Alcorn State University is a member of the Division I-AA Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and is significantly smaller than the other schools that were courting him. Both Steve and his family knew that by choosing a small school he was injuring his chances of winning the Heisman and potentially risking his position in the NFL draft, but he remained true to his heart’s desire to be a quarterback.

During his career at Alcorn, McNair broke many records including becoming the only player in NCAA history to gain more than 16,000 yards (16,823) in a college career. This broke Ty Detmer’s (Brigham Young) record of 14,665 career total yards. He set nine records alone as a freshman. Among his accolades, Steve was named Southwestern Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year four years in a row; received the Walter Payton Award (top Division I-AA player), named top player in college ranks (Eddie Robinson Trophy) and placed third in the Heisman race--making him the first Division I-AA player to rank in the top five since Jerry Rice in 1985. His junior year brought about another major decision—should he continue in the Braves uniform another year or should the “Omega Man” make a run for the NFL draft? It was a tough decision since he wanted his degree (in Physical Education), but a NFL contract would financially relieve his mom and his family of significant, long-term burden(s). Eventually, at the urging of his mom and brother, Fred, he decided to return to Alcorn for his senior year where he finished with another spectacular season. He became one of only three Alcorn Braves to have their jersey retired, joining Jack Spinks and, who else but his brother, Fred.