Ten quarterbacks named as finalists for the 2021 Manning Award

The Manning Award is given annually to one quarterback in college football. It was created in 2004 to honor Archie, Peyton, and Eli Manning. The Manning Award actually includes postseason performances, including bowl games, making it a unique distinction.

Every winner of the Manning Award since 2013 is currently in the NFL. All but two winners since then are currently starting in the NFL. Marcus Mariota is a backup this season while Deshaun Watson is not playing, although he remains on a roster. The four most recent winners, Mac Jones, Joe Burrow, Kyler Murray, and Baker Mayfield, are all starting on their respective NFL teams this season.

The ten finalists for the 2021 Manning Award have been revealed, according to Action Network’s Brett McMurphy.

2021 Manning Award finalists

Brennan Armstrong, Virginia
Matt Corral, Ole Miss
Sam Hartman, Wake Forest
Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh
Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati
Will Rogers, Mississippi State
Carson Strong, Nevada
C.J. Stroud, Ohio State
Bryce Young, Alabama
Bailey Zappe, Western Kentucky

There have been a number of impressive quarterbacks this season, but the ten Manning Award finalists are the cream of the crop. Western Kentucky’s Bailey Zappe led the nation with 4,968 yards and 52 touchdowns while throwing nine interceptions and rushing for three scores. Will Rogers put up huge numbers for Mississippi State in the SEC. Rogers threw for 3,339 yards, 35 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Virginia’s Brennen Armstrong also had a strong year, throwing for 4,444 yards, 31 touchdowns and ten interceptions, adding 256 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground.

Two players that are viewed as potential favorites for the Heisman Trophy are also finalists for the Manning Award. Alabama’s Bryce Young had a great year, throwing for 3,901 yards and 40 touchdowns with just four interceptions. Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud led college football’s most explosive offense with 3,862 yards, 38 touchdowns and five interceptions. Ole Miss’ Matt Corral came into the year as a Heisman contender, but injuries slowed him down. He still had a good season, throwing for 3,339 yards, 20 touchdowns and four interceptions while rushing for 597 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Wake Forest’s Sam Hartman and Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett also made the list, giving the ACC three Manning Award finalists. Hartman led an impressive Wake Forest offense, throwing for 3,711 yards, 34 touchdowns and ten interceptions. He also had 342 yards and ten scores on the ground. Pickett was one of five 4,000-yard passers, throwing for 4,066 yards with 40 touchdowns and seven interceptions for Pittsburgh.

Nevada’s Carson Strong finished the year fourth in passing with 4,186 yards. He also threw for 36 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Ridder led Cincinnati to an undefeated regular season. The Bearcats have a great chance at making the College Football Playoff. Ridder threw for 3,000 yards with 27 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He also had 342 rushing yards with six scores on the ground.

The winner of the 2021 Manning Award will be announced following the conclusion of bowl season.