The spotlight continues to shine on sophomore quarterback Arch Manning, who has been named to the preseason watch list for the coveted Davey O’Brien Award—an honor reserved for the nation’s top college quarterback. The announcement, made Thursday by the Davey O’Brien Foundation, places Manning among the elite contenders for one of college football’s most prestigious accolades.
Texas fans will recall that Quinn Ewers, Manning’s predecessor, reached semifinalist status for the award last season. The Longhorns boast a proud legacy with the Davey O’Brien Award, having produced three recipients: Heisman winner Earl Campbell in 1977 (when the award recognized the Southwest’s best), and legendary quarterbacks Vince Young (2005) and Colt McCoy (2009). McCoy also earned finalist honors in 2008.
But Manning’s recognition doesn’t stop there. He’s also been named to the preseason watch lists for the Walter Camp National Player of the Year and the Maxwell Award. The media voted him a Third-Team All-SEC selection, and The Sporting News placed him on its First-Team All-America offense—announced just this week on August 6.
Now entering his third year on the Forty Acres, Manning has already made a mark. With 12 games under his belt and a perfect 2-0 record as a starter, his redshirt freshman campaign in 2024 was nothing short of electric. He completed 68% of his passes (61-of-91) for 939 yards and nine touchdowns, while adding 108 rushing yards and four scores on the ground.
His breakout moment came against UTSA, stepping in for an injured Ewers and delivering a dazzling performance: 223 passing yards, four touchdowns, and a career-long 67-yard rushing TD. He followed that with a strong debut start against ULM, throwing for 258 yards and two touchdowns. Manning then led Texas to its first-ever SEC victory over Mississippi State, completing 26-of-31 passes (83.9%) for 325 yards and two scores, plus a rushing touchdown.
The journey toward the Davey O’Brien Award continues with the midseason watch list release on October 21, followed by the announcement of the 35-player QB Class of 2025 on October 28. Fan voting on social media will once again play a role in the selection process, beginning the same day.
Semifinalists will be revealed on November 12, with finalists named on November 25. The winner will be crowned live on ESPN during The Home Depot College Football Awards on December 11.
