Josh Allen’s explosive arm and dynamic playmaking ability have made him a household name in the NFL. As the quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, he’s consistently ranked among the league’s top players, even finishing second in NFL MVP voting in 2020. But before the NFL accolades and highlight-reel throws, Allen honed his skills in the college ranks. His path to becoming a top NFL draft pick and a Pro Bowl quarterback is a testament to his perseverance and talent. Many fans wonder, Where Did Josh Allen Go To College? The answer is a journey that includes junior college and a Mountain West Conference program, each step crucial in shaping his football career.
Josh Allen’s College Vitals and Early Career
To understand Allen’s college trajectory, let’s first look at the essential details of his time in college football:
Josh Allen’s College Profile:
- Position: Quarterback
- Height: 6-5
- Weight: 233 pounds
- College Years Active: 2015-2017
Before making his mark at a four-year university, Josh Allen’s college football journey began at Reedley Community College in Reedley, California. After graduating from Firebaugh High School where he wasn’t heavily recruited, Allen took the junior college route to further develop his skills and gain attention from larger programs. During his year at Reedley, Allen showcased his dual-threat capabilities, leading the team in both passing and rushing yards. Impressively, he accounted for 36 total touchdowns, demonstrating the raw talent that would later flourish on the national stage.
Wyoming Cowboys: Josh Allen’s Division I College
After his successful year at Reedley Community College, Josh Allen transferred to the University of Wyoming, a Division I program in the Mountain West Conference. He spent three seasons with the Wyoming Cowboys from 2015 to 2017, making significant strides each year. While 2015 saw limited action with only two games, Allen truly broke out in the 2016 and 2017 seasons.
Here’s a detailed look at Josh Allen’s college stats at Wyoming:
| Year | Games | Completions | Attempts | Comp. % | Yards | Y/A | TD | INT | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 66.7 | 51 | 8.5 | 0 | 0 | 138.1 |
| 2016 | 14 | 209 | 373 | 56.0 | 3,203 | 8.6 | 28 | 15 | 144.9 |
| 2017 | 11 | 152 | 270 | 56.3 | 1,812 | 6.7 | 16 | 6 | 127.8 |
| Career | 27 | 365 | 649 | 56.2 | 5,066 | 7.8 | 44 | 21 | 137.7 |
During his time as a Wyoming Cowboy, Allen consistently demonstrated his strong arm and ability to make plays, even while facing tough Mountain West defenses. His junior year in 2016 was particularly impressive, throwing for over 3,200 yards and 28 touchdowns.
From Junior College to NFL Prospect: Allen’s Rise
Josh Allen’s journey is unique because he wasn’t a highly touted high school recruit. Coming out of Firebaugh High School, he flew under the radar of major college programs. However, his year at Reedley Community College proved to be a turning point. By the end of his freshman year at Reedley, Allen had significantly improved his prospect status, becoming recognized as a top-200 junior college prospect and the No. 5 dual-threat junior college quarterback in the 2015 recruiting class, according to 247Sports.
This improved ranking caught the attention of Wyoming, offering him the opportunity to play Division I football. At Wyoming, despite some inconsistencies in completion percentage during his college career, Allen’s raw talent and potential were undeniable. His performances against notable teams and his impressive physical attributes began to draw the attention of NFL scouts.
College Achievements and Standout Games
While at Wyoming, Josh Allen achieved several records and received accolades that highlighted his impact on the program:
Records and Rankings at Wyoming:
- Highest single-season passing efficiency in Wyoming history: 127.78
- 3rd in Wyoming history in single-season total offense: 3,726 yards
- 5th in Wyoming history in career passing touchdowns: 44 touchdowns
- 5th in Wyoming history in single-season passing yards: 3,203 yards
- 8th in Wyoming history in career passing yards: 5,066 yards
- T-8th in Wyoming history in career total offense: 5,833 yards
- 10th in Wyoming history in career pass completions: 365 completions
Notable College Games:
- Wyoming vs. UC Davis (Sept. 17, 2016): Allen showcased his accuracy, completing 73.3% of his passes, a career-high completion percentage at that point.
- Wyoming vs. Utah State (Nov. 5, 2016): He demonstrated his dual-threat ability, accounting for five total touchdowns (four passing, one rushing) and rushing for a career-best 7.3 yards per carry.
- UNLV vs. Wyoming (Nov. 12, 2016): In a high-scoring triple-overtime game, Allen threw for a career-high 334 passing yards and four touchdowns, displaying his arm strength and resilience.
Awards and Honors:
- 2016 Second Team All-Mountain West
- 2017 Honorable Mention All-Mountain West
- 2017 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Most Valuable Player
What People Said About Josh Allen in College
Throughout his college career, coaches and commentators recognized Josh Allen’s potential and unique skillset:
- Wyoming Coach Craig Bohl: Highlighted Allen’s maturity, strong arm, and football intelligence when Allen signed with Wyoming, emphasizing his potential in their pro-style offense.
- Air Force Safety Weston Steelhammer: Acknowledged Allen’s ability to create plays out of difficult situations after facing him in a game.
- Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz: Pointed out the challenge of slowing down Allen, requiring strong team defense to contain his abilities.
- Wyoming Wide Receiver C.J. Johnson: Praised Allen’s toughness and durability, noting his ability to withstand hits that would sideline other quarterbacks.
These quotes reflect the growing recognition of Allen’s talent and leadership qualities during his time at Wyoming. His decision to play in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl despite NFL draft prospects further underscored his commitment and competitive spirit, as noted by Coach Bohl.
Conclusion: Wyoming as the Launchpad for NFL Stardom
So, where did Josh Allen go to college? The full answer encompasses Reedley Community College and, most importantly, the University of Wyoming. Wyoming provided the platform for Josh Allen to develop from a junior college prospect into a bonafide NFL talent. While he started at Reedley to gain traction, it was his time as a Wyoming Cowboy that solidified his position as a quarterback with immense potential. His college career, marked by statistical achievements, standout performances, and the recognition of his coaches and peers, paved the way for his successful transition to the NFL and his current status as one of the league’s premier quarterbacks. Josh Allen’s college journey is a compelling narrative of growth, perseverance, and seizing opportunities, ultimately answering the question of his college origins with a story of hard-earned success at the University of Wyoming.
