touchdowns: Allen is 5th in Wyoming history with 44 career passing touchdowns.
- Single-Season Passing Yards: He is 5th in single-season passing yards, achieving 3,203 yards.
- Career Passing Yards: Allen ranks 8th in Wyoming history with 5,066 career passing yards.
- Career Total Offense: He is tied for 8th in career total offense at Wyoming with 5,833 yards.
- Career Pass Completions: Allen is 10th in Wyoming history with 365 career pass completions.
These records underscore Allen’s consistent performance and impact on the Wyoming offense throughout his college career.
Highlights from Josh Allen’s Best College Games
While statistics provide an overview, examining some of Josh Allen’s best college games reveals the moments that defined his collegiate career:
- Wyoming vs. UC Davis (Sept. 17, 2016): In a dominant performance against UC Davis, Allen showcased his accuracy, completing 11-of-15 passes for a career-high 73.3% completion rate. This game offered a glimpse into the precision he would later develop in the NFL.
- Wyoming vs. Utah State (Nov. 5, 2016): Allen’s versatility was on full display against Utah State. He accounted for five total touchdowns, rushing for 66 yards and a touchdown, demonstrating his dual-threat capabilities that are now a hallmark of his NFL play.
- Wyoming vs. UNLV (Nov. 12, 2016): In a high-scoring triple-overtime thriller against UNLV, Allen threw for a career-high 334 passing yards and four touchdowns. Despite the loss, this game highlighted his ability to perform under pressure and deliver big plays.
These games exemplify Allen’s capacity to excel in different facets of the quarterback position, from accuracy and efficiency to dual-threat playmaking and high-yardage passing.
College Awards and Recognition for Josh Allen
Josh Allen’s college achievements were also recognized with accolades:
- 2016 Second Team All-Mountain West
- 2017 Honorable Mention All-Mountain West
- 2017 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Most Valuable Player
These honors reflect his consistent performance and impact within the Mountain West Conference and on a national stage during bowl season.
What People Said About College Josh Allen
Quotes from coaches and peers offer further insight into Josh Allen’s college persona and potential:
- Wyoming Coach Craig Bohl: Recognized Allen’s maturity, arm strength, and football IQ early on, highlighting his potential to be a “trigger man” for their pro-style offense.
- Air Force Safety Weston Steelhammer: Acknowledged Allen’s ability to “make something out of nothing,” pointing to his improvisational skills and playmaking talent.
- Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz: Emphasized the challenge of containing Allen, noting his ability to extend plays and requiring strong team defense.
- Wyoming Wide Receiver C.J. Johnson: Spoke to Allen’s toughness and resilience, noting his ability to withstand hits that would sideline other quarterbacks.
These testimonials collectively paint a picture of a player who was not only statistically impressive but also possessed intangible qualities like leadership, resilience, and playmaking ability, traits that have translated seamlessly to his NFL career.
Conclusion: Josh Allen’s College Foundation
Josh Allen’s college career stats and highlights reveal the foundation upon which his NFL success is built. From overcoming initial recruitment challenges to setting records at Wyoming, his journey is a compelling narrative of development and determination. Understanding his college performance provides valuable context for appreciating his current status as one of the NFL’s premier quarterbacks. His college years were not just about numbers; they were about building the skills, resilience, and leadership that define Josh Allen today.
