Arch Manning lands on second straight Davey O’Brien watch list

What Happened

Texas senior quarterback Arch Manning was named to the 2026 preseason watch list for the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award, his second consecutive appearance. He is one of 30 quarterbacks under consideration for the award, which goes to the nation’s best college quarterback. Manning started all 13 games for Texas in 2025, completing 248 of 404 passes for 3,163 yards and 26 touchdowns. He also rushed for 399 yards and 10 touchdowns. Manning earned three O’Brien Postseason Great 8 honors in 2025, including one after Texas beat Michigan in the Citrus Bowl. The Davey O’Brien Foundation announced the list Thursday.

Why It Matters

• The watch-list spot keeps Manning in the national quarterback award race before the 2026 season begins.
• His 2025 rushing output gives Texas another way to create offense when defenses take away the passing game.
• The award attention raises the standard for Manning: last season’s production now has to carry into a new season against fresh game plans.

THE PATE STATE READ

THE PATE STATE READ: Texas gets credit for putting Manning in position to start all 13 games and for building a quarterback case that includes 3,163 passing yards, 26 touchdowns and 10 rushing scores. The task changes now. A watch-list spot is recognition, not a trophy, and the next test is whether Manning can repeat that production after defenses have a full season of tape. This moves the conversation a spot, not the earth. His 2026 regular-season starts will decide whether the award talk survives past the list.(Josh has not yet commented.)

What's Next

• August 20, 2026: The Davey O’Brien preseason watch list is announced with Manning among 30 quarterbacks.
• 2026 regular season: Texas opens its schedule with Manning entering as a returning 13-game starter.
• 2026 Davey O’Brien award cycle: Manning’s regular-season production will determine whether he advances beyond the watch list.