The Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation has announced the Top 10 candidates for the 2026 Golden Arm Award, narrowing the field as the college football season moves into its final weeks.

The Golden Arm Award recognizes quarterbacks who demonstrate excellence both on and off the field. The award is presented by the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation alongside presenting partner A. O. Smith Corporation. The Foundation's mission is to promote the game of football while cultivating strong character, citizenship and academic commitment among young athletes.

The 10 quarterbacks advancing from the original 27-player Watch List represent programs from across the country and have continued to distinguish themselves through their performance, leadership and contributions to their teams throughout the 2026 season. 

The 2026 Golden Arm Award Top 10:

CJ Carr, Notre Dame

Devon Dampier, Utah

Noah Fifita, Arizona

Kevin Jennings, SMU

Sam Leavitt, LSU

Jayden Maiava, USC

Arch Manning, Texas

Drew Mestemaker, Oklahoma State

Gunner Stockton, Georgia

Conner Weigman, Houston

The Top 10 represents an impressive group of quarterbacks who have continued to make an impact throughout the 2026 season. From standout passing performances and dual-threat production to competitive conference play, these candidates have demonstrated the talent, consistency and leadership that define the Golden Arm Award. As the regular season enters its final stretch, their contributions extend beyond the stat sheet, reflecting the award's emphasis on character, perseverance and overall impact on their teams.

As the selection process continues, the Golden Arm Award Selection Committee will evaluate each candidate's complete collegiate body of work, considering both on-field performance and the character, leadership, sportsmanship, academic achievement and citizenship that have defined the award since its inception.

The field will narrow to five finalists in the coming weeks before one quarterback is selected as the 2026 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award recipient. The winner will be celebrated at the annual Golden Arm Award presentation on Wednesday, December 9, at the Four Seasons Baltimore.

The Golden Arm Award has recognized many of college football's most accomplished quarterbacks throughout its history, honoring players who exemplify the qualities associated with its namesake, Johnny Unitas.

Sharing a tradition of innovation with Johnny Unitas, who invented football's two-minute drill, A. O. Smith has been an innovator in its industry for more than a century. A. O. Smith offers its customers an additional advantage in that the company designs, builds, distributes and supports the world's broadest and deepest line of residential and commercial water heaters, as well as commercial boilers. This single-source concept simplifies ordering, installation and service and is backed by 80 years of research and innovation. 

For More Information

Learn more about the Golden Arm Award at GoldenArmFoundation.com.

Join the conversation throughout the season on X: @GoldenArmAward