Demond Williams Jr., a third‑year quarterback for the University of Washington, has once again earned a spot on the Davey O’Brien Award watch list, marking the third consecutive preseason inclusion. The honor places him alongside contenders for the Maxwell and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm awards, underscoring his status among the nation’s top signal‑callers.
A Record‑Breaking Season
Williams Jr. capped his 2025 campaign by starting every game and rewriting the Huskies’ record books. He posted a career‑high 3,065 passing yards with 25 touchdowns against just eight interceptions, and his 538‑yard performance against Rutgers set a new single‑game total‑offense mark for the program, eclipsing Michael Penix Jr.’s 2022 benchmark.
The Prestige of the Davey O’Brien Award
The Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award, billed as the oldest and most prestigious honor for college quarterbacks, will culminate in a March 8, 2027, ceremony at The Fort Worth Club in Texas. The award’s history reflects a who’s‑who of the sport’s greatest players, and this year’s edition promises to add another chapter.
The Selection Process
Selection of the winner blends committee evaluation with fan participation; votes cast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter help shape the semifinalist, finalist and eventual champion pools. The midseason watch list, slated for release on November 3, 2026, will spotlight active starters, weekly Great 8 recipients and additional quarterbacks who have risen through the ranks.
Looking Forward
With semifinalists to be named on November 17 and finalists on November 24, the quarterback’s trajectory will be closely watched by analysts, coaches and fans alike. The eventual announcement of the 2026 winner will be broadcast live on ESPN during The Home Depot College Football Awards on December 11, 2026, bringing a national spotlight to the award and its contenders.