Full Breakdown
Manning Passing Academy Highlights Top College Quarterbacks
7/1/2026, 1:04:38 PM
Core Event: Elite Quarterbacks at the 30th Manning Passing Academy
June 25-28, 2025, the 30th Manning Passing Academy was held at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana. The camp featured Notre Dame’s CJ Carr, NC State’s CJ Bailey, Ohio State’s Julian Sayin, USC’s Jayden Maiava, Arch Manning. Participants completed drills.
Background & Context: Purpose of the Camp
The academy showcases top signal-callers, provides instruction. No official MVP trophy is awarded, but media often name a standout.
Key Performers: Carr, Bailey, Sayin, and Maiava
McShay named CJ Carr the most impressive player, citing consistency and footwork. CJ Bailey’s 6-foot-6 frame and refined mechanics earned an On3 top-performers spot. Julian Sayin showed deep-ball accuracy and a larger frame after a Big Ten loss. USC’s Jayden Maiava served as a counselor, and fell off the list.
Data & Statistics: Production and Rankings
Bailey entered after a junior season of 3,105 yards, 25 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. Carr was selected first for almost every drill, as MVP. The “MPA Standouts” list placed Arch Manning at No. 5, Sayin at No. 9, and omitted Maiava.
Official Statements & Responses: Analyst and Host Feedback
McShay praised Carr’s “repetitive, repeatable form, mechanics” and likened his rhythm to NFL greats. He also highlighted Bailey’s “thicker” build. Peyton and Eli Manning led a session where Carr demonstrated passing to high-school participants.
Criticism & Opposition: Assessment of Maiava’s Performance
CBS Sports analyst Cooper Petagna called Maiava “somewhat of a mechanical thrower,” noting it “doesn’t jump out of his hand” and he “struggles to generate consistent velocity”.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps: MVP Designation and Mechanical Evaluations
The camp lacks an official MVP award, contrasting with McShay’s endorsement of Carr as top performer. McShay also noted that Bailey’s mechanics differed from earlier observations, indicating divergent assessments.
Verbatim Quotes
- “CJ Carr, Notre Dame. Wasn't even close. Wasn't even close,” — Todd McShay
- “Somewhat of a mechanical thrower, the ball doesn't jump out of his hand -- especially when surrounded by peers -- and he can struggle to generate consistent velocity into the intermediate and deep parts of the field,” — Cooper Petagna
- “He was accurate and got the ball out quickly throughout the throwing competition to barely miss the finals. Bailey put his 18-yard comeback in the right spot earlier in the night, and he had plenty of arm strength on the deep balls. As he enters his third year as a starter, he wants to lift NC State into the ACC title race.” — Wilson Alexander
- “I’m fired up,” McShay said.” — Todd McShay
What’s Next: Upcoming Seasons and Draft Outlook
Carr returns to Notre Dame for his sophomore year. Bailey enters his junior season at NC State, aiming to lead the Wolfpack to an ACC title and boost his stock. Maiava will finish his final season at USC, and analysts say his camp showing may lower his 2026 projection.
