Brendan Sorsby Named to Manning Award Watch List; Corleone, Royer, Gerhardt Also Earn National Recognition

Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby has added another accolade to his growing list of honors, as he was named to the prestigious Manning Award watch list this week. This marks the third major award watch list recognition for the Bearcats’ standout signal caller ahead of the 2025 college football season, having already earned spots on the Maxwell Award and Davey O’Brien Award watch lists.

Sorsby, who transferred to Cincinnati ahead of the 2024 season, wasted no time establishing himself as one of the most dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks in the country. In his debut campaign with the Bearcats, he became the only FBS quarterback to record both a 425-yard passing game and a 125-yard rushing game in the same season — a rare and telling benchmark of his versatility and explosiveness.

Over the course of the 2024 season, Sorsby completed 249 of 389 pass attempts, a 64.0% completion rate, for 2,813 yards and 18 touchdowns. On the ground, he added 447 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, showcasing his ability to be just as dangerous with his legs as with his arm. His well-rounded performance placed him among just four FBS players last season to log at least 2,800 passing yards, 18 passing touchdowns, and nine rushing scores.

Sorsby's consistent efforts didn’t go unnoticed in the Big 12 either, as he earned Big 12 Newcomer of the Week honors twice during the season.

The Manning Award, created by the Allstate Sugar Bowl, is named in honor of quarterbacking legends Archie, Peyton, and Eli Manning. It remains unique among quarterback honors, as it is the only major award that factors in a player’s postseason performance in its final voting.

Meanwhile, the Bearcats have also seen several other key players earn national preseason recognition.

Defensive lineman Dontay Corleone was named to the Bednarik Award Watch List, which is presented annually to the nation’s best defensive player. Like Sorsby, it’s the third such preseason honor for Corleone, further cementing his status as one of the most dominant defenders in the country.

A two-time All-American, Corleone — affectionately known as “The Godfather” — is coming off his third consecutive all-conference season, having earned First Team All-Big 12 honors in 2024. The Cincinnati native and Colerain High School graduate tallied 26 tackles, 5.0 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks last season. His performance was all the more remarkable considering he overcame a serious health setback: a three-month recovery from blood clots that sidelined him during the offseason. Corleone returned to action on September 3 and made an immediate impact.

Tight end Joe Royer was named to the Mackey Award Watch List, given annually to the nation’s top tight end. Royer made a statement in his first season at UC, earning First Team All-Big 12 honors and breaking the program’s single-season record for receptions by a tight end with 50 — surpassing the 45 catches recorded by Travis Kelce in 2012. Royer’s 50 receptions totaled 521 yards and three touchdowns. He also led all Big 12 tight ends in both receptions and receiving yards last season, emerging as one of Sorsby’s most reliable targets.

Also drawing national attention is senior center Gavin Gerhardt, who was named to the Rimington Trophy Watch List, awarded annually to the nation’s top center. A two-time team captain, Gerhardt started all 12 games at center in 2024 and has made 36 career starts for the Bearcats. He anchored a line that helped running back Corey Kiner rush for his second consecutive 1,000-yard season. Gerhardt has been consistently rated as one of the top centers in the Big 12 over the past two seasons, according to Pro Football Focus.

While preseason recognition doesn't guarantee success, Cincinnati enters the 2025 season with momentum, talent, and veteran leadership on both sides of the ball. The Bearcats should be better positioned to contend in the Big 12 in year three under Scott Satterfield.