A trio of quarterbacks, including Texas commit Arch Manning, were named finalists for the Gatorade National Football Player of the Year award on Friday.
According to Logan Newman of USA Today (h/t Yahoo Sports), Manning is joined in the final three by Oklahoma commit Jackson Arnold and USC commit Malachi Nelson.
Manning, who stars at Isidore Newman High School in New Orleans, is the nephew of former NFL quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning, and the grandson of former NFL quarterback Archie Manning.
Widely regarded as one of the best college recruits in years, Manning is ranked as the No. 1 overall player for the class of 2023 by 247Sports.
He is also coming off a highly productive season for 8-3 Isidore Newman that saw him throw for 2,305 yards, 34 touchdowns and just two interceptions, while also rushing for 378 yards and four scores.
While Manning is undoubtedly a contender for the award, he may not be the favorite due to Arnold's performance in 2022.
The No. 7 overall player in 247Sports' composite rankings for the 2023 class threw for 3,476 yards, 33 touchdowns and three interceptions, and he also dominated as a runner with 921 yards and 24 touchdowns on the ground.
Additionally, Arnold led Guyer High School in Denton, Texas, to a 14-1 record and had the program ranked inside the top 25 throughout the season.
Nelson is the No. 3 overall player and No. 2 quarterback behind only Manning in the 2023 recruiting class, per 247Sports.
The 6'3" signal-caller led Los Alamitos High School in Los Alamitos, California, to a 9-3 mark, and threw for 2,898 yards and 35 touchdowns to go along with 153 yards and two touchdowns rushing.
In addition to on-field performance, academics and off-field impact are considered when determining the Gatorade National Football Player of the Year.
Per Newman, Manning had a 3.5 GPA and volunteered at a camp for children with special needs.
The Gatorade National Football Player of the Year has been awarded since 1985, and some huge names have taken home the award, including Arch's uncle Peyton.
Other past winners include Emmitt Smith, Jeff George, Tim Couch, Kyler Murray and six-time Minnesota Twins All-Star catcher Joe Mauer.
The winner of the 2022-23 Gatorade National Football Player of the Year award is scheduled for next week.
