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Andrew Luck or Travis Hunter? FOX Sports picks greatest #12 ever | Sporting News

FOX Sports Ranks the Greatest No. 12s in College Football History: From Andrew Luck to Travis Hunter

In the rich tapestry of college football, jersey numbers often carry a legacy that transcends individual players, becoming symbols of excellence, grit, and unforgettable moments on the gridiron. FOX Sports recently delved into this tradition by compiling a list of the greatest players to ever don the No. 12 jersey in NCAA football. This ranking not only celebrates historical icons but also spotlights emerging talents who are redefining the game. At the forefront of this discussion are figures like Andrew Luck, the cerebral quarterback who led Stanford to new heights, and Travis Hunter, the versatile two-way star currently dazzling at Colorado. This extensive exploration highlights why these athletes stand out, weaving in their achievements, playing styles, and lasting impacts on the sport.

Andrew Luck, often hailed as one of the most intellectually gifted quarterbacks to grace college football, tops many lists for his tenure at Stanford from 2008 to 2011. Wearing No. 12, Luck transformed the Cardinal program from a perennial underachiever into a national powerhouse. His journey began under the tutelage of coach Jim Harbaugh, who recognized Luck's prodigious talent early on. Luck's arm strength, combined with his uncanny ability to read defenses and make split-second decisions, made him a nightmare for opposing coordinators. In his redshirt freshman year of 2009, he threw for over 2,500 yards and 13 touchdowns, setting the stage for what would become a legendary career.

By 2010, Luck had elevated Stanford to an 11-1 record, culminating in a dominant Orange Bowl victory over Virginia Tech. That season, he amassed 3,338 passing yards and 32 touchdowns, showcasing his precision and poise under pressure. His senior year in 2011 was even more remarkable, with 3,517 yards and 37 touchdowns, leading Stanford to another BCS bowl appearance in the Fiesta Bowl. Luck's stats were impressive, but it was his leadership and football IQ that truly set him apart. He was a two-time Heisman Trophy runner-up, finishing behind Cam Newton in 2010 and Robert Griffin III in 2011, yet many argue he was the most pro-ready quarterback of his era. FOX Sports' ranking places him at the pinnacle of No. 12 wearers, emphasizing how he embodied the number's association with quarterback excellence. Luck's decision to return for his senior year instead of entering the NFL Draft early demonstrated his commitment to his team and education, further cementing his legacy as a model student-athlete.

Transitioning from past greats to present sensations, Travis Hunter emerges as a modern marvel in FOX Sports' assessment. The Colorado Buffaloes' standout, who transferred from Jackson State under coach Deion Sanders, has redefined what it means to be a two-way player in today's specialized game. Wearing No. 12, Hunter excels as both a wide receiver and a cornerback, a rarity in an era where players are often pigeonholed into single positions. His 2023 season was nothing short of spectacular, despite Colorado's overall struggles. On offense, Hunter hauled in 57 receptions for 721 yards and five touchdowns, displaying elite route-running and hands that make him a constant deep threat. Defensively, he contributed 30 tackles, three interceptions, and five pass breakups, locking down some of the Pac-12's top receivers.

What makes Hunter's inclusion on this list so compelling is his potential to climb even higher. At just 20 years old, he's already drawing comparisons to legends like Charles Woodson, who also wore No. 2 but embodied the two-way ethos Hunter channels. FOX Sports highlights Hunter's athleticism—his 6-foot-1 frame, combined with blazing speed and instincts— as reasons why he could be the greatest No. 12 ever if his career trajectory continues upward. In games like the upset win over TCU to open the 2023 season, Hunter played over 100 snaps on both sides of the ball, a feat that harkens back to the iron-man days of football. His versatility not only boosts Colorado's competitiveness but also challenges the norms of player development in college football. As the Buffaloes transition to the Big 12 conference, Hunter's role under Sanders' guidance will be pivotal, and FOX Sports predicts he could shatter records while wearing that iconic number.

Beyond Luck and Hunter, FOX Sports' list delves into other luminaries who have honored No. 12. Roger Staubach, the Navy legend from the 1960s, is a cornerstone of this ranking. As a Heisman Trophy winner in 1963, Staubach led the Midshipmen to a 9-1 record, throwing for 1,474 yards and seven touchdowns while rushing for 371 yards and nine scores. His dual-threat ability was revolutionary for the time, and his service in the Vietnam War after college added layers to his heroic persona. Staubach's No. 12 became synonymous with leadership and patriotism, influencing generations of quarterbacks.

Another notable mention is Colt McCoy, who wore No. 12 during his prolific career at Texas from 2006 to 2009. McCoy set numerous NCAA records, including the most wins by a starting quarterback (45) and the highest completion percentage in a season (76.7% in 2008). His 2008 campaign saw him throw for 3,859 yards and 34 touchdowns, nearly leading Texas to a national title. FOX Sports praises McCoy for his accuracy and resilience, especially in high-stakes games like the 2009 BCS National Championship, where an injury derailed his efforts against Alabama.

The list wouldn't be complete without acknowledging players like Randall Cunningham at UNLV in the 1980s. Cunningham, a dynamic quarterback-punter, revolutionized the position with his athleticism, rushing for over 1,000 yards in a season while passing effectively. His No. 12 tenure laid the groundwork for mobile quarterbacks in the pros. Similarly, modern entries like Kenny Pickett at Pitt, who wore No. 8 but is sometimes associated with No. 12 discussions due to his draft class parallels with Luck, add depth, though FOX focuses on pure No. 12 wearers.

FOX Sports also touches on lesser-known but impactful No. 12s, such as Kerry Collins at Penn State in the 1990s, who led the Nittany Lions to an undefeated 1994 season with 2,679 passing yards and 21 touchdowns. Collins' arm talent and decision-making were key to Joe Paterno's offense. In the defensive realm, players like Antoine Winfield at Ohio State in the late 1990s brought a different flavor to the number, with his interception prowess and tackling ability.

What ties all these athletes together is the intangible aura of No. 12—a number often linked to quarterbacks but versatile enough to encompass all positions. FOX Sports' ranking isn't just a nostalgic trip; it's a bridge between eras, showing how the game evolves while honoring its roots. For instance, comparing Luck's pocket-passing mastery to Hunter's all-around athleticism illustrates the shift toward more dynamic, multifaceted players in today's college football landscape.

In compiling this list, FOX Sports considered factors like statistical dominance, team success, individual awards, and cultural impact. Luck's two Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year honors and Hunter's consensus All-American buzz exemplify this. The network's Big Noon Kickoff coverage often spotlights such historical narratives, using them to enhance broadcasts and engage fans.

As college football continues to captivate audiences, the legacy of No. 12 endures. Whether it's Luck's intellectual dominance, Hunter's boundary-pushing versatility, or Staubach's timeless heroism, these players remind us why jersey numbers matter. They encapsulate stories of triumph, innovation, and the unyielding spirit of the sport. FOX Sports' tribute serves as a reminder that while the game changes, the greatness associated with No. 12 remains a constant, inspiring future generations to chase their own gridiron glory. (Word count: 1,048)

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