BALTIMORE, Md. — University of Hawai'i sophomore quarterback
Micah Alejado has been named to the prestigious preseason watch list for the 2026 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, announced by the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation, Inc.
The Rainbow Warrior signal-caller is one of 27 of the nation's top collegiate quarterbacks selected to this year's highly selective watch list. He is also just one of six quarterbacks outside of the Power Four to be recognized and the lone Mountain West representative on the list. The award, presented alongside presenting partner A. O. Smith Corporation, continues a storied tradition of recognizing quarterbacks who demonstrate excellence both on and off the field by promoting strong character, citizenship, and academic commitment.
The sophomore has already been named the Preseason Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year and has been selected to the preseason watch lists for both the 90th Maxwell Award and the 2026 Walter Camp Player of the Year award.
For the 2026 season, the Foundation refined its eligibility criteria to better reflect the changing landscape of college football. To be eligible, quarterbacks must play at the FBS level, meet NCAA eligibility requirements, have at least three years of college football experience, have no more than five years of college enrollment, and have played for no more than two college programs. The refined standards aim to spotlight quarterbacks who have demonstrated sustained commitment and experience at the collegiate level.
In his starting debut as a Rainbow Warrior in 2024 regular-season, Alejado threw for a freshman record 469 yards and five touchdowns versus New Mexico. He carried over the success in the 2025 campaign when he threw for 3,106 yards and 24 touchdowns while earning all-conference honors.
The watch list will be narrowed to semifinalists and finalists as the 2026 season unfolds. The winner of the 2026 Golden Arm Award will be announced in December and celebrated at the annual ceremony in Baltimore on Dec. 9, 2026.
Never miss a moment of Hawai'i Athletics! Catch over 200 live games—both home and
away—across all your favorite sports on the all-new MW+. Ready to get in on the action? Click HERE to subscribe to MW+ today!
Invest in the future of Hawai'i Athletics. Support our student-athletes by exploring Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities. Click HERE to learn how you can make a difference.
