As college football programs prepare for their “November to Remember,” several quarterbacks are distinguishing themselves in the race for postseason honors. The Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation, in collaboration with the A.O. Smith Corporation, has announced its top 10 quarterbacks for the 2025 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. This prestigious accolade is awarded to the top upperclassman quarterback in college football who not only demonstrates exceptional skills on the field but also embodies excellence in character and leadership.
John Unitas Jr., President of the Golden Arm Educational Foundation, stated, “This group has shown tremendous growth and leadership throughout the season. They’ve proven themselves as not only outstanding quarterbacks, but as true representatives of what the Golden Arm Award stands for — excellence on the field and character off it.”
Among this year’s top 10 finalists, three players come from the SEC: Vanderbilt‘s Diego Pavia, Texas A&M‘s Marcel Reed and Georgia‘s Gunner Stockton.
Pavia has been instrumental in leading the Commodores to a 7-1 record and their highest ranking at No.7 since 1937. He has completed 139 passes for 1,698 yards and 15 touchdowns while also rushing for 458 yards and five touchdowns.
Reed’s rising across all facets of his game has propelled the No.3 Aggies to an undefeated record of 8-0, including significant road victories at Notre Dame and LSU. He has thrown for 1,972 yards and 17 touchdowns while adding 349 rushing yards and six touchdowns.
The steadfast Stockton has led the No. 5 Bulldogs to 601 in their quest for another national title. With a dual-threat capability evidenced by his passing stats (1,553 yards) and rushing totals (279 yards), he showcased his resilience during a thrilling come-from-behind victory against Ole Miss with a final score of 43-35.
Stockton, Reed, and Pavia are joined by fellow finalists:
– Brendan Sorsby, Cincinnati
– Miller Moss, Louisville
– Darian Mensah, Duke
– Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
– Haynes King, Georgia Tech
– Josh Hoover, TCU
– Carson Beck, Miami
The winner of the Golden Arm Award will be announced later this year during the annual award ceremony in Baltimore, Maryland.
Lee Ann joins the Saturday Down South team, bringing over fifteen years of experience covering the SEC as both a sports journalist and football scout. With her keen eye for talent, she has also flexes her skills as the Director of Recruiting for the Rebel Walk( Ole Miss) Herring, is a staff writer at USA Today Sports Wildcats Wire, where she dives into the thrilling world of Kentucky football and basketball. When fall rolls around, you can catch her on air as an analyst for the Wake up 502 College Football Show on Big X Sports Radio 96.1 FM—because who doesn't love a good game day chat? A proud Brown University alum, Lee Ann balances her time between the sidelines and press box with her passion for coaching her boys' youth lacrosse and savoring a fine glass of bourbon alongside a good cigar. So, whether she's dissecting plays or rallying the next generation of athletes, Lee Ann is your spirited insider ready to tackle all things SEC!
