ORLANDO – UCF football quarterback Alonza Barnett III has earned yet another preseason honor as he was one of 40 quarterbacks named to the Manning Award Preseason Watch List, sponsored by the Allstate Sugar Bowl.
Barnett has now been named to a handful of watch lists this preseason, earning nods to the Maxwell, Davey O’Brien and Manning awards while also being named to the Shriners Children’s 1,000 Watch List.
Created by the Allstate Sugar Bowl, the Manning Award honors the college football accomplishments of Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning Family. It is the only major quarterback award that includes candidates' performances during the post season in determining their winner.
After leading James Madison to the College Football Playoff in 2025, Barnett joins the Knights out of the transfer portal for his final season of collegiate football. The rising redshirt senior was named Sun Belt Player of the Year after his remarkable 2025 campaign. He threw for 2,806 yards and 23 touchdowns while adding 589 yards on the ground with 15 touchdowns. The Whitsett, N.C. native has compiled 72 touchdowns throughout his impressive career, tallying 49 via the pass and 23 by way of the run.
Barnett is the only Big 12 Conference quarterback with prior College Football Playoff experience. He spun two touchdowns and scrambled for another in the playoff game against the then-No. 5 Ducks in Autzen Stadium.
The last Knight to grace the Manning Award Watch List was Dillion Gabriel in 2019 and 2020.
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