Since 2001, spring football fans have seen plenty of leagues pop up with the hopes of continuity and long term vision that will allow for franchises to earn a permanent place in the hearts of their fans. While several figures of the leagues have been able to find their way to several teams the UFL (2024-present), has emerged as the latest iteration of spring football. With that being said, below I've compiled a list of the top-15 spring football quarterbacks since 2001, spanning from the three iterations of the XFL, the original UFL, the AAF, the Spring League, and the modern USFL.
Honorable Mention:
Quinton Dormady, Josh Love, Tim Rattay, J.P. Losman, Garrett Gilbert, P.J. Walker, Jack Plummer
For several of these players, they miss out on the top 15 list for several reasons. Whether it may be a lack of longevity for some, or for those that have longevity it's a lack of success. Either way the honorable mention group has plenty of players that if they had a couple more games or touchdown passes under their belt they'd be making their way on our list.
15. Chris Griesen
Career: Florida Tuskers (2009-10), Virginia Destroyers (2011-12)
A bit of a lesser known QB from the original UFL, Griesen played in three championship games earning a victory in the 2011 UFL championship with the Virginia Destroyers. Griesen was able to earn two NFL contracts in between his time with the UFL both with the Cowboys, and would throw for 15 touchdowns and over 2,300 yards over parts of four seasons from 2009 to 2012.
14. McLeod Bethel Thompson
Career: Sacramento Mountain Lions (2011), New Orleans Breakers (2023)
MBT gets a bit of a nudge in this ranking due to his cameo with the Sacramento Mountain Lions in 2011 that pushed him up our statistical rankings. MBT’s time in the UFL, allowed him to jump back into NFL relevance as he was able to find “homes” on several NFL rosters from 2011 to 2016. MBT returned to spring football in 2023, with the New Orleans Breakers where he led the team to a playoff berth, along with leading the league in passing yards.
13. Jalan McClendon
Career: LA Wildcats (2020), Vegas Vipers (2023), D.C. Defenders (2024), Houston Roughnecks (2025), Columbus Aviators (26-Present)
While McClendon hasn’t been an All-Pro, he’s been extremely consistent when called upon as a starter. He’s played for five teams in five seasons and despite never being looked at as a QB1, he has managed to amass around 4,000 passing yards and over 20 touchdowns in his spring football career, which both rank within top-8 since 2001.
12. Bryce Perkins
Career: Michigan Panthers (2024-25)
Perkins was much like Adiran Martinez was able to catch the eye of UFL fans with his mobility and big play ability. Perkins showed flashes of that ability in 2024 as a late season signing to the Michigan Panthers, however broke out in 2025 with an MVP campaign. Perkins would lead the Panthers to the UFL championship game still managing to account for four touchdowns in the loss. Perkins earned MVP honors, an All-UFL selection, and the UFL’s OPOY in a magical 2025 season, that led to a contract with the Carolina Panthers.
11. Adrian Martinez
Career: Birmingham Stallions (2024)
Martinez only played in one season of spring football, but his season allowed him to earn a plethora of honors, and has him going into his third season of NFL action. Martinez came off the bench in 2024 for Matt Corral, and never relinquished the role post-week three. He earned an MVP as a dual threat, leading the UFL in rushing, enroute to Stallions championship. He currently is rostered by the San Francisco 49ers, while also spending time with the Jets.
10. J’Mar Smith
Career: Birmingham Stallions (2022-25)
Despite ups and downs, a late season resurgence in 2025 allowed Smith to earn a spot on this list. Helping the Stallions win a championship in 2022, Smith would earn several honors in the inaugural season of the USFL that included him throwing for over 1,500 yards and 10 touchdowns. An injury in 2023 sidelined him throughout the season, followed by him being relegated to third-string in 2024. Smith would “retire” in 2025, however due to injuries, Smith was able to lead Birmingham to a playoff berth after being called into action from a Dunkin Donuts. He finished his career with a Player of the Week honor, three championships, while throwing for 2,492 yards, along with 17 touchdowns. He earned a record of 9-2 during his tenure as Stallions starting quarterback.
9. Tommy Maddox
Career: LA XTreme (2001)
Like DiNucci, Maddox was able to utilize his lone season in the XFL (2001), into an NFL resurgence from 2001 to 2005. Maddox won the XFL MVP, along with the XFL’s championship (Million Dollar Game), throwing for over 2,000 passing yards and 18 touchdowns. Maddox would later earn a Super Bowl ring, and 2002 NFL Comeback Player of the Year honor, after his time in the XFL, however his 2001 season remains an All-Time effort.
8. Brooks Bollinger
Career: Florida Tuskers (2009-10)
Of the original UFL, Bollinger earned an MVP honor in 2009 throwing for over 1,500 yards and 14 touchdowns in just six games. He would lead the Tuskers to the UFL championship in 09 with the team losing to the Las Vegas Locos. Despite injuries during the 2010 season Bollinger still managed to put together a respectable output of over 1,000 passing yards despite injuries derailing his season. Bollinger’s 2,607 yards and 19 touchdowns remain top-10 among spring football circles despite 53 games being played since 2019.
7. Ben DiNucci
Career: Seattle Sea Dragons (2023)
DiNucci was a flash in the pan in his lone season with the XFL, however like McCarron put together statistically one of the best seasons during the modern era of spring football QBs. DiNucci’s 2,671 passing yards are the most through a spring football regular season (since 2001), while also tossing 20 touchdowns which remains top-5 during spring football careers. He also threw for over 290 yards in the Sea Dragons playoff loss. His 2023 performance allowed him to extend his NFL career with the Broncos, Saints, Bills, and Falcons, before “soft” retiring.
6. Brandon Silvers
Career: Memphis Express (2019), Seattle Dragons (2020), TSL (2021), Houston Roughnecks (2023), St. Louis Battlehawks (24-Present)
Silvers is the elder statesman of spring football now, seven years removed from the AAF. His longevity has allowed him to amass over 4,000 passing yards, and 35 passing touchdowns, both of which are top-five since 2001. He owns a 13-7 record as a starter, and currently remains with the Battlehawks behind Luis Perez.
5. Alex McGough
Career: Birmingham Stallions (2022-23, 2025)
McGough, who recently retired prior to the 2026 season, put together one of the most elite seasons fans have seen since 2001. An MVP honor and championship, allowed McGough to spring board his career back into the NFL for two seasons with the Green Bay Packers. While many will remember his 2023 season, McGough did help the Stallions win a championship during the 2022 USFL, after an injury to J’Mar Smith. McGough's 2023 season remains one of the best in recent memory since 2001 among spring football quarterbacks.
4. Case Cookus
Career: Philadelphia Stars (22-23), Memphis Showboats (2024), Birmingham Stallions (2025)
Cookus may be one of the underappreciated starters on this list, despite putting out a solid product through four seasons. Known for his toughness and grit Cookus led the 2022 Stars to a UFL championship berth, despite dealing with constant injuries in his career. Cookus threw for 39 touchdowns, and over 5,000 yards which are both 3rd since 2001. While he didn’t earn a ton of accolades Cookus did earn a player of the week honor in 2022, while starting 26 games over four seasons.
3. A.J. McCarron
Career: St. Louis Battlehawks (2023-24)
While his time in spring football was only two seasons, McCarron was one of the best signal callers during his tenure with the Battlehawks. McCarron threw for over 400 yards in a game which is the most in the modern era, while also throwing for six touchdowns in a game. His 3732 passing yards (6th) and 39 passing touchdowns (3rd) remain in the higher echelon of spring football quarterbacks despite only playing in 17 games through his two seasons.
2. Luis Perez
Career: Birmingham Iron (2019), New York Guardians (2020), TSL (2021), New Jersey Generals (2022), Vegas Vipers (2023), Dallas Renegades (23-26), St. Louis Battlehawks (26-Present)
Longevity goes a long way in spring football and Perez has plenty of it. Nine years as a professional 8 years in spring football, Perez has done it all. While his 2026 season ended without the story book ending, his career has seen him win multiple awards while throwing for just under 11,000 passing yards. Perez has an opportunity to unseat Bobby Hebert as the yards leader of spring football in the United States, however in many categories his number are right behind Jordan Ta’amu.
1. Jordan Ta’amu
Career: St. Louis Battlehawks (2020), Tampa Bay Bandits (2022), D.C. Defenders (23-Present)
Ta’amu was on the precipice of a legendary 2026 until a week eight injury ended his season prematurely. Part of what has made Ta’amu such a mainstay is his ability to stay healthy, and with that has come 79 passing touchdowns, and nearly 10,500 passing yards in the regular season. Coupled with his post season stats Ta’amu has accounted for 97 total scores through 56 games. In addition to his statistical accolades, he’s amassed a plethora of individual awards along with his 2025 UFL championship. With his Defenders enroute to the championship, Ta'amu may add a second championship ring to his collection if Jason Bean is able to lead D.C. to their second consecutive victory.