University of Houston Athletics
Smith Recognized on Manning Award Preseason Watch List
8/15/2024 9:59:00 AM | Football
Signal caller honored among nation’s elite quarterbacks entering senior season
HOUSTON – University of Houston senior Donovan Smith has been recognized among college football's top quarterbacks entering the 2024 season with his inclusion on the Manning Award Preseason Watch List, presented by the Allstate Sugar Bowl, announced Thursday.
This season's preseason list recognized 29 quarterbacks. The winner will again be selected by a voting panel, which includes national media and each of the Mannings, after the postseason.
Smith, a Las Vegas native, has been among the nation's elite dual-threat quarterbacks during his career. Smith is one of six active Power 4 quarterbacks with 15+ rush touchdowns and 40+ passing touchdowns since 2021. His six games with a 75% completion rate (min. 15 attempts) since 2021 rank fifth nationally among active Power 4 QBs and his 15 deep-pass TDs (20+ yards) since 2021 rank second among current Big 12 Conference signal callers.
In 2023, Smith completed 256 of 397 passes for 2,801 yards and 22 touchdowns. His 64.5 completion % ranked third in the Big 12. In 2023, Smith became one of four UH quarterbacks (Case Keenum, Clayton Tune and Greg Ward Jr.) in last 20 years with 250+ completions, 2,500+ passing yards, 20+ passing touchdowns and 5+ rushing scores in a single season.
The Manning Award was created by the Allstate Sugar Bowl in honor of the college football accomplishments of Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning. It is the only quarterback award that includes the candidates' postseason performances in its balloting.
The Big 12 and SEC led the way with six selections, followed by the ACC with five. In its first 20 years, the Manning Award has recognized the top names in college football.
Smith and the Cougars open their season two weeks from Saturday when they welcome UNLV to TDECU Stadium for a 6 p.m. kickoff on Aug. 31. Tickets are available for as low as $15 by clicking here.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Football by purchasing season tickets, supporting LinkingCoogs – UH's very own NIL collective and by joining 46ers and The Huddle which provides financial support directly to Houston Football for needs beyond its operating budget.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarFB on X, formerly known as Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at Houston Cougar Football. Fans can also follow the team on Instagram at uhcougarfb.
This season's preseason list recognized 29 quarterbacks. The winner will again be selected by a voting panel, which includes national media and each of the Mannings, after the postseason.
Smith, a Las Vegas native, has been among the nation's elite dual-threat quarterbacks during his career. Smith is one of six active Power 4 quarterbacks with 15+ rush touchdowns and 40+ passing touchdowns since 2021. His six games with a 75% completion rate (min. 15 attempts) since 2021 rank fifth nationally among active Power 4 QBs and his 15 deep-pass TDs (20+ yards) since 2021 rank second among current Big 12 Conference signal callers.
In 2023, Smith completed 256 of 397 passes for 2,801 yards and 22 touchdowns. His 64.5 completion % ranked third in the Big 12. In 2023, Smith became one of four UH quarterbacks (Case Keenum, Clayton Tune and Greg Ward Jr.) in last 20 years with 250+ completions, 2,500+ passing yards, 20+ passing touchdowns and 5+ rushing scores in a single season.
The Manning Award was created by the Allstate Sugar Bowl in honor of the college football accomplishments of Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning. It is the only quarterback award that includes the candidates' postseason performances in its balloting.
The Big 12 and SEC led the way with six selections, followed by the ACC with five. In its first 20 years, the Manning Award has recognized the top names in college football.
Smith and the Cougars open their season two weeks from Saturday when they welcome UNLV to TDECU Stadium for a 6 p.m. kickoff on Aug. 31. Tickets are available for as low as $15 by clicking here.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Football by purchasing season tickets, supporting LinkingCoogs – UH's very own NIL collective and by joining 46ers and The Huddle which provides financial support directly to Houston Football for needs beyond its operating budget.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarFB on X, formerly known as Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at Houston Cougar Football. Fans can also follow the team on Instagram at uhcougarfb.
– UHCougars.com –
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