EL CAMPO — Former El Campo Ricebird Carson Whitington is preparing to open his final season of college football as Sam Houston’s projected starting long snapper — and he enters the year with national recognition.
Whitington, an El Campo native who wears No. 46 for the Bearkats, has been named to the 2026 Patrick Mannelly Award Watch List, placing him among just 20 long snappers nationwide selected for consideration for the award.
He is also projected to start at long snapper when Sam Houston opens its 2026 season Saturday, Sept. 5, on the road against Troy in Troy, Alabama.
The Patrick Mannelly Award is presented annually to the top long snapper in FBS college football and is named for Patrick Mannelly, who spent 16 seasons as a long snapper with the Chicago Bears.
From El Campo to Sam Houston
Whitington developed as a long snapper while playing at El Campo High School, where Sam Houston Athletics says he finished his prep playing career in 2021 and helped the Ricebirds make multiple playoff appearances.
He began his college career at Blinn College, playing two seasons for the Buccaneers before transferring to Sam Houston.
Whitington later established himself as the Bearkats’ primary long snapper on punt coverage. During the 2024 season, he appeared in all 12 games and recorded two tackles against UTEP.
According to Sam Houston, Whitington helped the Bearkats’ punt unit average 35.7 net yards per punt while limiting opponents to 7.2 yards per punt return that season.
The Bearkats list Whitington at 6 feet and 240 pounds. He enters 2026 as a fifth-year player with one season of eligibility remaining.
National recognition entering final season
Whitington’s selection to the Patrick Mannelly Award Watch List puts the former Ricebird among a small group of specialists from across FBS football receiving national recognition heading into the season.
Only 20 long snappers were selected to the 2026 watch list.
The field is scheduled to be narrowed to 10 semifinalists in November before three finalists are selected. The eventual winner will be recognized in December.
For Whitington, the recognition comes as he prepares for one more college football season and another opportunity to represent El Campo on the national stage.
His first opportunity of the year is expected to come Sept. 5 when the Bearkats travel to Alabama to face Troy.
Source: Sam Houston Athletics and Patrick Mannelly Award.
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