Has a USC QB started a Super Bowl? Sam Darnold looking for team's first Lombardi Trophy
- - Has a USC QB started a Super Bowl? Sam Darnold looking for team's first Lombardi Trophy
Austin Curtright, USA TODAY NETWORKFebruary 8, 2026 at 6:10 AM
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Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold comes from a lineage of USC signal-callers with high-profile backgrounds. The former No. 3 overall pick might be on his way to becoming one of the best in his school's history — at the NFL level, at least.
Darnold, who rebuilt his career with the Vikings last season after failed tenures with the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers — along with a backup stint with the San Francisco 49ers — has led the Seahawks to a Super Bowl appearance in his first season with the organization. It's the first time a former USC quarterback will start in the Super Bowl, despite the school producing numerous first-round passers.
REQUIRED READING: NFL world praises Sam Darnold's 'comeback story'
Darnold signed a three-year contract worth $100.5 million total with the Seahawks in 2025 and passed for 4,048 yards with 25 touchdowns to 14 interceptions in the regular season. The 28-year-old has come a long way since looking like the latest bust quarterback out of USC.
Darnold is looking to become the first USC quarterback to start and win a Super Bowl in the blue-blood's history. Here's what to know of Darnold ahead of the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots in Santa Clara, California:
Super Bowl VII (Dolphins 14, Washington 7): Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Manny Fernandez (75) tackles Washington running back Larry Brown (43) in Super Bowl VII at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Dolphins completed a 17-0 undefeated season with the win.
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Super Bowl VII (Dolphins 14, Washington 7): Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Manny Fernandez (75) tackles Washington running back Larry Brown (43) in Super Bowl VII at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Dolphins completed a 17-0 undefeated season with the win.
">Super Bowl VII (Dolphins 14, Washington 7): Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Manny Fernandez (75) tackles Washington running back Larry Brown (43) in Super Bowl VII at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Dolphins completed a 17-0 undefeated season with the win.
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Super Bowl XVI (49ers 26, Bengals 21): San Francisco 49ers defensive back Ronnie Lott (42) celebrates a goal line stand against the Cincinnati Bengals during Super Bowl XVI at the Silverdome.
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Super Bowl XVI (49ers 26, Bengals 21): San Francisco 49ers defensive back Ronnie Lott (42) celebrates a goal line stand against the Cincinnati Bengals during Super Bowl XVI at the Silverdome.
">Super Bowl XVI (49ers 26, Bengals 21): San Francisco 49ers defensive back Ronnie Lott (42) celebrates a goal line stand against the Cincinnati Bengals during Super Bowl XVI at the Silverdome.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/oiacdQYWwAO1.6iaV7c1BA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzk0/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/9fd6a1fc6419cf0dcdf6cc28836dfde1 class=caas-img>Super Bowl XVII (Washington 27, Dolphins 17): Washington running back John Riggins (44) breaks loose from Miami Dolphins defensive back Don McNeal (28) on a 43-yard touchdown run during Super Bowl XVII at the Rose Bowl.
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Super Bowl XVII (Washington 27, Dolphins 17): Washington running back John Riggins (44) breaks loose from Miami Dolphins defensive back Don McNeal (28) on a 43-yard touchdown run during Super Bowl XVII at the Rose Bowl.
">Super Bowl XVII (Washington 27, Dolphins 17): Washington running back John Riggins (44) breaks loose from Miami Dolphins defensive back Don McNeal (28) on a 43-yard touchdown run during Super Bowl XVII at the Rose Bowl.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/0QgdaSE2_fLjuPrkyB2_lg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzk0/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/44e1f070fd7e76350ebdd3b6471f8e59 class=caas-img>Super Bowl XVIII (Raiders 38, Washington 9): Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) carries the ball against Washington safety Mark Murphy (29) during Super Bowl XVIII at Tampa Stadium.
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Super Bowl XVIII (Raiders 38, Washington 9): Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) carries the ball against Washington safety Mark Murphy (29) during Super Bowl XVIII at Tampa Stadium.
">Super Bowl XVIII (Raiders 38, Washington 9): Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) carries the ball against Washington safety Mark Murphy (29) during Super Bowl XVIII at Tampa Stadium.
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Super Bowl XXII (Washington 42, Broncos 10): Washington quarterback Doug Williams (17) looks to throw against the Denver Broncos during Super Bowl XXII at Jack Murphy Stadium.
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Super Bowl XXII (Washington 42, Broncos 10): Washington quarterback Doug Williams (17) looks to throw against the Denver Broncos during Super Bowl XXII at Jack Murphy Stadium.
">Super Bowl XXII (Washington 42, Broncos 10): Washington quarterback Doug Williams (17) looks to throw against the Denver Broncos during Super Bowl XXII at Jack Murphy Stadium.
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Super Bowl XXIV (49ers 55, Broncos 10) : San Francisco 49ers running back Roger Craig (33) celebrates with teammates against the Denver Broncos at the Superdome. The 55 points scored by the 49ers remains a Super Bowl record.
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Super Bowl XXIV (49ers 55, Broncos 10) : San Francisco 49ers running back Roger Craig (33) celebrates with teammates against the Denver Broncos at the Superdome. The 55 points scored by the 49ers remains a Super Bowl record.
">Super Bowl XXIV (49ers 55, Broncos 10) : San Francisco 49ers running back Roger Craig (33) celebrates with teammates against the Denver Broncos at the Superdome. The 55 points scored by the 49ers remains a Super Bowl record.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/_KP.Wj6F25jqHM2qjBpeSw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03ODE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4ef1ec8befbeb46b035dba90223acba3 class=caas-img>
Super Bowl XXVI (Washington 37, Bills 24): Washington cornerback Alvoid Mays (20) hits Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly (12), causing him to fumble during Super Bowl XXVI at the Metrodome.
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Super Bowl XXVI (Washington 37, Bills 24): Washington cornerback Alvoid Mays (20) hits Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly (12), causing him to fumble during Super Bowl XXVI at the Metrodome.
">Super Bowl XXVI (Washington 37, Bills 24): Washington cornerback Alvoid Mays (20) hits Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly (12), causing him to fumble during Super Bowl XXVI at the Metrodome.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/5AEQ.eJQWBYxmC7HGlv4uw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NjA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/cbd6f73cd34d8a235b497120e1068de8 class=caas-img>
Super Bowl XL (Steelers 21, Seahawks 10): Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward jumps in the air and scores after catching a 43-yard touchdown pass from fellow wideout Antwaan Randle El.
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Super Bowl XL (Steelers 21, Seahawks 10): Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward jumps in the air and scores after catching a 43-yard touchdown pass from fellow wideout Antwaan Randle El.
">Super Bowl XL (Steelers 21, Seahawks 10): Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward jumps in the air and scores after catching a 43-yard touchdown pass from fellow wideout Antwaan Randle El.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/KAE955wRx.IwuR5hAKpHzg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NTA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a1714991d0fc88dd3a7e1c9451443955 class=caas-img>
Super Bowl 51 (Patriots 34, Falcons 28 - OT): New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman hauls in a catch off a deflected pass that would help New England mount the largest comeback in Super Bowl history. The game also featured the first ever overtime in a Super Bowl.
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Super Bowl 51 (Patriots 34, Falcons 28 - OT): New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman hauls in a catch off a deflected pass that would help New England mount the largest comeback in Super Bowl history. The game also featured the first ever overtime in a Super Bowl.
">Super Bowl 51 (Patriots 34, Falcons 28 - OT): New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman hauls in a catch off a deflected pass that would help New England mount the largest comeback in Super Bowl history. The game also featured the first ever overtime in a Super Bowl.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/nVulejD3RYoro_cHkMA..A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04OTU-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c7cfad24b8450f1dea645e14a4d4b2fe class=caas-img>
Super Bowl 53 (Patriots 13, Rams 3): Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore makes a pivotal interception in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. With the win, the Patriots tied the Steelers for most Super Bowl victories (six).
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/3t__HJNhdrZCTHsKefVJfA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05NjI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d66687de9253ee18f98b6aa829ac22b5 class=caas-img data-headline="Super Bowl photos: Most memorable moments from Super Sunday" data-caption="
Super Bowl 53 (Patriots 13, Rams 3): Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore makes a pivotal interception in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. With the win, the Patriots tied the Steelers for most Super Bowl victories (six).
">Super Bowl 53 (Patriots 13, Rams 3): Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore makes a pivotal interception in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. With the win, the Patriots tied the Steelers for most Super Bowl victories (six).
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/3t__HJNhdrZCTHsKefVJfA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05NjI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d66687de9253ee18f98b6aa829ac22b5 class=caas-img>Super Bowl 55 (Buccaneers 31, Chiefs 9): Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski spikes the football after catching a touchdown pass during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/e.gM_1u8YqJ5EcyfbcveqA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/2a334f084d771f502e1ada85f46ca34a class=caas-img data-headline="Super Bowl photos: Most memorable moments from Super Sunday" data-caption="
Super Bowl 55 (Buccaneers 31, Chiefs 9): Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski spikes the football after catching a touchdown pass during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium.
">Super Bowl 55 (Buccaneers 31, Chiefs 9): Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski spikes the football after catching a touchdown pass during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/e.gM_1u8YqJ5EcyfbcveqA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/2a334f084d771f502e1ada85f46ca34a class=caas-img>Super Bowl 56 (Rams 23, Bengals 20): Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp catches the game-winning touchdown pass as Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Eli Apple defends at SoFi Stadium.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/8_hMZwURbetl8Ts7PPEFvw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNTcw/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/50427da23e68bba8ae529429f9e634d6 class=caas-img data-headline="Super Bowl photos: Most memorable moments from Super Sunday" data-caption="
Super Bowl 56 (Rams 23, Bengals 20): Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp catches the game-winning touchdown pass as Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Eli Apple defends at SoFi Stadium.
">Super Bowl 56 (Rams 23, Bengals 20): Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp catches the game-winning touchdown pass as Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Eli Apple defends at SoFi Stadium.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/8_hMZwURbetl8Ts7PPEFvw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNTcw/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/50427da23e68bba8ae529429f9e634d6 class=caas-img>Super Bowl 57 (Chiefs 38, Eagles 35): The Chiefs' Kadarius Toney (19) is tackled by the Philadelphia Eagles' Nakobe Dean (17) and Arryn Siposs (8) after a Super Bowl-record 65-yard punt return at State Farm Stadium.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ern4KjFwGhKTIsMntEnIug--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04ODE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a22d6ed89474dd3d0749f4c0d9661d64 class=caas-img data-headline="Super Bowl photos: Most memorable moments from Super Sunday" data-caption="
Super Bowl 57 (Chiefs 38, Eagles 35): The Chiefs' Kadarius Toney (19) is tackled by the Philadelphia Eagles' Nakobe Dean (17) and Arryn Siposs (8) after a Super Bowl-record 65-yard punt return at State Farm Stadium.
">Super Bowl 57 (Chiefs 38, Eagles 35): The Chiefs' Kadarius Toney (19) is tackled by the Philadelphia Eagles' Nakobe Dean (17) and Arryn Siposs (8) after a Super Bowl-record 65-yard punt return at State Farm Stadium.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ern4KjFwGhKTIsMntEnIug--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04ODE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a22d6ed89474dd3d0749f4c0d9661d64 class=caas-img>Super Bowl 58 (Chiefs 25, 49ers 22, OT): Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr. (12) celebrates with quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) after the game-winning touchdown in overtime against the San Francisco 49ers.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/dB_mQZy1IsJdwFMAleH5ow--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/fb9af975a9d88ddc82a06603e289d79c class=caas-img data-headline="Super Bowl photos: Most memorable moments from Super Sunday" data-caption="
Super Bowl 58 (Chiefs 25, 49ers 22, OT): Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr. (12) celebrates with quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) after the game-winning touchdown in overtime against the San Francisco 49ers.
">Super Bowl 58 (Chiefs 25, 49ers 22, OT): Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr. (12) celebrates with quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) after the game-winning touchdown in overtime against the San Francisco 49ers.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/dB_mQZy1IsJdwFMAleH5ow--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/fb9af975a9d88ddc82a06603e289d79c class=caas-img>
1 / 58Super Bowl photos: Most memorable moments from Super SundaySuper Bowl I (Packers 35, Chiefs 10): Green Bay Packers running back Jim Taylor (31) follows the blocks of Jerry Kramer (64), Marv Fleming (81) and Forrest Gregg (75) against the Kansas City Chiefs at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.Has a USC quarterback ever started the Super Bowl?
While multiple former USC quarterbacks have been close to the Super Bowl before, Darnold in 2026 is the first signal-caller from the school set to start the NFL championship game.
Others such as Mark Sanchez, Carson Palmer and current Chicago Bears starting quarterback Caleb Williams have come somewhat close. Even Matt Cassel, who never threw a touchdown pass with the Trojans, amassed a 3-2 record in the NFL playoffs, reaching the AFC Championship game in 2007 with the New England Patriots.
Sanchez went to the AFC Championship twice with the Jets in 2010 and 2011, but fell to the Colts and Steelers in back-to-back seasons. Palmer also led the Arizona Cardinals to the NFC Championship game, but lost to the Carolina Panthers in 2016.
USC has the most quarterbacks ever selected in the NFL draft with 26 — one more than second-place Notre Dame. Darnold, once considered a misfire after he was selected ahead of Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson, is the first from USC to start the Super Bowl.
Top 10 ranked USC quarterbacks
USA TODAY Sports recently ranked the best USC quarterbacks in the NFL. The list is a lot less impressive than one might think, given the Trojans' history as one of the top college football programs in history.
Here's the list:
Carson Palmer
Sam Darnold
Caleb Williams
Mark Sanchez
Matt Cassel
Rodney Peete
Bill Nelsen
Pete Beathard
Vince Evans
Rob Johnson
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Has a USC quarterback ever started a Super Bowl? Sam Darnold aiming for history
Source: “AOL Sports”
