As one of the most promising young quarterbacks in the NFL today, New York Jets phenom Zach Wilson has quickly made a name for himself. But Wilson‘s path to stardom started taking shape well before his rookie season with the Jets – during his prolific college career at Brigham Young University. So for those wondering, "Where did Zach Wilson begin his college football journey?", the answer lies in Provo, Utah, home of BYU.
Introduction
After being selected 2nd overall by the Jets in the 2021 NFL Draft, expectations have been sky high for Wilson to become a franchise-caliber QB. However, his rapid ascent into the national spotlight was no fluke. Wilson spent three impressive seasons as BYU‘s starter from 2018-2020, setting records and earning praise for his stellar performances against top teams. His success at BYU propelled him from a promising recruit into one of the most coveted prospects in all of college football. This article will explore Wilson‘s path through BYU in depth – from his freshman flashes of brilliance to capping off his college tenure as a Heisman finalist.
Where Did Zach Wilson Begin His College Football Journey?
- Played 3 seasons at BYU from 2018-2020
- Started 28 out of 30 total games played
- Threw for 7,652 yards, 56 TDs, 15 INTs, 67.6% completion
- Led BYU to a 22-7 record as starting QB
- Named Heisman Trophy finalist in 2020
The quick answer to where Wilson played college football is Brigham Young University. During his three years suiting up for the Cougars, Wilson put up prolific numbers as both a passer and winner. After redshirting his first year on campus in 2017, he wasted no time making his mark as a freshman starter in 2018.
What Led Wilson to Commit to BYU?
Wilson was considered a 5-star recruit and the consensus #1 ranked high school player in Utah as part of the 2017 class. With interest from programs like USC, Oregon, Utah, and home-state BYU, Wilson verbally committed to Boise State in June 2017. At the time, Boise State looked like a strong fit for Wilson to compete for the starting job immediately and help drive their powerful offense.
However, Wilson had a change of heart by December and decommitted from the Broncos. Citing coaching changes at Boise State, including the departure of offensive coordinator Zak Hill, Wilson felt BYU represented a better path forward. Specifically, he saw more potential to develop in BYU‘s pro-style offense. After enrolling early at BYU in January, Wilson competed for and won the starting QB role in time for the 2018 season opener. His gamble choosing BYU paid dividends right from the start.
Zach Wilson‘s Freshman Season at BYU
As a true freshman starter, Wilson gained invaluable experience over 9 starts in 2018. He showed promising passing touch (1,578 yards) and taking care of the ball (3 INTs). Despite battling injuries, Wilson delivered his share of highlights:
- Threw for 241 yards and 1 TD to beat Wisconsin
- Won first road start at Washington with 120 passing yards
- Passed for 2 TDs in rivalry win vs Utah
While he took his lumps learning on the job, Wilson flashed the poise, athleticism, and arm talent that got scouts excited for his potential. Two of his best showings came late in the year, passing for 2 TDs in a bowl win over Western Michigan and outdueling Brett Rypien in a season finale victory over Boise State.
Sophomore Season Development
With a full year starting under his belt, Wilson showed development across his nine sophomore starts in 2019. He boosted his completion rate to 62.4% while cutting back on interceptions. Though BYU‘s offense struggled with consistency, Wilson gained crucial experience making reads and going through progressions. He twice passed for over 300 yards and had strong showings versus marquee teams:
- Threw for 392 yards and 2 TDs in upset win at USC
- Passed for 221 yards and 2 scores in loss to Washington
While raw at times, Wilson continued improving his decision-making and command of the offense in Year 2. These lessons paid dividends in 2020.
The Breakout Junior Campaign
Wilson‘s junior season is when his stock skyrocketed from promising prospect to elite NFL draft pick. He delivered a historic season in 2020, completing an NCAA-best 73.5% of his passes for 3,692 yards and 33 TDs with just 3 INTs. Wilson also led BYU to an 11-1 record and #11 ranking – their best season in years. His pinpoint downfield accuracy and playmaking ability shone all year:
- 425 yards passing vs #21 Boise State
- 392 yards and 2 TDs vs #14 Coastal Carolina
- 400+ yards passing in 4 of first 5 games
Wilson consistently shred opposing defenses, even against AP Top 25 teams. He tossed 6 TDs versus Troy and lit up Texas State for 4 TDs in one half. For his efforts, Wilson finished 8th in Heisman voting and won the Davey O‘Brien Award as the nation‘s top QB – the first BYU player ever to do so.
Zach Wilson‘s Legacy as a BYU Cougar
Looking back, it‘s clear Wilson left an indelible mark on BYU‘s football program in just three short seasons. He ranks 5th in school history with 56 career TD passes. And his 73.5% season completion rate topped the legendary Steve Young‘s mark. Wilson also piloted BYU to a 19-4 record his final two years, including their first 11-win season since 2001.
While Ty Detmer owns several career passing records, Wilson arguably boasts the most impressive peak. His stellar 2020 season outshined any single-year performance even by Detmer. Overall, Wilson firmly places among BYU‘s top five greatest quarterbacks ever. And he helped restore BYU as a nationally relevant program after years of mediocrity.
From BYU to the NFL
Thanks to his sensational 2020 output, Wilson‘s NFL Draft stock skyrocketed. Most analysts projected him as a top 3 overall pick. His pro day showcased elite arm strength and precision, as Wilson wowed scouts with his deep ball. The New York Jets, long searching for a franchise QB, selected Wilson 2nd overall as their quarterback of the future.
As BYU‘s highest drafted player since Jim McMahon in 1982, Wilson entered the NFL with massive expectations. His rapid rise from overlooked 3-star recruit to elite prospect is a testament to the development Wilson gained as a Cougar under OC Jeff Grimes. If Wilson achieves stardom with the Jets, he‘ll look back fondly on the memories and growth experienced during his college journey.
The Wilson Football Pipeline
While Zach Wilson moves ahead to the NFL ranks, his younger brother Isaac Wilson aims to follow in his footsteps as a college standout. A consensus 4-star quarterback recruit in 2023, Isaac committed to the University of Utah after drawing interest from LSU, Stanford, BYU and others.
Unlike his older brother, Isaac chose Utah over BYU as his college destination. But similarities between the Wilson brothers as prospects are easy to spot. Both boast terrific athleticism, accuracy, and playmaking flare from the QB spot. Isaac owns over 5,700 career passing yards already as a high schooler. If he continues improving, he could contend for a starting job as a Utah freshman. For now, BYU fans will need to anxiously watch Wilson torch defenses across town in Salt Lake City instead.
Early Life and Background
Long before college or NFL glory, Wilson displayed remarkable talent in football and sports growing up in Draper, Utah. Born on August 3, 1999 to Mike and Lisa Wilson, Zach excelled at football, basketball and baseball over his high school years. He starred as the quarterback at Corner Canyon High School, setting Utah state records with 6,970 career passing yards and 91 touchdowns.
Towering at 6-foot-3, 210 pounds, Wilson utilized his athletic gifts and competitiveness to dominate the competition. As a multi-sport athlete, Wilson also played basketball and ran track, showcasing his versatile athletic profile. Even from a young age, coaches and scouts pegged his leadership and intangibles as separating traits. Once Wilson arrived at BYU, it was clear his trajectory pointed straight towards stardom.
Conclusion
Zach Wilson‘s college football journey proves crucial for preparing him for NFL success with the Jets. BYU gave Wilson the chance to start early and mold his dual-threat capabilities in a pro-style offense. Over his three seasons in Provo, Wilson evolved from raw freshman to polished playmaker capable of carving up elite defenses. The lessons, experience, and records gained at BYU forever cemented Wilson‘s legacy as one of the university‘s all-time greatest players. Years from now, when Wilson is leading playoff runs and chasing Super Bowls with the Jets, fans will look back at BYU as where his path to greatness first took hold.
