ESPN names Carson Palmer greatest college football player to wear number 3
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 11, 2026, 3:05 PM
Last updated Jul 11, 2026
ESPN has named Carson Palmer, the former USC quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner, as the greatest college football player to wear number 3. The announcement was part of a series ranking notable players by jersey number. Palmer, who played for USC from 1999 to 2002, had a breakout senior season in 2002, setting several school passing records and leading the Trojans to an 11-win season. His performance was pivotal in reviving USC's football program and establishing a legacy of successful quarterbacks.
- •ESPN's ranking focuses on college football players by jersey number.
- •Palmer won the Heisman Trophy in 2002.
- •He set school records in his senior season with 3,942 passing yards.
- •Palmer's success helped elevate USC's football program.
- •He became the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft following his college career.
- 3:05 PMYahoo Sports — ESPN ranks Carson Palmer as greatest college football player to wear 3
"As we continue to look at the greatest college football players to wear each number, we recall USC Heisman Trophy quarterback Carson Palmer
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NCAAF•Sep 20, 2026, 4:06 PMOhio State football updated game-by-game ESPN predictions after Week 3
NCAAF•Sep 20, 2026, 4:00 PMBig 12 football standings, results after Week 3 of 2026 season
NCAAF•Sep 20, 2026, 4:00 PMWhat's next for the Rebels after LSU? Get Florida vs. Ole Miss tickets now
NCAAF•Sep 20, 2026, 3:42 PMESPN College GameDay announces destination for Week 4
NCAAF•Sep 20, 2026, 3:19 PMESPN's 'College GameDay' coming to Knoxville for Tennessee football vs Texas
NCAAF•Sep 20, 2026, 2:43 PMCSU issues statement of apology to BYU for in-game chants by fans