Florida football redshirt senior quarterback Graham Mertz was awarded a spot on the 2024 Manning Award Preseason Watch List on Wednesday.
Mertz had a great 2023 season, throwing for 2,903 yards, 20 touchdowns and just three interceptions at a 72.9% completion rate. He now joins another national watch list as he looks to have a terrific 2024 season.
Mertz was previously named to the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award, presented annually to the nation’s best college quarterback, the Maxwell Award watch list and the Allstate Danny Wuerffel Trophy Watch List, college football’s top award for community service.
The Manning Award has been presented each year since 2004 and awards the country’s best collegiate quarterback judged by the Sugar Bowl Committee. It is also the only quarterback award that includes the player’s postseason performance in its balloting.
Tim Tebow is the lone Gator to win this prestigious award back in 2008.
More on the Manning Award
The Manning Award was created by the Allstate Sugar Bowl, honoring Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning. In college, they combined for over 25,000 passing yards and 201 touchdowns while playing in 10 bowl games and earning four bowl MVP awards.
The winner will be selected by a voting panel, which includes national media and each of the Mannings, after the postseason.
Florida’s season opener for 2024
The Florida Gators and No. 19 Miami Hurricanes square off on Aug. 31 in Gainesville, Florida to open their schedule for the 2024 season. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ABC Sports.
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