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Seattle Seahawks QB Sam Darnold Makes History For Alma Mater

Originally posted on College Sports Only | By Jim Weber | Last updated Jan 30, 2026 11:41 AM ET

QB Sam Darnold will make surprising history when he starts Super Bowl LX for the Seattle Seahawks on February 8th.

Believe it or not, Darnold will become the first USC alum to be the starting QB in a Super Bowl when the Seahawks play the Patriots in San Francisco.

Seahawks QB Sam Darnold will be the FIRST USC QB to start a Super Bowl‼️

Unbelievable time to be a USC Trojan ✌ pic.twitter.com/QqSNZ6D0Ql
— Arrogant Nation✌ (@FightOnRusty) January 26, 2026

It's hard to believe USC has never had a QB start the Super Bowl considering its long list of great college quarterbacks — such as Carson Palmer, Matt Leinart, Mark Sanchez, Caleb Williams, Rodney Peete, Matt Barkley, Todd Marinovich, Pete Beathard and Pat Haden — to just name a few.
On Super Bowl Sunday, every USC alum will be pulling for the Seahawks to bring home the Lombardi Trophy.

USC QB’s have had a TOUGH history of working out as NFL QB’s.

Hopefully Caleb Williams doesn’t follow the same pattern.

• Sam Darnold (2018)
• Cody Kessler (2016)
• Matt Barkley (2013)
• Mark Sanchez (2009)
• John David Booty (2008)
• Matt Leinart (2006)
• Matt Cassell… pic.twitter.com/r3rBaKeYOh
— Rookie Watch (@RookieWatxh) December 6, 2023