5 quarterbacks in the NFL playoffs who played high school football in California ft. Josh Allen and C.J. Stroud

The 2025 NFL playoffs are brimming with quarterback talent, with California producing six of the 14 starting quarterbacks this postseason, the most by any state since 1992. From seasoned veterans to emerging stars, these players have displayed exceptional skills and leadership on the field.

Five quarterbacks in the NFL playoffs who played high school football in California

#5. Josh Allen

Josh Allen, the young, super-talented quarterback from Firebaugh High School, is now starting for the 13-4 Buffalo Bills during the playoffs. Allen delivered a standout regular season. In 17 games, he achieved 3,731 passing yards, 28 touchdown passes, and only six interceptions.

Also, he has shown a dual-utility by managing to run for 531 yards and 12 touchdowns on the football field. Perhaps no player has been a perpetual MVP dark horse, as he went from being an unknown player from Firebaugh to one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks.

#4. C.J. Stroud

C.J. Stroud, who was a player at Rancho Cucamonga High School, is currently leading the Houston Texans to their back-to-back AFC South championship. In his second year in the NFL, Stroud threw for 3,727 yards, scoring 20 touchdowns and 12 interferences in 17 matches.

Even though his overall scoring was one point less than his rookie year, the Texans’ 10-7 ensured them of hosting the LA Chargers in playoffs. Stroud was the Inland Valley Bulletin’s Offensive Player of the Year after compiling 3,878 passing yards and 47 touchdown passes in his senior high school season.

#3. Sam Darnold

Sam Darnold, representing San Clemente High School, has enjoyed a career resurgence with the Minnesota Vikings. Signing a one-year deal in the offseason, Darnold threw for a career-high 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, earning him a Pro Bowl selection.

#2. Jayden Daniels

Jayden Daniels of Cajon High School has electrified the league in his rookie year with the Washington Commanders. Leading the team to its first playoff appearance since 2020 and their first winning record (12-5) since 2016, Daniels threw for 3,568 yards, 25 touchdowns, and nine interceptions.

#1. Jordan Love

Jordan Love, hailing Liberty High School (Bakersfield), has stepped up as a key player for the Green Bay Packers this season, finishing with 3,389 passing yards and 25 touchdowns.

Last year, Love and the Packers made a playoff run, starting with a dominant 48-32 victory over the Dallas Cowboys in the wild-card round. But their journey was cut short in the divisional round 24-21 by the San Francisco 49ers.