Texas' Arch Manning Not on Manning Award Preseason Watch List Led by Allar, Nussmeier

Texas quarterback Arch Manning has not been named to the 2025 Manning Award preseason watch list, which is given to the top collegiate quarterback in the country.

The award is named in honor of his grandfather, Archie Manning, and his uncles Peyton and Eli Manning.

Manning is pretty widely considered to be among the Heisman Trophy favorites heading into the 2025 season, so it's a bit curious that he wouldn't show up on a Manning Award watch list that includes 27 quarterbacks.

ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. and Field Yates also consider him the top quarterback prospect in the 2026 NFL draft, though it remains to be seen if he'll ultimately turn pro next season or remain in Texas.

Granted, Manning himself has been surprised by all the hype.

"It's weird," he told ESPN's Pete Thamel in July. "I really haven't deserved any of this, so just trying to play along and play ball."

While Manning wasn't Texas' starter last season, largely sitting behind Quinn Ewers, he still was called into action for several games while Ewers was injured and performed very well, throwing for 939 yards, nine touchdowns and two interceptions. He also rushed for 108 yards and four touchdowns, flashing his athleticism.

The hype around Manning has always been real. He was the top-ranked recruit in the Class of 2023, and many Texas fans have been itching to see him given the full-time starting gig. This season, they'll have their wish, and expectations are through the roof.

Well, except among the Manning Award voters, apparently.