The Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation Inc. is proud to announce the Watch List for the 2026 Golden Arm Award, featuring 27 of the nation’s top collegiate quarterbacks.
The Golden Arm Award continues to recognize 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.
For the 2026 season, the Foundation has refined its eligibility criteria (see full criteria here) to better reflect the changing landscape of college football while preserving the tradition and standards of the Golden Arm Award. Eligible quarterbacks must play at the FBS level, meet NCAA eligibility requirements, and have at least three years of college football experience. Players may have no more than five years of college enrollment and must have played for no more than two college programs. Eligibility is based on a player’s years in college, not their listed class year.
The refined criteria have resulted in a more selective Watch List, recognizing quarterbacks who have demonstrated sustained commitment and experience at the collegiate level.
About the 2026 Watch List:
The 2026 Golden Arm Watch List features 27 quarterbacks from programs across the country:
The 2026 Watch List reflects the breadth of quarterback talent across college football, with players representing programs from coast to coast and across the sport’s major conferences. From national powers to programs outside the traditional Power Four, this year’s field brings together quarterbacks with a wide range of collegiate experience, all meeting the Golden Arm Award’s newly refined eligibility standards.As the 2026 college football season unfolds, the Watch List will be narrowed to semifinalists and finalists before one standout quarterback is selected to receive the Golden Arm Award in December. The winner will be celebrated at the annual Golden Arm Award ceremony in Baltimore on December 9.
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