Demond Williams Jr., a third‑year quarterback for the University of Washington, has been named to the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award watch list for the upcoming season, joining a pool of 27 candidates vying for the honor.
The Golden Arm Award: A Prestigious Honor
The award, administered by the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation in partnership with A. O. Smith Corporation, celebrates collegiate quarterbacks who excel not only on the field but also in character and community involvement.
Williams Jr. capped his 2025 campaign with a series of impressive performances, throwing for 3,065 yards and 25 touchdowns while completing 246 of 354 passes. He also contributed 611 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns, earning honorable‑mention All‑Big Ten recognition and being named Offensive MVP of the L.A. Bowl.
Coach Mike Neu highlighted the quarterback’s leadership, noting that Williams Jr. started every game last season and ranked second in school history for career completion percentage. His dual‑threat ability made him one of the most dynamic players in the conference.
The watch list includes five quarterbacks from the Big Ten, underscoring the conference’s depth at the position. To be eligible, candidates must be FBS players with at least three years of college experience, no more than five years of enrollment, and have participated at no more than two institutions.
As the season progresses, the list will be trimmed to semifinalists and eventually a single finalist who will be honored at the annual award ceremony in Baltimore on December 9. The event draws national attention and highlights the blend of athletic excellence and personal integrity the award represents.