Graham Harrell's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Graham Harrell.

Graham Harrell is an American football coach and former quarterback, currently serving as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for Abilene Christian. He achieved prominence as a college football player for Texas Tech from 2004-2008, setting numerous records as a prolific passer under head coach Mike Leach's 'Air Raid' offense. His success at Texas Tech led to his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2025. After a brief professional playing career, he transitioned to coaching, holding various offensive coordinator positions at different universities before landing at Abilene Christian.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2000: Career Pass Completions

From 2000 to 2003, Graham Harrell had 805 career pass completions, which ranked second.

2001: State Class 4A Title

In 2001, as a sophomore, Graham Harrell led the Ennis Lions to a state Class 4A title.

2003: Career Pass Completions

From 2000 to 2003, Graham Harrell had 805 career pass completions, which ranked second.

2004: Oil Bowl Offensive MVP

In 2004, Graham Harrell played in the Oil Bowl and was awarded the offensive MVP.

2006: Insight Bowl Comeback

In 2006, at the Insight Bowl, Graham Harrell led a historic comeback victory against the Minnesota Golden Gophers, overcoming a 31-point deficit to win 44-41 in overtime. Harrell was named the offensive MVP.

2007: Continued Success

In 2007, Graham Harrell continued his success, aided by Michael Crabtree, Danny Amendola and Eric Morris. He threw for 5 touchdowns and 646 yards against Oklahoma State Cowboys and was named AT&T Player of the Week. He finished the season with a 71.8% completion percentage, 5,705 yards and 48 touchdowns and was awarded the Sammy Baugh Trophy. The team finished the season ranked #22 after winning the Gator Bowl and Harrell being named MVP.

October 25, 2008: Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week

On October 25, 2008, following a victory over #18 Kansas, Graham Harrell was named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week. Teammate Matt Williams was named the Special Teams Player of the Week.

November 22, 2008: Second in Career Passing Yardage

On November 22, 2008, Graham Harrell surpassed Ty Detmer to move into second place for career passing yardage.

December 2, 2008: Walter Camp Award Finalist

On December 2, 2008, Graham Harrell and teammate Michael Crabtree were named as Walter Camp Award finalists.

December 4, 2008: AFCA Coaches' All-American Team

On December 4, 2008, Graham Harrell was named on the American Football Coaches Association's 2008 AFCA Coaches' All-American Team.

2008: Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award

In 2008, Graham Harrell received the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.

2008: All-American and Heisman Finalist

In 2008, Graham Harrell was named a first-team All-American quarterback and a Heisman Trophy finalist. He also set school, conference, and national records for passing yards, attempts, completions, and touchdown passes.

2008: Heisman Hopeful

In 2008, before his senior season, Graham Harrell was listed by CBS Sports as a Heisman hopeful. He was also a candidate for the Unitas Award and appeared on the Davey O'Brien Award watch list. Harrell was also featured on the cover of Dave Campbell's Texas Football.

January 2, 2009: Final Collegiate Game

On January 2, 2009, Graham Harrell played his final collegiate game, a loss to Ole Miss in the 2009 AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic. He concluded his college career with an NCAA record of 134 passing touchdowns and equaled the record of 147 career touchdowns passing, rushing, and receiving. He also had 5,111 passing yards in the season, becoming the first NCAA player to post multiple 5,000-yard passing seasons.

2010: Signed by Green Bay Packers and Super Bowl XLV Win

In 2010, Graham Harrell joined the NFL, signing with the Green Bay Packers and was part of the Super Bowl XLV winning team, defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers.