NFL Week 2 Showdown: College Football Championship QB Rematches Take Center Stage
NFL Week 2 highlights exciting QB rematches from college football championships, featuring Joe Burrow, Trevor Lawrence, J.J. McCarthy, and Michael Penix Jr.

Week 2 of the NFL season brings a thrilling lineup of quarterback matchups that will resonate with college football fans. This week, we witness the professional rematches of some of the most memorable college football championship games.
Joe Burrow vs. Trevor Lawrence
Rematch Year(s): 2021, 2025 Rematch of: 2020 College Football Playoff National Championship Joe Burrow, who led LSU to a national championship victory over Trevor Lawrence's Clemson Tigers, continued his winning streak in their first NFL encounter. Burrow threw for 348 yards and two touchdowns, securing a 24-21 win for the Cincinnati Bengals.
J.J. McCarthy vs. Michael Penix Jr.
Rematch Year(s): 2025 Rematch of: 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship J.J. McCarthy, who guided the Michigan Wolverines to a 34-13 victory over Michael Penix Jr.'s Washington Huskies in the 2024 national championship, faces Penix Jr. once again in their first professional showdown. This matchup promises to be a highlight of 'Sunday Night Football' as the Atlanta Falcons take on the Minnesota Vikings.
Historical QB Rematches
Here’s a look back at some notable NFL rematches of BCS and College Football Playoff-era starting quarterbacks:
Jalen Hurts vs. Deshaun Watson
Rematch Year(s): 2024 Rematch of: 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Jalen Hurts reversed his college loss to Deshaun Watson by leading the Philadelphia Eagles to a 20-16 victory over the Cleveland Browns.
Tua Tagovailoa vs. Trevor Lawrence
Rematch Year(s): 2021, 2024 Rematch of: 2019 College Football Playoff National Championship Tua Tagovailoa and Trevor Lawrence have each won one game in their two NFL matchups, with both games decided by three points.
Justin Fields vs. Mac Jones
Rematch Year(s): 2022 Rematch of: 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship Justin Fields avenged his college loss to Mac Jones by helping the Chicago Bears to a 33-14 win.
Vince Young vs. Matt Leinart
Rematch Year(s): 2009 Rematch of: 2006 BCS National Championship Vince Young secured a 20-17 victory over Matt Leinart in their lone NFL meeting.
These rematches not only bring back memories of thrilling college games but also showcase the evolution of these quarterbacks as they continue their careers in the NFL.