Full Breakdown
2025 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Watch List Highlights Top Quarterbacks
8/23/2025, 2:40:54 PM
Overview of the Award and Notable Selections
The Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, now in its 39th season, recognizes the top senior or upperclassman quarterback in college football. The 2025 Watch List features 58 quarterbacks, with notable selections from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), including Boston College's Grayson James, Clemson's Cade Klubnik, and Georgia Tech's Haynes King.
Key Quarterbacks on the Watch List
Grayson James, the Boston College quarterback, is entering his second season with the Eagles after transferring from Florida International University (FIU). In 2024, he started five of six games, completing 106 of 166 passes for 1,202 yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions. Despite losing the starting position for the 2025 season opener to Alabama transfer Dylan Lonergan, head coach Bill O’Brien indicated that both quarterbacks would receive playing time.
Joining James on the Watch List are other prominent quarterbacks from the ACC, including Cade Klubnik (Clemson), Darian Mensah (Duke), and Haynes King (Georgia Tech). King has made a significant impact at Georgia Tech, ranking among the top ten quarterbacks nationally, with impressive statistics that include 4,956 passing yards and 41 touchdown passes over two seasons.
Additional Noteworthy Players
Other quarterbacks recognized on the 2025 Watch List include Carson Beck from Miami, who has a notable NIL valuation of $4.3 million, and Diego Pavia from Vanderbilt, who was the SEC Newcomer of the Year in 2024. Pavia's performance included leading Vanderbilt to significant victories over ranked teams, including Alabama.
The list also features Conner Weigman from Houston, who has been named to multiple award watch lists, including the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. Weigman is expected to make a strong impact following his transfer from Texas A&M.
Official Statements & Responses
Boston College head coach Bill O’Brien expressed confidence in both Grayson James and Dylan Lonergan, stating, “They’re both good. They’re both gonna play.” This sentiment reflects the competitive nature of the quarterback position within the team.
Criticism & Opposition
While the Watch List celebrates the achievements of these quarterbacks, some analysts question the depth of talent in the ACC compared to other conferences, such as the Big 12, which had seven selections on the Manning Award Watch List. Critics argue that the ACC's representation may not fully capture the breadth of quarterback talent available in college football.
What's Next
As the 2025 college football season approaches, these quarterbacks will have the opportunity to showcase their skills and potentially elevate their teams to new heights. The season opener for many teams, including Boston College and Georgia Tech, is set for late August, where these players will begin their quest for the prestigious Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.
Verbatim Quotes
“Now, we won’t alternate them. One guy will start, but there may be other things that whoever the backup is can do.” — Bill O’Brien, Head Coach, Boston College
“Diego, we don’t talk about self-preservation. But we need to build ways in our system that do protect him.” — Clark Lea, Head Coach, Vanderbilt
“Conner is really excited for this fresh start.” — Willie Fritz, Head Coach, Houston Cougars
