Demond Williams Jr. Named to Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Watchlist

On Wednesday morning, the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award released its preseason watch list. The award, given to the best upperclassman quarterback in college football, included Washington Huskies star Demond Williams Jr. amongst many of the nation's other top signal-callers.

Entering his third year under Jedd Fisch at Washington, Williams has fifteen starts under his belt and has played in every game since arriving in Seattle ahead of the 2024 season. In his first full season as a starter, the dynamic playmaker threw for 3,065 yards and added 611 yards on the ground.

As Williams transitions from a talented young prospect into a veteran leader, Jedd Fisch has been vocal about his starting quarterback's maturity throughout the offseason.

"This is by far a different Demond than we've had in the past. I mean, he is smiling, the ball's coming out of his hand great. He's making great decisions. He owns the offense," Fisch said in an interview on the Big Ten Network. "I barely have to give him the play call, and he knows what's about to happen. You can just see the connection he's making with his teammates."

While critics continue to point to the offseason debacle regarding Williams' decision to briefly enter the transfer portal, those within the Washington program have expressed their admiration for his leadership ability throughout the offseason.

With two years of experience facing Big Ten defenses, the Chandler, Arizona native is poised to have a standout season. The Huskies are set to have one of the best offensive lines in college football, while also returning one of Williams' favorite targets in fellow Arizonan Dezmen Roebuck. The junior gunslinger has also built noticeable chemistry with a pair of transfers in wide receiver Christian Moss and running back Jayden Limar.

Now receiving attention from national media and emerging as a dark-horse Heisman candidate, Williams will have the opportunity to assert his name amidst one of the most talented quarterback classes in recent years.

This article originally appeared on Huskies Wire: Demond Williams Jr. Named to Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Watchlist