IRVING, Texas — Four American Conference quarterbacks have been named to the 2026 Maxwell Award Preseason Watch List, the Maxwell Football Club announced Monday.

Navy's Braxton Woodson earned a spot on the list as he prepares to take over as the Midshipmen's starting quarterback in 2026. Woodson appeared in 10 games last season, rushing for 414 yards and six touchdowns, including a standout relief performance against South Florida, where he carried the ball nine times for 103 yards and two touchdowns to help Navy upset the Bulls.

UTSA's Owen McCown made the watch list for a second straight year. The redshirt junior completed 277 of 410 passes for 2,995 yards and 30 touchdowns last fall. The Rusk, Texas, native turned in two 300-yard passing performances, headlined by a career night against Tulane in which he completed 31 of 33 attempts — a program-record .939 completion percentage — for 370 yards and four touchdowns. The showing earned him Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award National Player of the Week and American Conference Offensive Player of the Week honors.

Florida Atlantic's Caden Veltkamp also earns a nod to the watch list for a second straight season. In 2025, he led the nation in completions per game, while also ranking in the top 10 in total offensive yards per game (307.2; 3rd), completion percentage (67%; 4th), and passing yards (3,641; 7th).

Army West Point quarterback Cale Hellums was named to the list as he enters his second season as the starter for the Black Knights. In 2025, Hellums rushed for 1,223 yards, leading all FBS quarterbacks, and became just the eighth Army rusher to reach that mark. He also compiled 18 rushing touchdowns, which was the second-most rushing touchdowns in a season in program history.

The Maxwell Award has been presented annually to the outstanding player in college football since 1937. It is named in honor of Robert “Tiny” Maxwell, a former standout at Swarthmore College and a renowned sportswriter and football official.