CHARLOTTE, N.C. (theACC.com) – The Atlantic Coast Conference had six quarterbacks named to the 2024 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Top 25 Watch List, the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation, Inc., along with presenting sponsor A. O. Smith Corporation announced on Monday, October 7.
The quarterbacks that remain on the watch list for the Golden Arm Award represent 10 conferences across the country, with six signal-callers from each of the ACC, Big Ten and SEC leading the way.
The Golden Arm Award annually recognizes the top senior or upperclassman quarterback set to graduate with their class.
The ACC, which had the most quarterbacks on the preseason watch list among all conferences with 13, is represented by Haynes King of Georgia Tech, Cade Klubnik of Clemson, Kyle McCord of Syracuse, Fernando Mendoza of California, Tyler Shough of Louisville and Cam Ward of Miami on the most updated list.
The semifinalists, finalists, and award recipient are selected by the distinguished Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Selection Committee, a group of prominent college football journalists, commentators, announcers, and former players. Candidates are chosen based on player performance on-and-off the field.
The namesake of the Golden Arm Award has a storied history. Johnny Unitas was an 18-year veteran of the NFL, who played his collegiate career at the University of Louisville before joining the Baltimore Colts in 1958. His career passing figures include 2,830 pass completions for 40,239 yards, 290 touchdowns and throwing a touchdown pass in 47 consecutive games.
This year’s award winner will be presented the Golden Arm Award trophy at the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award celebration at the Four Seasons Hotel in Baltimore, Maryland on Friday, December 6, 2024.
Giving life to the commitment to give back, the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation, Inc. and presenting sponsor A. O. Smith continue to promote football on all levels by providing financial aid to deserving young scholar-athletes.
ACC Representatives on the 2024 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Top 25 Watch List.
Name, School, Class, Position
Fernando Mendoza, Cal, Redshirt Sophomore, QB
Cade Klubnik, Clemson, Junior, QB
Haynes King, Georgia Tech, Redshirt Junior, QB
Tyler Shough, Louisville, Redshirt Senior, QB
Cam Ward, Miami, Senior, QB
Kyle McCord, Syracuse, Senior, QB