Where Did Brock Purdy Go to College?

Before becoming the San Francisco 49ers' breakout quarterback, Brock Purdy made his name at Iowa State University. Known for his rise from 'Mr. Irrelevant' to one of the NFL's most reliable players, Purdy's journey started long before draft day.

If you've ever wondered 'where did Brock Purdy go to college,' it was at Iowa State where he laid the foundation of his success. There, he built the poise, accuracy, and leadership that define his game today. Below, you'll see how his years as a Cyclone shaped his path to professional football.

Brock Purdy's College: Iowa State University

Brock Purdy attended Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, where he played quarterback for the Cyclones from 2018 to 2021. Competing in the Big 12 Conference, Purdy joined the program as a three-star recruit but quickly rose to prominence with his accuracy, leadership, and composure under pressure.

During his four seasons, Purdy became one of the most accomplished players in Iowa State history. He led the team to multiple bowl games and helped secure their first New Year's Six bowl victory.

Fans and teammates admired his steady presence and commitment to elevating the program's reputation. By the time he finished his senior year, Purdy had earned a reputation not just as a record-breaking quarterback but also as a respected leader both on and off the field.

Brock Purdy's College Stats

Across four seasons at Iowa State, Purdy posted some of the most impressive numbers in school history. He completed more than 67% of his passes for over 12,000 yards, throwing 81 touchdowns with just 33 interceptions. Those totals made him the Cyclones' all-time leader in passing yards, completions, and touchdowns.

Purdy was more than just an accurate passer; he also used his mobility to extend plays and pick up key yards on the ground. He ran for over 1,000 yards and scored 19 rushing touchdowns, adding another layer to his versatility as a dual-threat quarterback. His precision and playmaking helped redefine what Iowa State's offense could achieve, setting a new standard for future Cyclone quarterbacks.

College Years at Iowa State University

Brock Purdy became Iowa State's starting quarterback during his freshman year and kept that role throughout his entire college career. Under head coach Matt Campbell, he led the Cyclones through four competitive seasons in the Big 12, earning recognition for both his consistency and confidence.

Purdy's leadership helped Iowa State achieve several milestone wins, including a Fiesta Bowl victory in 2020. His calm demeanor and steady play earned respect from coaches, teammates, and fans alike. Over time, he developed into one of the most trusted and admired players in program history.

Freshman and Sophomore Seasons

Purdy's college career started fast. As a true freshman in 2018, he took over the starting job midseason and immediately sparked the team's offense. He threw for more than 2,200 yards and 16 touchdowns while leading Iowa State to a 7-2 record as a starter. His ability to stay composed under pressure showed that he was ready for big moments.

By his sophomore year in 2019, Purdy had become one of the top quarterbacks in the Big 12. He threw for over 3,900 yards and 27 touchdowns, breaking multiple school records in the process. His continued improvement proved that his freshman success was no fluke, solidifying his reputation as the heart of Iowa State's offense.

Junior and Senior Seasons

By his junior year, Brock Purdy had already become the face of Iowa State football. In 2020, he led the Cyclones to a 9-3 record and their first-ever Fiesta Bowl victory, a defining moment for the program. Purdy's accuracy and decision-making stood out as he continued to break school records while maintaining his reputation for calm leadership.

During his senior season in 2021, Purdy added to his legacy by becoming Iowa State's all-time leader in completions, passing yards, and touchdowns. He guided the team to another winning season and earned praise for his steady presence both on and off the field. After four standout years, he wrapped up his college career ready to take on the next challenge: the NFL.

Brock Purdy's Major and College Experience

While leading Iowa State's offense, Purdy also focused on academics, majoring in communication studies. The program helped him strengthen his speaking, teamwork, and leadership skills, which would later become essential in his NFL career. His communication degree reflected his ability to connect with teammates and manage pressure in high-stakes situations.

Off the field, Purdy was known for his humility and strong work ethic. Professors and teammates often described him as grounded and driven, balancing football success with his education. His approach to learning and leadership showed the same dedication that continues to define him as a professional athlete.

Declaring for the NFL Draft

After completing his senior season in 2021, Brock Purdy declared for the 2022 NFL Draft. Despite his impressive college career, he wasn't a top draft prospect and ultimately became the 262nd and final pick, earning the title of 'Mr. Irrelevant.' Many doubted his professional potential, but Purdy saw it as another opportunity to prove himself.

His transition to the NFL was anything but irrelevant. When injuries struck the San Francisco 49ers' roster, Purdy stepped in as the starting quarterback and quickly led the team to multiple playoff victories. The poise, accuracy, and leadership he developed at Iowa State translated seamlessly to the professional level, turning one of the draft's final picks into one of its biggest success stories.

Impact of College Experience on Purdy's NFL Career

Purdy's years at Iowa State built the foundation for his success in the NFL. Competing in the Big 12 against top-tier defenses helped him sharpen his timing, accuracy, and decision-making. The fast-paced, high-pressure environment of college football prepared him for the complex playbooks and expectations of professional competition.

Working under Coach Matt Campbell also taught Purdy how to manage adversity and lead by example. His experience running a sophisticated college offense made it easier for him to adapt to the 49ers' system and earn his teammates' trust. Everything he learned in Ames carried over, shaping him into one of the league's most composed young quarterbacks.

FAQs About Brock Purdy's College Years

Many fans are curious about Brock Purdy's time at Iowa State, including his stats, education, and lasting impact on the program. His college career not only shaped him as a player but also prepared him for the leadership role he holds today. Below are some of the most common questions about Purdy's years as a Cyclone.

Did Brock Purdy Graduate From Iowa State?

Yes, Brock Purdy graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in communication studies before entering the NFL. He completed his coursework during his senior year, finishing his degree before declaring for the 2022 NFL Draft. Completing his education mattered to him because it showed the same dedication and follow-through that defined his football career.

What Was Brock Purdy's Major in College?

Purdy majored in communication studies at Iowa State, a field that helped him strengthen his speaking and leadership abilities. These skills became key assets once he joined the San Francisco 49ers, helping him command the huddle and handle media attention with confidence. His major reflected his interest in teamwork, motivation, and clear communication, traits that continue to shape his career today.

How Many Years Did Brock Purdy Play at Iowa State?

Brock Purdy played four full seasons at Iowa State, from 2018 through 2021. During that time, he started nearly every game and became the program's all-time wins leader. His consistency gave Iowa State rare stability at quarterback, helping the team reach new levels of success within the Big 12.

What Awards Did Brock Purdy Win in College?

Purdy earned several honors throughout his college career, including multiple All-Big 12 selections and several Offensive Player of the Week awards. He also led the Cyclones to their first-ever New Year's Six bowl win in the 2021 Fiesta Bowl. These achievements established him as one of the most decorated and respected players in Iowa State football history.

What Records Did Brock Purdy Set at Iowa State?

Purdy holds nearly every major passing record in Iowa State history, including career passing yards (over 12,000), completions, and touchdowns (81). His records reflect both his accuracy and his durability as a four-year starter. Beyond statistics, his success helped elevate the Cyclones' national profile and inspired future recruits to believe in the program's potential.