The Denver Broncos hope they found a franchise quarterback in Bo Nix, whom they drafted in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Nix emerged as a superstar at Oregon, breaking multiple school records and even notching the best single-season completion percentage in NCAA history. He had a terrific collegiate career, ranking second in NCAA history in total yards, fourth in total touchdowns, sixth in passing yards, seventh in completions, and 17th in passing touchdowns.
The Broncos ultimately drafted him at No. 12 overall, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced his name as Bo Nix. Is that his real name or a nickname?
What Is Bo Nix’s Real Name?
Bo spent the first three years of his collegiate career playing at Auburn and he comes from a Tigers-loving football family, so many wondered if he was named after legendary running back Bo Jackson.
However, it turns out Bo was named after his maternal grandfather rather than the former two-sport superstar.
His birth name is actually Bo Chapman Nix, so he isn’t using a nickname. Instead, he’s carrying on a name that means a lot to his family.
Where Is Nix From?
Nix was born on Feb. 25, 2000, in Arkadelphia, Ark., before he went on to play his high school football at Pinson Valley High School in Pinson, Ala.
During high school, he emerged as a four-star recruit after totaling 12,000 yards and a staggering 161 touchdowns. He was named Alabama’s Mr. Football during his senior season.
247Sports ranked Nix as the top dual-threat quarterback in his class and after receiving offers from a ton of schools, he committed to Auburn, where he played for three seasons.
Bo’s father, Patrick, played quarterback at Auburn as well, so he decided to follow in his dad’s footsteps. In fact, his father holds the Auburn record for most pass completions in a game (34).
Revisiting Nix’s College Career
In 2019, Nix was named Auburn’s starting quarterback as a true freshman. He led the Tigers to a 9–4 record during his freshman season, including a 27–21 comeback win over Oregon and a 48-45 victory over Alabama in the Iron Bowl. He was voted the SEC’s 2019 Freshman of the Year, finishing the campaign with 16 touchdowns and six interceptions.
As a sophomore, Nix threw for 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions during the 2020 season.
MORE: What Is Bo Nix’s Net Worth and Salary?
In 2021, Nix led Auburn to its first win at LSU since 1999 and a victory over No. 10 Ole Miss. However, he also struggled in several games and was benched for TJ Finley in the fourth quarter of a game against Georgia State. After throwing for 11 touchdowns and three interceptions throughout the 2021 season, Nix suffered a season-ending injury against Mississippi State.
On Dec. 12, 2021, Nix announced he was entering the transfer portal, describing himself as “miserable” while playing under Auburn head coach Bryan Harsin, who had been hired in 2021.
In his first season with Oregon, Nix lead the team to a 10-3 record.
In 2023, Nix led the nation in passing touchdowns (40) and rushed for another six. Nix became the fourth Heisman Trophy Finalist in Oregon history, joining Joey Harrington (2001), LaMichael James (2010), and Marcus Mariota (2014). He finished third in Heisman voting behind Michael Penix Jr. and the eventual winner Jayden Daniels.
The @oregonfootball connection!
Bo Nix finds Troy Franklin for his first career TD catch!
📺: #LACvsDEN on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/FU4T8eKNT8— NFL (@NFL) October 13, 2024
Nix went a combined 22-5 over two seasons at Oregon, and in 2023, he completed a record 77.4% of his passes at 9.6 yards per attempt for 4,508 yards, 45 touchdowns, and just three picks.
Also, Nix broke Mac Jones’ record for the highest single-season completion percentage (77.45%). Now, all eyes will be on Nix to see if he can duplicate his collegiate success in the pros.