Where Did Lamar Jackson Play College Football?

By Sarah Miller · June 26, 2038

Lamar Jackson played college football at the University of Louisville, where he became one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in NCAA history.

College Career Overview

Lamar Jackson's collegiate journey took place entirely at the University of Louisville, a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). He played for the Louisville Cardinals from 2015 to 2018, quickly rising to national prominence during his sophomore year.

Key Achievements at Louisville

Won the Heisman Trophy in 2016 as a sophomore
Two-time Davey O'Brien Award winner (2016, 2017)
ACC Player of the Year (2016, 2017)
Set multiple school and conference records for total offense
Finished third in Heisman voting in 2017

Season-by-Season Performance

Jackson’s development from a raw freshman to a two-time ACC MVP showcases his rapid improvement and elite athleticism. His dual-threat capabilities redefined modern quarterback play in college football.

Season	Games Played	Passing Yards	Passing TDs	Rushing Yards	Rushing TDs	Total Offense (Yards/Game)
2015 (Fr)	13	1,840	18	960	9	215.4
2016 (So)	13	3,543	30	1,571	21	392.8
2017 (Jr)	13	2,617	21	1,600	18	323.1
2018 (Sr)	13	2,923	28	1,268	12	321.8

Table data source:1, 2

The data highlights Jackson’s peak performance in 2016, when he averaged over 390 yards of total offense per game. His rushing output increased each season, peaking in 2017, while maintaining strong passing efficiency despite lower volume in later years.

Impact on Louisville Football

Jackson elevated the Louisville football program into national relevance during his tenure. Under head coach Bobby Petrino, the Cardinals achieved top-10 rankings in both 2016 and 2017, with Jackson leading high-tempo, explosive offenses.

Legacy and Recognition

Only player in FBS history with back-to-back seasons of 30+ passing TDs and 15+ rushing TDs
University of Louisville retired his jersey number (#18)
Inducted into the ACC Football Hall of Fame (2023)
Considered the greatest player in school history

Frequently Asked Questions About Lamar Jackson's College Career

Where did Lamar Jackson play college football?

Lamar Jackson played college football at the University of Louisville from 2015 to 2018.

What years did Lamar Jackson play at Louisville?

Lamar Jackson played for the Louisville Cardinals from 2015 through the 2018 season, completing four full seasons.

Did Lamar Jackson win the Heisman Trophy?

Yes, Lamar Jackson won the Heisman Trophy in 2016 at age 20, becoming the youngest winner ever and only the second sophomore to win the award.

What records did Lamar Jackson set in college?

He set numerous records including most total yards in a season by a quarterback (4,132 in 2016) and first FBS player with 30+ passing and 15+ rushing touchdowns in consecutive seasons.

Why didn’t Lamar Jackson play in a national championship game?

Despite high rankings, Louisville did not win the ACC Championship in either 2016 or 2017, missing out on the College Football Playoff due to conference tournament losses and strength of schedule factors.