The Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award^® is presented annually to the nation’s best college quarterback and is the nation's oldest and most prestigious national quarterback award. The Davey O’Brien Award honors candidates who exemplify Davey O’Brien’s enduring character while exhibiting teamwork, sportsmanship and leadership in both academics and athletics.

Prior to the start of the season, the Davey O’Brien Watch List is determined by a subset of the Davey O'Brien National Selection Committee. This same subset will vote weekly for the Davey O’Brien Quarterback of the Week, which is featured in weekly press releases from the beginning of the season until the semifinalists are announced. The Selection Committee narrows the field of candidates to 16 semifinalists in October, three finalists in November and selects the winner in December.

In the spirit of Davey O'Brien and his great legacy, the Selection Committee, which is comprised of journalists, broadcasters, commentators and former winners, is asked to evaluate each candidate on the following criteria:

            Quarterback skills/athletic ability

Academics 

            Reputation as a team player                                          

Character

            Leadership                                                                               

Sportsmanship

The 2012 season marks the sixth year fans have participated in the voting. The Fan Vote counts as 5% during each round of the voting process, and it is combined with the results from the Selection Committee.

The winner of the Davey O’Brien Award receives a replica bronze of the original Davey O’Brien Trophy and his name is engraved on the base of the original, which is housed in the Davey O’Brien Hall of Fame.