John Constantine Unitas and his “The Golden Arm” nickname lend their name to the award for the top upperclassman quarterback in college football. The Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award has been awarded since 1987, with winners judged against on-field accomplishments, academic achievement, and leadership qualities.
We have them all listed by year below.
Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Winners Listed by Year
- 2023 – Jayden Daniels, LSU
- 2022 – Max Duggan, TCU
- 2021 – Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh
- 2020 – Mac Jones, Alabama
- 2019 – Joe Burrow, LSU
- 2018 – Gardner Minshew, Washington State
- 2017 – Mason Rudolph, Oklahoma State
- 2016 – Deshaun Watson, Clemson
- 2015 – Connor Cook, Michigan State
- 2014 – Marcus Mariota, Oregon
- 2013 – A.J. McCarron, Alabama
- 2012 – Collin Klein, Kansas State
- 2011 – Andrew Luck, Stanford
- 2010 – Scott Tolzien, Wisconsin
- 2009 – Colt McCoy, Texas
- 2008 – Graham Harrell, Texas Tech
- 2007 – Matt Ryan, Boston College
- 2006 – Brady Quinn, Notre Dame
- 2005 – Matt Leinart, USC
- 2004 – Jason White, Oklahoma
- 2003 – Eli Manning, Ole Miss
- 2002 – Carson Palmer, USC
- 2001 – David Carr, Fresno State
- 2000 – Chris Weinke, Florida State
- 1999 – Chris Redman, Louisville
- 1998 – Cade McNown, UCLA
- 1997 – Peyton Manning, Tennessee
- 1996 – Danny Wuerffel, Florida
- 1995 – Tommie Frazier, Nebraska
- 1994 – Jay Barker, Alabama
- 1993 – Charlie Ward, Florida State
- 1992 – Gino Torretta, Miami (FL)
- 1991 – Casey Weldon, Florida State
- 1990 – Craig Erickson, Miami (FL)
- 1989 – Tony Rice, Notre Dame
- 1988 – Rodney Peete, USC
- 1987 – Don McPherson, Syracuse