What to Look For in Davey O’Brien Preseason Watchlist Selections

By Dorrington Myers

The Davey O’Brien Memorial Trophy was originally awarded to the top player in the Southwestern states of Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas and was created following the death of Davey O'Brien, the 1938 Heisman Trophy winner and former TCU quarterback. Four years after its founding, the award was extended to include all states and limited to just quarterbacks. Today, the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award is the nation’s most prestigious award for a quarterback.

O’Brien was named to thirteen All-America teams. He was the first player to win the Heisman, Maxwell, and Walter Camp trophies in the same year. He was the first quarterback to win the Heisman for the position in 1938. O'Brien was also the first Heisman winner from both TCU and the Southwest Conference. What he's done is nothing short of spectacular. O’Brien has set a precedent that the winners after him can use and it’s proven.

This award highlights individuals who embody Davey O’Brien’s character and demonstrate teamwork, sportsmanship, and leadership in both the classroom and on the field. Over the past 40 years, the award has honored many of the most notable players in college football history. Some of whom have gone on to have solid careers at the next level.

Past winners:

2023 Jayden Daniels

2022 Max Duggan

2021 Bryce Young

2020 Mac Jones

2019 Joe Burrow

2018 Kyler Murray

2024 Candidates:

Jalon Daniels, Kansas

2023 Overview:

a season ended too early by injury, Daniels had already been on a roll until that very moment. He amassed 705 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception. It proves that he's more than capable of being an impact player.

2024 expectations:

This is Daniels' time to put on a show. Can he finish an entire season? If so, I wouldn't be surprised to see his name mentioned in the Heisman race. Daniels is one of the most explosive players in the country. Through the air and on the ground, prepare to be amazed. If he stays healthy, Daniels will put up big numbers.

Quinn Ewers, Texas

2023 Overview:

Becoming the starting quarterback for Texas is no easy accomplishment, It's earned. Ewers is a player that displayed some impressive skill. He went 69%, 3,479, 22 touchdowns, and six interceptions. He also added five rushing touchdowns.

2024 Expectations:

For Ewers and company, the goal is national championship or nothing at all. Finishing the job should be the motto. Ewers is very good, there's no doubting that. Limiting the risks on his throws and taking what the defense gives him, will elevate him rather quickly. There are a few guys that are Heisman candidates, and Ewers is one of those guys . This also has the making of a special season if he can put it all together.

Dillon Gabriel, Oregon

2023 Overview:

Gabriel is a guy that's absolutely dynamic and a coach's quarterback. He went 69.3%, 3,660 yards, 30 touchdowns, and six interceptions. He added 12 rushing touchdowns which is insane for a quarterback.

2024 Expectations:

As one of the Heisman front runners, Gabriel is ready to dominate on the field. The doubters would say that he lacks in stature compared to other signal callers (6'0" 200) but he plays big. I expect his numbers to further improve as he will be a focal point in the explosive Oregon offense.

Seth Henigan, Memphis

2023 Overview:

Henigan had himself a decent campaign with Memphis. He proved to be impactful both through the air and on the ground. He went 66.8%, 3,883 yards, 32 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. He added five rushing touchdowns to his stat line.

2024 Expectations:

I expect Henigan to set himself up to be drafted. He has what it takes to play at a high level. I expect his yards per attempt to increase as well and we'll see more mobility from him this season.

Will Howard, Ohio State

2023 Overview:

Howard put on an absolute show of finesse. He was a major impact player on the ground and through the air while at Kansas State. He went 61.3%, 2,643 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. He added nine rushing touchdowns.

2024 Expectations:

Howard entered the portal, ultimately landing at Ohio State. The Buckeyes got a guy that can push the offense to that next level. I believe that he will be the missing piece to the championship run. The receiving core is one of the best in the country, so Howard has multiple guys who can make plays. He'll elevate for big games too, so he'll shine on the national stage.

Cade Klubnik, Clemson

2023 Overview:

63.9%, 2,844 yards, 19 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. He added four rushing touchdowns to that total.

2024 Expectations:

I anticipate Klubnik sharpening his precision with the deep ball, threading it effortlessly into the hands of his receivers. His pocket awareness? Expect it to evolve, as he dances around the defense, evading pressure with the grace of a seasoned veteran.

Grayson McCall, NC State

2023 Overview:

Only appearing in seven games due to injury, McCall was on a roll. He went 67.4%, 1,919 yards, 10 touchdowns, and six interceptions. He added one rushing touchdown.

2024 Expectations:

McCall is pro ready. I expect this NC State offense to be in the top five nationally. McCall will be the guy to have a breakout season.

Cameron Rising, Utah

2023 Overview:

Was injured in 2023, but had a decent season in 2022, amassing 64.7%, 3,034 yards, 26 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.

2024 Expectations:

One of the most experienced players in the country will only help Rising lead the Utah offense. They could be a playoff team if all goes according to plan.

E.J. Warner, Rice

2023 Overview:

57.5%, 3,076 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He added six rushing touchdowns.

2024 Expectations:

With Warner, there's no secret to where he gets his pedigree. He's good regardless, but his dad being Kurt Warner only helps. His arm strength would be the number one concern but that can be developed over time. He would be a decent draft prospect with more time behind center.

Dequan Finn, Baylor

2023 Overview:

63.4%, 2,657 yards, 22 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. He added seven rushing touchdowns.

2024 Expectations:

Improved consistency and accuracy will put Finn in the spotlight for scouts to see. He's in the perfect offense for his skill set as a dynamic dual-threat.

Carson Beck, Georgia

2023 Overview:

72.4%, 3,941 yards, 24 touchdowns, and six interceptions. He added four rushing touchdowns.

2024 Expectations:

Can Beck do this on a consistent basis? If so, he'll solidify himself as a high draft pick in the upcoming draft. Beck will be more poised under pressure, which always comes with experience. He's right on time.

Nico Iamaleava, Tennessee

2023 Overview:

Appearing in five games, he amassed 62.2%, 314 yards, and two touchdowns. He added three rushing touchdowns.

2024 expectations:

My dark horse for Heisman, Iamaleava will give defensive coordinators nightmares at night. His running ability will open up passing opportunities, and Nico can spin it. He may also be one of my front runners for SEC offenensive player of the year and is a top breakout candidate .

Jalen Milroe, Alabama

2023 Overview:

65.8%, 2,834 yards, 23 touchdowns, and six interceptions. He added 12 rushing touchdowns.

2024 Expectations:

The biggest question marks have been decision-making and accuracy. He went to work in the offseason, so I expect to see an improved passer. Milroe will be a highly sought-after NFL prospect if all goes according to plan.

Brady Cook, Missouri

2023 Overview:

66.1%, 3,317 yards, 21 touchdowns, and six interceptions. He added eight rushing touchdowns.

2024 expectations:

Improved field vision and consistency are the two things that will take his game to the next level. Otherwise, he's a gamer. This would be a solid pick for multiple NFL franchises.

Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss

2023 Overview:

65.1%, 3,364 yards, 23 touchdowns, and five interceptions. He added eight rushing touchdowns.

2024 expectations:

There's a lot to like about Dart. Once he becomes more consistent with his decision-making, teams might be lining up to see what he can do for their franchise in the near future. This will be a live tryout of sorts as the season goes on. I expect an explosive offense for the Rebels.

Kyle McCord, Syracuse

2023 Overview:

65.8%, 3,170 yards, 24 touchdowns, and six interceptions. Started all 12 regular season games for Ohio State.

2024 expectations:

New team and a new conference after being ran out of Columbus. Can McCord do it again? I think the concern is his consistency. Once McCord masters his field awareness and decision-making skills, he could present himself as a notable NFL prospect.

Kaidon Salter, Liberty

2023 Overview:

61%, 2,876 yards, 32 touchdowns, and six interceptions. He added 12 rushing touchdowns.

2024 Expectations:

Kaidon Salter is that guy.  His dual-threat ability makes him an ideal fit for the Liberty offense. With improvements in consistency, accuracy, and decision-making, Salter has the opportunity to distinguish himself and potentially catch the eye of multiple NFL teams.

Shedeur Sanders, Colorado

2023 Overview:

69.3%, 3,230 yards, 27 touchdowns, and three interceptions. He added four rushing touchdowns.

2024 expectations:

With a beefed-up offensive line, how will he hold up? I expect Sanders to be more aware of the pocket and take way less sacks than what he did last season. His athleticism won’t wow you but he is surgical through the air when he's in rhythm.

DJ Uiagalelei, Florida State

2023 Overview:

57.1%, 2,638 yards, 21 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He added six rushing touchdowns.

2024 expectations:

I expect major improvement with accuracy and decision-making. Better pocket presence will serve him well too. Despite his up-and-down performances, Uiagalelei is still as good as the best quarterback out there. I wouldn't count him out.

Jordan McCloud, Texas State

2023 overview:

68.2%, 3,657 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. He added eight rushing touchdowns.

2024 expectations:

I forsee McCloud becoming better all around. Improved decision-making under pressure, and consistent with the deep pass. The Texas State move could be the best one yet with G.J. Kinne's explosive offense.

Avery Johnson, Kansas State

2023 Overview:

Appearing in eight games, he amassed 56.1%, 479 yards, and five touchdowns. He added seven rushing touchdowns.

2024 expectations:

Equal impact through the air and on the ground. Teams will have to put him on their scouting reports. Will he solidify himself as a consistent passer? I believe that he will, with a full season under his belt after appearing as a rushing threat last season.

Noah Fifita, Arizona

2023 Overview:

Simply put, surgical. Fifita went 72.4%, 2,869 yards, 25 this touchdowns, and six interceptions. His play style is very unique. He can spin the ball.

2024 expectations:

Big-time throws, clutch plays—Fifita is poised to redefine what it means to be a quarterback. His critics might question his frame (5'10" 194), but history shows us that some of the game’s legends stood under six feet tall. Fifita is ready to silence the doubters and prove that greatness isn’t measured in inches.

Drew Allar, Penn State

2023 Overview:

Allar is a guy that you can trust with the football, he just gets it. Protect the ball and put points on the board. This season was his chance to give everyone a preview of what the following season would look like. Allar was outstanding, going 59.9%, 2,631 yards, 25 touchdowns, and only two interceptions. On the ground, he put up four touchdowns as well.

2024 Expectations:

This is the year of the Nittany Lion. With Allar taking the reins full-time, expect him to light up the scoreboard with jaw-dropping numbers. His mastery of the midrange game, coupled with his knack for protecting the football, sets the stage for something special. And with a roster loaded with talented skill players, Allar could very well lead the Lions on a deep run into the college football playoffs. The time for Allar and Penn State is now or never.

Jackson Arnold, Oklahoma

2023 Overview:

Arnold played sparingly during his freshman campaign, showing promise. He had a stat line of  63.8%, 563 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions. The one stat to pay attention to is his yards per attempt, which sits at an excellent 8.2. This tells you that he's capable of moving the ball whenever needed. Arnold also showed a little bit of his mobility.

2024 Expectations:

There’s nothing Arnold can’t do on the field. His ability to stretch the field with pinpoint accuracy is something special, and his mobility adds another lethal dimension. Expect Arnold to be the centerpiece of his team’s offensive strategy, driving the action with every snap. This season could very well see him in serious Heisman contention. Arnold is primed for greatness.

Conclusion

There are multiple signal callers who are solid, it’s nearly impossible to highlight just one. Each quarterback brings something unique to the table. The winner of this prestigious award might not even be on this list, which speaks to the incredible depth of talent at the position. This list is randomized because there are simply too many outstanding signal-callers to rank definitively. Every student-athlete deserves recognition, and this season promises to be one for the ages.