Davey O’Brien Award Watch List

The following post features the  Davey O’Brien Award Watch List (2026).

Some college football teams have an NFL-level QB capable of singlehandedly carrying a team to victory. These are the QBs you need to know about when betting on college football.

Read: Dick Butkus Award Watch List

Related: John Mackey Award Watch List

The Davey O’Brien Award Watch List features the top quarterbacks in the nation heading into the 2026 college football season.

So, who are the best QBs in 2026? Here’s what you need to know.

Davey O’Brien Award Watch List (2026)

Below is a table displaying the quarterbacks on the 2026 Davey O’Brien Award Watch List. Click here for the official Davey O’Brien Award Watch List.

Preseason Player Spotlights

Dante Moore – Oregon Ducks

Dante Moore returns as one of the most polished and efficient quarterbacks in the country after a standout 2025 season that included elite completion percentage, 30 touchdowns, and a run to the College Football Playoff semifinals. With proven accuracy, decision-making, and the decision to return instead of entering the NFL Draft, Moore has the talent and supporting cast to make a strong push for the Davey O’Brien Award.

Arch Manning – Texas Longhorns

Arch Manning enters 2026 with massive expectations and an upgraded supporting cast around him after showing significant growth in the second half of 2025. Combining size, arm talent, athleticism, and improved processing, Manning is positioned to lead a high-powered Texas offense and establish himself as a top national contender for the outstanding quarterback award.

Julian Sayin – Ohio State Buckeyes

Julian Sayin returns after an exceptionally efficient 2025 campaign that featured one of the highest completion percentages in recent college football history and strong overall production. With elite accuracy, a talented supporting cast including Jeremiah Smith, and another year of experience, Sayin has the tools to climb the national rankings and contend for Davey O’Brien recognition.

CJ Carr – Notre Dame Fighting Irish

CJ Carr showed steady improvement throughout his first full season as Notre Dame’s starter in 2025 and enters 2026 as one of the more intriguing ascending quarterbacks in the country. With growing confidence, a strong supporting cast, and the opportunity to take a significant leap, Carr is well-positioned to put up the kind of numbers that keep him in the Davey O’Brien conversation.

Trinidad Chambliss – Ole Miss Rebels

Trinidad Chambliss returns as the clear leader of a high-powered Ole Miss offense after a productive 2025 season. Known for his ability to make plays with both his arm and legs while operating in an aggressive scheme, Chambliss has the skill set and surrounding talent to produce at a high level and emerge as a legitimate national award contender.

John Mateer – Oklahoma Sooners

John Mateer brings proven production and dual-threat ability to Oklahoma after previous strong showings. With the arm talent to stretch the field and the athleticism to create when plays break down, Mateer has the opportunity to thrive in the Sooners’ offense and position himself among the top quarterbacks contending for the Davey O’Brien Award in 2026.

Davey O’Brien Award

The Davey O’Brien Award is presented annually to the outstanding quarterback in NCAA Division I FBS football. The process begins with a preseason watch list, though candidates need not appear on it to win. A National Selection Committee of media members, analysts, and former winners evaluates all FBS starting quarterbacks throughout the season and selects the semifinalists (typically 16–20, announced in mid-November), with fan voting providing bonus ballots. The same committee then narrows the field to three finalists in late November (again incorporating fan vote bonuses) before ranking those finalists to determine the winner. The recipient is announced during the College Football Awards show in December.

Davey O’Brien Award Winner (by Year)

Click here for the Davey O’Brien Award Winner by year.