Mensah Named to Manning Award Watch List
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – University of Miami quarterback Darian Mensah was named to the 2026 Manning Award Preseason Watch List, the Allstate Sugar Bowl announced Monday.
Mensah is one of 40 quarterbacks on the preseason list and one of six representatives from the ACC.
The San Luis Obispo, California, native arrived at Miami after a standout 2025 season. Mensah started 14 games for the Blue Devils and completed 334 of 500 passes for 3,973 yards and 34 touchdowns against six interceptions.
Mensah guided Duke to the ACC title and earned Most Valuable Player honors in the conference championship game. He was also named MVP of the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl, earned All-ACC Second Team recognition and finished as a semifinalist for the Davey O’Brien Award.
Created by the Allstate Sugar Bowl, the Manning Award honors the college football accomplishments of Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning. It is the only major quarterback award that considers postseason performance when selecting its winner.
Mensah will look to follow former Miami quarterback Cam Ward, who received the Manning Award following the 2024 season.
The award’s midseason watch list will be announced Nov. 5. Finalists will be selected before the postseason, with the winner scheduled to be announced after the College Football Playoff National Championship.
