University of Memphis Athletics
Oct 23, 2026 | Football
NEW ORLEANS – University of Memphis quarterback Marcus Stokes was one of 15 signal callers added to the Manning Award Watch List, the Allstate Sugar Bowl announced Friday.
The Manning Award was created by the Allstate Sugar Bowl in 2004 to honor the college football accomplishments of Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning. It is the only quarterback award that includes the candidates' bowl performances in its balloting. Since the Manning Award began recognizing Stars of the Week in 2011, over 600 different quarterbacks from 138 schools have been recognized.
Stokes, who was a Manning Award Star of the Week on Oct. 5 after Memphis' 59-8 win over Charlotte, has excelled in his first season with the Tigers. The redshirt junior has led Memphis to having the sixth-ranked total offense (508.3) in the nation, the most first downs (200) at the FBS level and the eighth-highest team passing efficiency (174.1) in all of college football en route to becoming bowl eligible after last night's overtime win over East Carolina.
Entering the week 11th in passing yards and within the top 10 in passing touchdowns, Stokes has moved into second place in the FBS with 2,161 passing yards and 21 touchdowns, sitting behind Oregon State's Braden Atkinson in both categories. He also ranks in the top 20 in passing yards per completion, passing efficiency, points responsible for and total offense.
After last night's game against East Carolina, Stokes has four games with at least 300 yards passing and multiple touchdowns in seven of eight games this season. He also added his first two rushing touchdowns of his 2026 campaign in the win, including the game-winning touchdown in overtime.
UP NEXT
Memphis (6-2, 3-1 American) goes back to a Saturday schedule, hosting Army (4-2, 3-1 American) on Oct. 31 at 7 p.m. on ESPNU. The Golden Knights are on the road at Tulsa before they travel to Memphis.
BUY TICKETS NOW
Single-game tickets can be purchased online at THIS LINK or by calling the Memphis Ticket Office at (901) 678-2331. For group tickets and experiences, please contact the Memphis Ticket Office at (901) 678-2331.
For premium seating experiences, please contact the Memphis Athletic Fund at MAFpremium@memphis.edu.
HOW TO FOLLOW THE TIGERS: For complete information on Memphis Tigers Football, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
MANNING AWARD WATCH LIST ADDITIONS
The Manning Award was created by the Allstate Sugar Bowl in 2004 to honor the college football accomplishments of Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning. It is the only quarterback award that includes the candidates' bowl performances in its balloting. Since the Manning Award began recognizing Stars of the Week in 2011, over 600 different quarterbacks from 138 schools have been recognized.
Stokes, who was a Manning Award Star of the Week on Oct. 5 after Memphis' 59-8 win over Charlotte, has excelled in his first season with the Tigers. The redshirt junior has led Memphis to having the sixth-ranked total offense (508.3) in the nation, the most first downs (200) at the FBS level and the eighth-highest team passing efficiency (174.1) in all of college football en route to becoming bowl eligible after last night's overtime win over East Carolina.
Entering the week 11th in passing yards and within the top 10 in passing touchdowns, Stokes has moved into second place in the FBS with 2,161 passing yards and 21 touchdowns, sitting behind Oregon State's Braden Atkinson in both categories. He also ranks in the top 20 in passing yards per completion, passing efficiency, points responsible for and total offense.
After last night's game against East Carolina, Stokes has four games with at least 300 yards passing and multiple touchdowns in seven of eight games this season. He also added his first two rushing touchdowns of his 2026 campaign in the win, including the game-winning touchdown in overtime.
UP NEXT
Memphis (6-2, 3-1 American) goes back to a Saturday schedule, hosting Army (4-2, 3-1 American) on Oct. 31 at 7 p.m. on ESPNU. The Golden Knights are on the road at Tulsa before they travel to Memphis.
BUY TICKETS NOW
Single-game tickets can be purchased online at THIS LINK or by calling the Memphis Ticket Office at (901) 678-2331. For group tickets and experiences, please contact the Memphis Ticket Office at (901) 678-2331.
For premium seating experiences, please contact the Memphis Athletic Fund at MAFpremium@memphis.edu.
HOW TO FOLLOW THE TIGERS: For complete information on Memphis Tigers Football, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
MANNING AWARD WATCH LIST ADDITIONS
- Braden Atkinson, Oregon State
- Ryan Browne, Purdue
- Jaden Craig, TCU
- Ethan Grunkemeyer, Virginia Tech
- Michael Hawkins Jr., West Virginia
- Max Johnson, Georgia Southern
- Lincoln Kienholz, Louisville
- Landyn Locke, Sam Houston
- Kenny Minchey, Kentucky
- John Alan Richter, Toledo
- Keelon Russell, Alabama
- Austin Simmons, Missouri
- Malachi Singleton, App State
- Marcus Stokes, Memphis
- Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State
Players Mentioned
QB
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