Michigan State Spartans · All-time career leaders
Michigan State Football Career Passing Yards Leaders
Connor Cook holds Michigan State's career passing yards record with 9,194 yards (2012–2015). Kirk Cousins (9,131) and Jeff Smoker (8,932) round out the top three. 9 of the top 20 played since 2000; the most recent is Aidan Chiles (2024–2025), No. 16 on the list.
Michigan State SpartansUpdated Oct 6, 2026
| Rank | Player | Years | Passing Yards |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Connor Cook | 2012–2015 | 9,194 |
| 2 | Kirk Cousins | 2008–2011 | 9,131 |
| 3 | Jeff Smoker | 2000–2003 | 8,932 |
| 4 | Brian Lewerke | 2016–2019 | 8,293 |
| 5 | Drew Stanton | 2003–2006 | 6,524 |
| 6 | Payton Thorne | 2020–2022 | 6,404 |
| 7 | Brian Hoyer | 2005–2008 | 6,159 |
| 8 | Dave Yarema | 1982–1986 | 5,809 |
| 9 | Ed Smith | 1976–1978 | 5,706 |
| 10 | Bill Burke | 1996–1999 | 5,463 |
| 11 | Jim Miller | 1990–1993 | 5,037 |
| 12 | Todd Schultz | 1994–1997 | 4,273 |
| 13 | Tony Banks | 1994–1995 | 4,129 |
| 14 | John Leister | 1979–1982 | 3,999 |
| 15 | Dan Enos | 1987–1990 | 3,837 |
| 16 | Aidan ChilesIn CFB 27 | 2024–2025 | 3,807 |
| 17 | Bobby McAllister | 1985–1988 | 3,194 |
| 18 | Andrew Maxwell | 2010–2013 | 2,900 |
| 19 | Bryan Clark | 1978–1981 | 2,725 |
| 20 | Steve Juday | 1963–1965 | 2,576 |
Keep exploring
More Michigan State records
Passing
Rushing
Receiving
Total Offense & Scoring
Sources & notes
- CFB Clipboard — Career leaderboards researched and compiled by CFB Clipboard.
- Career totals cover a player’s games at Michigan State only.
Last updated Oct 6, 2026.