Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green has been named to the preseason watch list for the Manning Award, which recognizes the top quarterbacks in college football. The announcement was made by the Allstate Sugar Bowl on Thursday.
The Manning Award is unique among quarterback honors because it includes postseason performances in its selection process. It was established to honor Archie, Peyton, and Eli Manning for their achievements in college football. The winner will be chosen by a panel of national media members and the Manning family after the postseason.
Green, who is from Lewisville, Texas, had a strong 2024 season. He recorded 3,756 yards of total offense—602 rushing and 3,154 passing with 23 touchdowns—which is the second-highest single-season total in Arkansas program history behind Ryan Mallett’s record of 3,795 yards. He also became just the seventh player in school history to have a 3,000-yard passing season. Nationally, Green ranked 13th in total offense per game (288.9), 14th in passing yards per completion (13.71), and 21st in total passing yards (3,154) last year.
Green was named Liberty Bowl MVP after leading Arkansas to a win over Texas Tech with an Arkansas bowl record of 341 passing yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for 81 yards and another touchdown. This performance marked him as the first Arkansas quarterback since 2016 to surpass 300 passing yards in a bowl game. During the season he threw for more than 300 yards three times, including a career-best of 416 at Oklahoma State on September 7.
Looking ahead to this season, Green and Oklahoma’s John Mateer are currently the only returning quarterbacks nationwide who passed for over 3,000 yards and rushed for more than 600 during last year’s campaign. Green is also one of ten FBS quarterbacks entering this season with at least 4,000 career passing yards and over 1,000 rushing yards at that level. His combined career total of 8,576 offensive yards ranks third nationally among players with five or fewer seasons of eligibility remaining.
This recognition adds to several other preseason honors for Green; he was previously included on both the Davey O’Brien Award Watch List (announced August 7) and Maxwell Award Preseason Watch List (announced July 28).
Quarterbacks do not need to be on the initial watch list to be considered for the Manning Award; additional names may be added during the season based on performance.
Head Coach Sam Pittman recently began preseason practice with his team as they prepare for their opening game against Alabama A&M on Saturday, August 30 at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium.
For information about tickets for Arkansas football games this season fans can contact the Razorback Ticket Center by phone or online.
