Houston’s Donovan Smith named to 2024 Manning Award preseason watch list

Houston quarterback Donovan Smith was named to the Manning Award preseason watch list on Thursday. The Cougars’ senior leader enters the 2024 season as one of 11 active Power 4 quarterbacks with 5,000-plus passing yards and 40-plus passing touchdowns at the Power 5 level since 2021.

Smith assumed the starting role after transferring from Texas Tech in 2023. His arrival in Houston marked an important moment for the Cougars as they transition to the Big 12 Conference, looking to make an impact with an experienced and versatile quarterback at the helm.

Named after Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning, the prestigious award is unique in that it takes the postseason performance of the candidates into account in its final voting process. A panel of national media and members of the Manning family select the winner.

Archie Manning expressed his excitement for the upcoming season, highlighting the focus on quarterbacks and the impact they have on the game. “There is a lot of anticipation on campuses across the country and the quarterback position always attracts a lot of attention and scrutiny,” Manning said in a statement.

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“We hope the Manning Award watch list brings positive attention to many of the top returning quarterbacks looking to have big years. And after we get into the season, we’ll revisit things and expand our watch list to include transfers and young quarterbacks who have begun to make their mark on the game.”

The watch list spans eight FBS conferences, with the Big 12 and SEC leading the way with six picks each, followed by the ACC with five. Notably, two of last year’s finalists, Carson Beck (Georgia) and Jalen Milroe (Alabama), return to the list, setting the stage for another competitive season.