UNC junior quarterback Sam Howell earned a spot on the watch list for the Maxwell Award on Monday, which is presented annually to the most outstanding player in college football.

Through just two seasons with the Tar Heels, Howell enters 2021 tied for the all-time UNC touchdown pass record alongside Darian Durant with 68. His 7,227 career passing yards rank fifth on the school’s career list as well.

In 2020, Howell’s 30 touchdown passes ranked sixth nationally — as he led the Tar Heels to their first ever Orange Bowl appearance.

He enters 2021 having lost running backs Michael Carter and Javonte Williams and top receivers Dyami Brown and Dazz Newsome to the NFL. Howell’s return and UNC’s depth offensively still has the team expected to begin the year among the top 10 or 15 ranked teams in the country.

The Maxwell Award has been presented annually to the College Player of the Year since 1937. A total of 80 players were selected to this year’s watch list.

 

 

 

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees. You can support local journalism and our mission to serve the community. Contribute today – every single dollar matters.

Related Stories
‹
UNC Football's Hampton, Rucker Earn Spots on Preseason Watch Lists
As college football teams return to training camp this week ahead of a new season, two of UNC football’s most dynamic players are earning national recognition by being tabbed to end-of-season award watch lists. Running back Omarion Hampton and edge rusher Kaimon Rucker earned a spot on respective preseason lists this week, with Rucker landing […]
Javonte Williams Added to Maxwell Award Watch List
UNC junior running back Javonte Williams was added Wednesday to the watch list for the Maxwell Award, which recognizes the most outstanding college football player in the country. Williams joins Tar Heel quarterback Sam Howell on the list after posting some truly eye-popping numbers through UNC’s first eight games. In that time, Williams has gained […]
Sam Howell Named to Maxwell Award Watch List
The Maxwell Football Club revealed its annual preseason watch list for the Maxwell Award on Friday, with UNC sophomore quarterback Sam Howell making the cut. The award has been around since 1937 and honors the College Player of the Year. Howell posted one of the best seasons ever by a true freshman quarterback in 2019, […]
UNC Teases Kenan Stadium Enhancements as Venue Prepares to Celebrate 100 Years
The 2026 UNC football season will be the 100th in which the Tar Heels have called Kenan Stadium home, and the program is prepared to celebrate the historic venue with several upgrades and enhancements this fall. Two new video boards will be installed above each end zone, with both measuring 31.5 feet high by 106.5 […]
Chansky's Notebook: Draft Dodgers?
Bill Belichick and Michael Malone have found themselves in the same undesirable dilemma: neither has any draft picks.
'I Can Do This For a Long Time': Bobby Petrino Excited for New Challenge With UNC Football
Let’s get one thing out of the way first: UNC’s new offensive coordinator is known for more than just being a football coach. Ask Atlanta Falcons fans about Bobby Petrino’s antics. Or the folks in Louisville. Or Arkansas. The paper trail that follows Petrino everywhere he goes is long, and it bends toward absurdity. Egregiously […]
Chansky's Notebook: Dead Man Walking?
With Hubert Davis dismissed, no seat will be hotter in Chapel Hill than UNC head football coach Bill Belichick’s this fall.
Chansky's Notebook: 'We Have Our Team Now'
Bill Belichick spoke to the media at the Kenan Football Center Tuesday as UNC opened its spring practice season.
Chansky's Notebook: Mack is Back (Again)
Mack Brown's midcourt ceremony at the Smith Center Monday night was a satisfying end to what had been an awkward UNC football saga.
Here's a List of Which Transfers Have Committed to UNC Football in 2026
The college football transfer portal opened Friday, Jan. 2 and closed Friday, Jan. 16. Here’s a list of players who have committed to head coach Bill Belichick and UNC out of the portal so far, with their classes for the 2026 season: QB Billy Edwards, Jr. (Most recent school: Wisconsin, redshirt senior) Ranked 3rd in […]
›