CHARLOTTE, N.C. (theACC.com) – Six Atlantic Coast Conference quarterbacks have been named to the 2026 Manning Award Preseason Watch List, announced by the Allstate Sugar Bowl.
The ACC’s six selections are California’s Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, Duke’s Walker Eget, Miami’s Darian Mensah, NC State’s CJ Bailey, Pitt’s Mason Heintschel and SMU’s Kevin Jennings. The six ACC quarterbacks are part of a 40-player preseason watch list featuring some of the nation’s top quarterbacks entering the 2026 college football season.
The Manning Award, created by the Allstate Sugar Bowl in honor of the Manning family, is the only major quarterback award that considers candidates’ postseason performances in selecting its winner.
2026 Manning Award Preseason Watch List – ACC Selections
- Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, So., QB, California
- Walker Eget, 6th, QB, Duke
- Darian Mensah, Sr., QB, Miami
- CJ Bailey, Jr., QB, NC State
- Mason Heintschel, So., QB, Pitt
- Kevin Jennings, 5th, QB, SMU
Inclusion on the preseason Watch List is not required to win the award. Additional quarterbacks will be added during the season, with a midseason watch list scheduled to be released in October. Finalists will be announced prior to the postseason, and the winner will be selected following the College Football Playoff National Championship.