NEW ORLEANS – Texas State quarterback Brad Jackson was today named to the Manning Award Preseason Watch List, sponsored by the Allstate Sugar Bowl. Created by the Allstate Sugar Bowl, the Manning Award honors the college football accomplishments of Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning Family. It is the only major quarterback award that includes candidates' performances during the post season in determining their winner.
After a breakout redshirt-freshman season, Jackson returns for his sophomore campaign as one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in Texas State history. He earned Armed Forces Bowl MVP honors, while rewriting the program record book. Jackson finished the year with 3,968 yards of total offense and 38 touchdowns responsible for, both single-season school records, while his 305.2 yards of total offense per game also set a new program standard.
Jackson completed 71.3 percent of his passes (251-of-352) for 3,224 yards and 21 touchdowns. His completion percentage was the fifth-best mark in the nation, while his 164.0 passing efficiency ranked seventh nationally. His passing yardage total stands third on the Texas State single-season list.
On the ground, Jackson had 174 carries for 744 yards and found the end zone 17 times, establishing another Texas State single-season record. His 17 rushing touchdowns placed him fifth nationally.
This season, Jackson has already been recognized on watch lists for the Davey O'Brien Award, Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award, Allstate AFCA Good Works Team and Wuerffel Trophy as well as the Maxwell Award, presented annually to the outstanding player in college football.
Inclusion on the preseason Watch List is not required to win the Manning Award. Additional quarterbacks will be added, and a midseason watch list will be released in October. Finalists will be announced prior to the postseason, and the winner will be named following the College Football Playoff National Championship.
The official Manning Award Midseason Watch List will be released on Thursday, Nov. 5, and will contain active starting quarterbacks from the Preseason Watch List and players honored as weekly award winners through the season's first nine weeks of the season.
The winner, selected following the postseason by a voting panel that includes national media members, as well as each of the Mannings, will be announced after the College Football Playoff National Championship on January 27.
