LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels was one of 58 quarterbacks named to the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Watch List, the organization announced on Tuesday, presented annually to the top senior or upperclassman quarterback who is on track to graduate with their class.
This marks the second-straight season that Daniels was named to the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Preseason Watch List. Daniels has been named to several preseason watch lists entering the 2025 season, including the Walter Camp Player of the Year Watch List and Shrine Bowl 1000 Preseason Watch List. Daniels is one of nine Big 12 quarterbacks named to the Johnny Unitas Gold Arm Award Watch List.
Over his career, Daniels has completed 536-of-875 passing for 6,751 yards and 45 touchdowns. His 6,751 passing yards and 45 passing touchdowns rank second in program history. Daniels has also rushed for 1,043 career yards on 303 carries and 19 touchdowns.
In 2024, Daniels completed 171-of-300 passing for 2,454 yards and 14 touchdowns. Daniels served as a team captain and led the Jayhawks to three-straight ranked wins for the first time in program history. At the conclusion of the 2024 season, Daniels was named the Big 12 Conference Scholar Athlete of the Year, Kansas' first in program history.
Now in its 39th year, the Golden Arm Award continues to honor excellence both on and off the field. The award is presented by the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation in partnership with A. O. Smith Corporation, whose mission aligns with the Foundation’s commitment to advancing the game of football while promoting character, leadership, and academic achievement among young athletes.
As the 2025 college football season unfolds, the watch list will be narrowed to semifinalists, finalists and one standout quarterback will take home the Golden Arm Award in December. The winner will be celebrated at our annual Golden Arm Award ceremony at the Four Seasons Hotel in Johnny Unitas’ hometown of Baltimore—an unforgettable night honoring leadership, legacy, and the best in college football.