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Marcus Mariota (Photo: Gary A. Vasquez, USA TODAY Sports)
Stats: 779-for-1,167 (66.8-percent) for 10,796 with 105 touchdowns and 14 interceptions
Team record: 36-5 (23-4)
Explanation: It was quite evident from the start that the redshirt frosh from Hawaii would be special. Rumblings persist that it may have been Mariota's presence and possible emergence as a starter that pushed Thomas to the draft a year early. Even if that is just folklore, Mariota made it clear from his first start that he was a unique talent. Mariota's three-year run capped the height of the program's run in the 2010s. With him at quarterback, Oregon dominated the Pac-12 for three seasons, winning two conference titles. The 2014 season remains the greatest in school history. Not only did the Ducks compete for their second-ever national title, which they lost to Ohio State, but Mariota cemented himself as their best player ever. He hoisted national trophy after national trophy that award season, becoming the first Duck to win the Heisman Trophy.
Mariota's imprint will be felt at Oregon for decades to come. Not only because of the team success, but because of his individual triumphs. He sits atop nearly every single major single-game, single-season or career passing stat.
He became the first player in program-history to be selected second overall in the 2015 NFL Draft.