The Manning Award, presented annually by the Allstate Sugar Bowl, is the zenith of quarterback recognition. Unlike other quarterback awards, it is the only one in college football that counts postseason performances in its voting, making it one of the most complete measures.
The award was created 2004 to honor the legendary Archie, Peyton, and Eli Manning. A national media panel and the Manning family select the winner each year. Over the years, it has recognized some of the game’s greatest college passers. It has become a tradition that blends college glory with NFL potential.
This season’s preseason Watch List has its share of familiar and rising stars. However, the bigger headline is perhaps the name that did not make it to the list.
QB DJ Lagway Snubbed From Manning Award Watchlist
The Manning Award has been a kingmaker for college quarterbacks for two decades. It has had names like Jayden Daniels, Stetson Bennett, Bryce Young, Joe Burrow, Mac Jones, Johnny Manziel, Cam Newton, JaMarcus Russell, and Tim Tebow winning. Almost all of them went in the first round of the NFL Draft.
Colt McCoy was a rare exception, landing in the third round, and Stetson Bennett in the fourth. Deshaun Watson even pulled off the rare double, winning twice in 2015 and 2016. This year, when the 27-man Watch List dropped, it read like a who’s who of 2025 QB contenders with Drew Allar from Penn State, Cade Klubnik from Clemson, Garrett Nussmeier from LSU, Avery Johnson from Kansas State, and more.
The SEC, Big 12, and ACC came loaded, with the Big 12 leading the way with seven names. However, DJ Lagway was not seen on the list. That’s surprising, because Lagway didn’t blend into the crowd last year.
🏆The Manning Award, presented by the @Allstate #SugarBowl
👀 2025 Watch List pic.twitter.com/eK45Z9Y0RF
— Manning Award (@ManningAward) August 14, 2025
The Florida freshman played in 12 games and started seven. Lagway went 6-1 in those starts. He threw for 1,915 yards on 59.9% passing, with 12 touchdowns and nine interceptions, while adding over 100 yards on the ground. Lagway tied with Chris Leak’s record for the most wins by a Florida true freshman quarterback.
Lagway even had some brilliant moments on the field. In a game against Samford, Lagway exploded for 456 passing yards, a UF true freshman record. When Florida played against No. 21 LSU, Lagway became the first true freshman to beat a ranked opponent at home. He even earned the SEC Freshman of the Week honours.
DJ Lagway in the Florida Gators locker room after going for 456 yards and three touchdowns in his first collegiate start as a FRESHMAN.
📺 SEC Football: Any Given Saturday is now playing. pic.twitter.com/ivjdTBxaGb
— Netflix (@netflix) August 8, 2025
And when bowl season came around, he carved up Tulane for 305 yards to become the Gasparilla Bowl’s first-ever 300-yard passer. Despite all the statistics, the truth is that Lagway did not make the list. However, not all hope is lost just yet.
Archie Manning noted that transfers and newcomers aren’t on the preseason Watch List, with more names added later in the season. “In October, we’ll review the transfers and other newcomers and then boost the Watch List with the best from that group,” said Manning.
While the Manning Award has snubbed Lagway for now, ESPN’s 40 most important players in college football in 2025 list puts him at No.12. However, they did warn that for Lagway to keep up his performance and stay on the list, he will have to return to the field healthy.
DJ Lagway’s entered concerning territory pic.twitter.com/c6KxUJ55eR
— Brooks Austin (@BrooksAustinBA) July 30, 2025
Lagway has been dealing with a calf strain throughout fall camp and wearing a walking boot. In fact, Billy Napier has not been able to give a timeline for his return. Unfortunately, Lagway had to miss spring training, too, after undergoing a sports hernia surgery. The injuries could also be why he was left off the Manning watchlist.
Last season, Lagway also strained his hamstring during a game against Georgia, which led to him missing the game against Texas. However, he did return to help Florida win the last four games.
All hope is not lost just yet. IF there is one thing that last season proved, it is that Lagway has a knack for turning doubt into numbers. And if his history is testimony, the Manning Award might have no choice but to take notice once he gets back on the field.
