{
  "id": 140929,
  "title": "Washington football star QB named to 2026 Maxwell Award watch list",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/04/washington-football-star-qb-named-to-2026-maxwell-award-watch-list",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-04T18:30:33.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/washington-football-star-qb-named-183033879.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Washington Huskies quarterback Demond Williams Jr. has been included on the Maxwell Award watch list for 2026, as the junior seeks to solidify his status as one of the premier signal-callers in college football. During his sophomore season, Williams demonstrated his prowess as one of the Big Ten's top quarterbacks, throwing for 3,065 yards, 25 touchdowns, and nine interceptions, while adding 611 yards and six scores on the ground. With key contributors Jonah Coleman and Denzel Boston leaving for the NFL, Williams will face a more demanding role as the Huskies' starter in his second full season at the position. Coach Jedd Fisch has emphasized the need for Williams to elevate his game in critical matchups. Reflecting on his development, Williams highlighted the importance of resilience and mental fortitude in overcoming challenges, stating that he has been working closely with mental health guides to maintain a positive mindset and capitalize on his opportunities during high-stakes games. If Williams were to win the Maxwell Award, he would join a select group of Huskies, with quarterback Michael Penix Jr. being the only other recipient to date, following the 2023 season.",
  "summary": "Washington star QB Demond Williams Jr. is among the players included on the 2026 Maxwell Award watch list.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}