December 03, 2021

CINCINNATI — University of Cincinnati senior quarterback Desmond Ridder has been named one of 10 finalists for the Manning Award, presented annually to the best quarterback in the country. 

It is the only quarterback award that takes bowl performances into consideration.

Ridder on Wednesday was named the AAC’s Offensive Player of the Year for the second-straight season, the first to do so in school history.  The Louisville native has thrown for 3,000 passing yards and 27 touchdowns to go with six rushing scores. He is UC’s all-time leader in passing touchdowns and in the regular-season finale became the AAC’s all-time leader in total yards and touchdown responsibility. His 43-career wins are the third-most in college football history.

Ridder, who was a finalist for the Manning Award last year as well, also shares similar recognition for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, in addition to a semifinalist for the Maxwell and Walter Camp Awards.

No. 3/4 Cincinnati, which competed its second-straight undefeated regular season, hosts No. 16/21 Houston on Saturday at 4 p.m. (ABC) in the AAC Championship Game.

COURTESY CINCINNATI ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS