Drew Pyne
Drew Pyne (born December 5, 2000) is an American college football quarterback known for his career across multiple universities, including Notre Dame, Arizona State, Missouri, and Bowling Green State University, where he is a team captain for the 2025 season.[1][2][3] A native of New Canaan, Connecticut, Pyne is the son of George and Helene Pyne and attended New Canaan High School, where he became the program's all-time leader in passing yards (9,411), touchdowns (105), and completions (701) as a four-star recruit.[1][4][5][6] Pyne began his collegiate career at Notre Dame in 2020, appearing in four games as a freshman before playing in two games during his sophomore year in 2021, where he threw for 224 yards and two touchdowns.[5][7] In 2022, as a junior, he emerged as the starter for 10 of 11 games, completing 164 of 254 passes for 2,021 yards, 22 touchdowns, and six interceptions, helping the Fighting Irish achieve an 8-2 record in his starts and earning a 9-3 overall record as a starter across his career up to that point.[5][7] After ND, Pyne transferred to Arizona State for the 2023 season, where he appeared in two games before an injury sidelined him for the remainder of the year.[2][8] He then moved to the University of Missouri for 2024, appearing in six games with one start against Oklahoma, in which he passed for 143 yards and three touchdowns in a victory, while graduating that May with a degree in American Studies.[2][1] In 2025, as a graduate student at Bowling Green with two years of eligibility remaining, Pyne has started the season, passing for 882 yards, four touchdowns, and five interceptions as of November 18, 2025.[3][2][7] Throughout his career, Pyne stands at 6 feet tall and weighs 200 pounds, bringing a quick release and accurate intermediate passing to his teams.[3][2][9]Early life and education
Family background
Drew Pyne was born on December 5, 2000, in New Canaan, Connecticut.[1][10] He is the son of George Pyne IV and Helene Pyne.[1] His father, George Pyne IV, played as an offensive lineman at Brown University, where he earned All-Ivy League and All-New England honors as a two-year starter and team captain.[11][12][13] George Pyne IV later built a prominent career in sports business, holding executive roles including president of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, chief operating officer of NASCAR, and chief strategy officer at World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).[14] Helene Pyne holds a bachelor's degree from the College of the Holy Cross and an MBA from the University of Connecticut.[10] Pyne has a younger brother, Brendan Pyne, who played as an outside linebacker and three-year starter at Brown University, leading the Ivy League in solo tackles during his junior season in 2018.[11][15][16] The Pyne family boasts a storied multi-generational legacy in professional football, recognized as the first family to produce three generations of NFL players. Pyne's great-grandfather, George Pyne Jr., was an All-American at the College of the Holy Cross and played as a guard for the Providence Steamrollers in the NFL in 1931.[11] His grandfather, George Pyne III, played college football at the College of the Holy Cross before appearing as a defensive tackle for the Boston Patriots of the American Football League in 1965.[17][18] Pyne's uncle, Jim Pyne (George IV's brother), was a center who played in the NFL from 1994 to 2001 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns, and Philadelphia Eagles. This lineage spans from the early days of professional football through the late 20th century, embedding athletic achievement deeply within the family's heritage.[19] The Pyne family's roots trace to Irish Catholic immigrants, with Pyne's great-grandparents hailing from County Donegal, Ireland, and arriving in Boston in the early 20th century.[20] Beyond football, the family has ties to American business prominence and golf, with Helene Pyne's father, Paul Harrison, being a professional golfer and inductee in the PGA Golf Professional Hall of Fame.[10]High school career
Drew Pyne attended New Canaan High School in New Canaan, Connecticut, from 2015 to 2019.[5] As the starting quarterback for the New Canaan Rams beginning in his freshman year, Pyne led the team to multiple Connecticut state playoff appearances, including a Class L semifinal berth in 2017, a Class LL championship game run in 2018, and a quarterfinal victory in 2019.[21][22][23] Pyne concluded his high school career as the Rams' all-time leader in passing yards with 9,411 and passing touchdowns with 105, while completing 701 of 1,111 attempts with 35 interceptions.[6][9] In his senior season of 2019, he passed for 2,107 yards and 24 touchdowns, highlighted by his 100th career touchdown pass on November 15 during a win over Wilton.[24][25] For his performances, Pyne earned two-time Connecticut High School Coaches' Association (CHSCA) All-State honors, selected for the Class LL first team in 2018 and the top 26 team in 2019, in addition to All-FCIAC first-team recognition as a junior.[26][27][11] Ranked as a four-star recruit and the No. 1 quarterback prospect from Connecticut by the On3 Consensus, Pyne drew early interest from Power Five programs including Florida State, Alabama, and Penn State before committing to Notre Dame on April 16, 2018.[28][11][29] Motivated by his family's football legacy—his father George played at Brown University, and brother Brendan also competed at the collegiate level—Pyne dedicated himself fully to the sport throughout high school.[11]College career
Notre Dame
Drew Pyne enrolled at the University of Notre Dame in 2020 as a true freshman quarterback from New Canaan, Connecticut. During the 2020 season, he appeared in four games as a backup, completing 2 of 3 passes for 12 yards while preserving his redshirt eligibility under COVID-19 rules that allowed teams to redshirt players who participated in up to four games.[5][7] In the 2021 season, Pyne saw limited action in two games, primarily in mop-up roles behind starter Jack Coan. His most notable appearance came against Cincinnati on October 2, where he relieved Coan in the second half and completed 9 of 22 passes for 143 yards and 1 touchdown, marking his first career completion and scoring pass. For the year, he finished 15 of 30 passing for 224 yards and 2 touchdowns with no interceptions.[7][30] Pyne's role expanded dramatically in 2022 after starter Tyler Buchner suffered a season-ending shoulder injury following the season opener, elevating Pyne to the starting position. He started 10 games, guiding Notre Dame to an 8-2 record in those contests, including a 4-1 mark against ranked opponents. Standout performances included a 28-16 victory over No. 10 Clemson on November 5, where he threw for 197 yards and 1 touchdown, and a 48-20 rout of No. 7 USC on November 26, completing 25 of 38 passes for 226 yards and 2 touchdowns. Overall in 2022, he appeared in 11 games, completing 164 of 254 passes (64.6%) for 2,021 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions, while adding 47 rushes for 108 yards and 2 scores.[31][8][7] Across his three seasons at Notre Dame, Pyne appeared in 17 games, compiling 181 completions on 287 attempts (63.1%) for 2,257 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions; he also rushed 54 times for 106 yards and 2 touchdowns. Seeking a consistent starting opportunity elsewhere, Pyne entered the NCAA transfer portal on December 2, 2022. He returned to Notre Dame in spring 2024 to complete his degree in American Studies with a minor in business economics. Pyne's family has longstanding ties to Notre Dame, rooted in their Irish heritage.[7][32][33]Arizona State
Following his departure from Notre Dame, Drew Pyne committed to transfer to Arizona State on December 19, 2022, with the intention of competing for the starting quarterback position in the 2023 season.[34] As a highly experienced transfer with prior starting experience at Notre Dame, Pyne was viewed as a key addition to bolster the Sun Devils' quarterback room under new head coach Kenny Dillingham.[35] He enrolled at Arizona State ahead of the 2023 campaign, joining a depth chart that included Jaden Rashada and Trenton Bourguet in a competitive battle for snaps.[36] Pyne's tenure was severely limited by injuries, appearing in only two games during the season. He entered briefly against Fresno State on September 16, where he completed 5 of 13 passes for 52 yards before exiting with a leg muscle injury.[7] His most significant action came the following week against USC on September 23, starting despite a pre-season hamstring tear that had sidelined him earlier; he went 21 of 36 for 221 yards, two touchdowns—including a 52-yard strike to Cameron Skattebo—and two interceptions.[37] Overall, Pyne finished with 26 completions on 49 attempts for 273 yards, two passing touchdowns, and three interceptions, while adding minor rushing contributions.[7] These injuries, compounded by team-wide depth issues at quarterback, prevented him from establishing a consistent role as a backup or competitor.[36] Arizona State's offense struggled amid broader team challenges, finishing the 2023 season with a 3-9 overall record and a 2-7 mark in the Pac-12.[38] Pyne's limited play reflected the Sun Devils' injury-plagued campaign, which saw multiple signal-callers rotate in and out due to health concerns and performance inconsistencies.[39] On December 1, 2023, Pyne announced his entry into the NCAA transfer portal, citing a desire to continue his career elsewhere while expecting to retain three years of eligibility.[39] Shortly thereafter, on December 13, he decided to return to Notre Dame in the spring of 2024 solely to complete his undergraduate degree, forgoing further football participation at the school.[33]Missouri
Drew Pyne transferred to the University of Missouri as a graduate student on March 10, 2024, following his lone season at Arizona State, marking his second move through the NCAA transfer portal.[40] He arrived to serve as the primary backup to senior starter Brady Cook, providing experienced depth to the quarterback room amid Missouri's competitive Southeastern Conference schedule.[41] Throughout the 2024 season, Pyne appeared in six games, mostly in relief of an injury-prone Cook, including short-yardage situations and late-game scenarios.[1] Notable entries came against Auburn, where he took over briefly after Cook's injury, and Alabama, where he relieved the starter but threw three interceptions in a 34-0 defeat.[42] [43] His most significant contribution occurred in his lone start against Oklahoma on November 9, 2024, when he threw three second-half touchdown passes to fuel a comeback victory, 30-23.[44] Pyne's role supported Missouri's run-heavy offense, which emphasized a potent ground attack led by running backs like Nate Noel, helping maintain stability during Cook's absences.[45] Missouri concluded the 2024 campaign with an 11-3 overall record, including a 6-2 mark in SEC play, and capped the year with a 27-24 victory over Iowa in the Music City Bowl on December 30, 2024.[46] Pyne's presence as a reliable veteran bolstered the team's quarterback depth without earning major individual awards. Following the season, he entered the NCAA transfer portal on April 1, 2025, after one year with the Tigers, in pursuit of a starting role.[47]Bowling Green
On April 7, 2025, Drew Pyne committed to Bowling Green as a graduate junior with two years of eligibility remaining, marking his fourth Division I program after stints at Notre Dame, Arizona State, and Missouri.[48][2] Pyne's transfer was motivated by a desire for a fresh start under new head coach Eddie George, allowing him to serve as the primary quarterback and pursue leadership opportunities in his final college seasons.[43] Pyne was elected one of four team captains for the 2025 season, reflecting his veteran experience and role in mentoring younger players on a Falcons squad rebuilding under George.[2][49] As the starting quarterback entering the year with a 9-3 career record in 12 prior starts, Pyne aimed to stabilize Bowling Green's offense in the Mid-American Conference (MAC).[48] The 2025 season began promisingly for Pyne, who made his Bowling Green debut on August 28 against Lafayette, completing 12 of 18 passes for 109 yards in a 26-7 victory that marked the first win of the Eddie George era.[50] Early games showcased productive passing, including a 170-yard, one-touchdown performance in a 20-35 loss at Ohio on September 27, as Pyne helped the Falcons build momentum with efficient short-to-intermediate throws.[7] Off the field, Pyne's community involvement earned him a nomination to the 2025 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team in July, recognizing his efforts in youth mentorship and charitable initiatives during his college career.[51] Through mid-November 2025, Pyne appeared in six games, starting five, while compiling 882 passing yards, four touchdowns, and five interceptions on 94-of-151 attempts (62.3% completion rate), often operating behind a young offensive line in MAC play.[52] His leadership was evident in pre-snap adjustments and huddle motivation, contributing to Bowling Green's 3-6 overall record and 1-4 MAC mark as of November 18, 2025 amid a transitional season marked by defensive inconsistencies and coaching staff changes.[53][54] Pyne's status for the November 18 game against Akron remains questionable due to the ongoing ankle injury.[55] Pyne's season was derailed by a lingering ankle injury sustained in late September, which sidelined him for three consecutive games in October before a limited return against Buffalo on November 1, where he managed just 52 yards on 7-of-16 passing in a 3-28 loss.[55][7] He attempted to play through the injury in the November 8 MAC matchup at Eastern Michigan but was ruled out early, with backup Hunter Najm taking over in a 21-27 defeat, leaving Pyne's status uncertain for the Falcons' remaining games.[56][57]Statistics
Drew Pyne's college football career spans four institutions, where he appeared in 31 games, starting 17, and compiled 3,803 passing yards with a 61.5% completion rate.[52][7] His passing totals include 350 completions on 569 attempts, 33 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions, yielding a career passer rating of 130.8.[52] On the ground, Pyne rushed 113 times for 64 yards and 2 touchdowns, averaging 0.6 yards per carry.[52] He recorded no professional statistics as of November 18, 2025.[7] The following table summarizes Pyne's year-by-year passing and rushing statistics:| Year | School | Games Appeared | Games Started | Passing (Cmp-Att-Cmp% - Yds - TD - Int - Rating) | Rushing (Att - Yds - TD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Notre Dame | 4 | 0 | 2-3-66.7% - 12 - 0 - 0 - 100.3 | 1 - 4 - 0 |
| 2021 | Notre Dame | 2 | 0 | 15-30-50.0% - 224 - 2 - 0 - 134.7 | 6 - (-6) - 0 |
| 2022 | Notre Dame | 11 | 10 | 164-254-64.6% - 2,021 - 22 - 6 - 155.3 | 47 - 108 - 2 |
| 2023 | Arizona State | 2 | 1 | 26-49-53.1% - 273 - 2 - 3 - 101.1 | 14 - (-49) - 0 |
| 2024 | Missouri | 6 | 1 | 49-82-59.8% - 391 - 3 - 3 - 104.6 | 15 - 21 - 0 |
| 2025 | Bowling Green | 6 | 5 | 94-151-62.3% - 882 - 4 - 5 - 113.4 (QBR 27.1) | 30 - (-14) - 0 |
| Career | - | 31 | 17 | 350-569-61.5% - 3,803 - 33 - 17 - 130.8 | 113 - 64 - 2 |