The Davey O’Brien National Selection Committee named 26 quarterbacks to its watch list, including Iowa State’s senior quarterback Kyle Kempt. The objective of the award is to recognize the best college quarterback.

At this time last summer, Kempt was relatively unknown by Cyclone fans. In Iowa State’s fifth game last season, Kempt quickly made a name for himself.

Making his first career collegiate start, Kempt threw for 343 yards and three touchdowns in a 38-31 win over then-No.3 Oklahoma.

Later in the season, Kempt helped knock off O’Brien’s alma mater, TCU, 14-7. In the eight games Kempt started, the former walk-on went 5-3.

Kempt will look to build off his 66.5 percent completion percentage, 15 touchdowns and 1,787 passing yards in his final season.

Two Big 12 quarterbacks found their names on the watch list — Kempt and West Virginia’s Will Grier. 

Kempt’s addition to the Davey O’Brien Award watch list follows David Montgomery and Brian Peavy’s addition to watch lists on Monday.