Tanner Mordecai Bio
Tanner Mordecai (born November 8, 1999) is an American professional football quarterback currently with the San Francisco 49ers. He played college football for the Oklahoma Sooners, SMU Mustangs, and Wisconsin Badgers before signing as an undrafted free agent in 2024.
Early Life and Background
Tanner Mordecai was born in Waco, Texas, and attended Midway High School. During his high school career, he passed for 4,797 yards and 51 touchdowns, showcasing his talent as a quarterback early on. His strong performance led him to commit to the University of Oklahoma for college football.
Path to American Football
Mordecai began his college football journey at Oklahoma from 2018 to 2020. He served primarily as a backup quarterback behind Kyler Murray, Jalen Hurts, and Spencer Rattler, appearing in 12 games and completing 50 of 70 passes for 639 yards and four touchdowns. Seeking more playing time, he transferred to Southern Methodist University (SMU) in 2021, where he was named the starting quarterback in his first year.
At SMU, Mordecai set a school record by throwing seven touchdown passes in his first start. He continued to excel, earning Second-team All-American Athletic Conference honors in 2021. In 2022, he broke the SMU single-game touchdown record with nine passing touchdowns against Houston, contributing to the highest-scoring regulation game in FBS history.
Following his success at SMU, Mordecai announced his transfer to the University of Wisconsin on December 30, 2022, continuing his collegiate career with the Wisconsin Badgers.
Tanner Mordecai Career
Early Career (2018–2020)
During his early career at the University of Oklahoma, Mordecai was primarily a backup quarterback. He redshirted his first year and competed for the starting role in subsequent seasons but remained behind established starters. Despite limited playing time, he gained valuable experience in a competitive program.
SMU Mustangs Breakthrough (2021–2022)
Transferring to SMU marked a turning point for Mordecai. Named the starter in 2021, he quickly made an impact by setting a school record with seven touchdown passes in his first start. His performance earned him Second-team All-American Athletic Conference honors that year.
In 2022, Mordecai delivered a historic performance against Houston, throwing nine touchdown passes, seven in the first half. The game ended with a 77–63 victory for SMU, setting the record for the highest-scoring regulation game in FBS history. Mordecai was recognized as the American Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Week for this achievement.
Wisconsin Badgers Era (2023–Present)
In late 2022, Mordecai transferred to the University of Wisconsin to continue his collegiate career. Details of his performance with the Badgers are emerging as he adapts to a new program and competition level.
Professional Career (2024–Present)
After going undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, Tanner Mordecai signed with the San Francisco 49ers as a free agent. He was also selected by the DC Defenders in the 2024 USFL draft. Mordecai experienced several roster moves with the 49ers, including being waived and re-signed to the practice squad multiple times. He signed a reserve/future contract in January 2025 but was waived and re-signed again during the 2025 preseason. As of August 2025, he remains a free agent following a waived/injured designation.
Playing Style and Strengths
Mordecai is known for his strong passing ability and record-setting touchdown performances. His ability to deliver high-scoring games reflects his skill in reading defenses and executing plays effectively. His experience across multiple competitive college programs has contributed to his development as a quarterback.
Notable Events and Milestones
Key milestones in Mordecai’s career include setting SMU single-game touchdown records and participating in the highest-scoring regulation game in FBS history. His recognition as Second-team All-American Athletic Conference and Offensive Player of the Week highlight his collegiate achievements.
Tanner Mordecai Career Wins
Tanner Mordecai’s career includes numerous notable performances and victories at the collegiate level, particularly during his time at SMU where he set multiple records and earned conference honors. His transition to professional football is ongoing as he seeks to establish himself in the NFL.
SMU Mustangs Highlights
At SMU, Mordecai’s standout achievements include a school-record seven touchdown passes in a single game during his first start and a nine-touchdown game against Houston in 2022. These performances contributed to his recognition as a top offensive player in the American Athletic Conference.
Other Wins & Performances
Prior to SMU, Mordecai contributed as a backup quarterback at Oklahoma, gaining experience in a major college football program. His recent move to Wisconsin marks the next chapter in his collegiate career.
Tanner Mordecai Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Details about Tanner Mordecai’s family and personal life are not publicly available. He has not disclosed information regarding his parents, spouse, or children.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Tanner Mordecai continues to pursue his professional football career with the San Francisco 49ers. After signing a reserve/future contract, he faced roster challenges including multiple waivers and re-signings. His status remains fluid as he works to secure a stable position on the team. Mordecai’s development and performance during this period will be critical for his future in the NFL.