Utah QB Devon Dampier make top 15 cut for Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
Utah Utes QB Devon Dampier made the top 15 cut for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, according to a press release on Thursday.
The Top 15 candidates for the 2026 Golden Arm Award were announced, narrowing the field as the college football season moves deeper into conference play. Dampier has been one of the best in the Big 12 this season. He has thrown for 896 yards with 11 total touchdowns and an interception in four games.
Dampier has been a steady conductor for the Utes, who rank in the top 15 nationally for yards per game (491.3) and points per game (43.3). The former New Mexico transfer is a major reason why Utah is one of the most efficient teams.
The Golden Arm Award recognizes 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.
The 15 quarterbacks now advance from the original 27-player Watch List and represent programs from across the country. They continued to distinguish themselves through their performance, leadership and contributions to their teams during the 2026 season. The original Watch List was announced Aug. 19 and was selected under the Golden Arm Award's refined eligibility criteria for the 2026 season.
The 2026 Golden Arm Award Top 15
Rocco Becht, Penn State
CJ Carr, Notre Dame
Devon Dampier, Utah
Noah Fifita, Arizona
Kevin Jennings, SMU
Avery Johnson, Kansas State
Sam Leavitt, LSU
Jayden Maiava, USC
Arch Manning, Texas
Drew Mestemaker, Oklahoma State
Dante Moore, Oregon
Julian Sayin, Ohio State
Gunner Stockton, Georgia
Conner Weigman, Houston
Demond Williams Jr., Washington
The Top 15 includes quarterbacks who have produced standout performances throughout the opening weeks of the season. Dampier is one of five Big 12 passers on the list. Arizona's Noah Fifita became the Wildcats' all-time career passing leader in September, while Kansas State's Avery Johnson has maintained his level of play this season. Drew Mestemaker has been one of the bright spots in Oklahoma State's rebuild. Conner Weigman is a huge contributor for No. 22 Houston and has them in a great postion to be a dark horse in the Big 12 race.
The field will continue to narrow in the coming weeks before finalists are selected, and one quarterback is named the 2026 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award recipient. The winner will be celebrated at the annual Golden Arm Award ceremony in Baltimore on Wednesday, Dec. 9.
More Utah Utes football news
American Fork QB Jake Matsen Impressed by Utah offense after visit
Five takeaways from Utah football's shutout win over Iowa State
Joel Klatt names Utah football as Playoff sleeper outside the Top 10
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos