Davey O'Brien Award watchlist includes Auburn QB Byrum Brown

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Auburn quarterback Byrum Brown looks to do something this season that has not been done since 2010. That is, be the first Auburn passer to win one of the most prestigious awards in college football since Cam Newton did it.

On Thursday, Brown was named to the Davy O'Brien Award watchlist for the 2026 season. He was one of 30 quarterbacks who were named to the watchlist. Seven other quarterbacks from the SEC were also named, including Trinidad Chambliss (Ole Miss), Sam Leavitt (LSU), Arch Manning (Texas), John Mateer (Oklahoma), Marcel Reed (Texas A&M), and Gunner Stockton (Georgia). The award is given out each year to the best quarterback in college football. The 2025 winner was Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who also went on to win the Heisman Trophy and led the Hoosiers to a national championship.

Last season, Brown was named a finalist for the award. He belonged in the conversation after leading the South Florida Bulls to nine wins and scoring 42 total touchdowns. He also threw for 3,158 yards and rushed for 1,008 yards. When Newton won the award in 2010, he had 50 total touchdowns and 4,327 total yards. Some people have compared Brown to Newton due to his skillset and build. Those are lofty expectations for Brown to have going into the season. Newton's 2010 season ended with a national championship.

Bo Nix was the last Auburn quarterback to be named to the watchlist. He was named to the list after his freshman season in 2019. Jarrett Stidham was also on the watchlist in 2018. Neither of those quarterbacks was able to win the award and had disappointing seasons. Brown seems ready not to disappoint for his one season on the Plains.

The O'Brien Award preseason nod is the third for Brown, going along with his recognition from the Maxwell Award and the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.

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This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Davey O'Brien Award watchlist includes Auburn QB Byrum Brown

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