A Rising Star in the Mountain West: Micah Alejado Makes Waves
The college football landscape is buzzing with excitement as the preseason lists begin to roll out. In a significant nod to talent and character, Hawaii sophomore quarterback Micah Alejado has been officially named to the preseason watch list for the prestigious Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.
This recognition places Alejado among an elite group of only 27 quarterbacks nationwide. What makes this achievement even more impressive is that Alejado is the sole representative from the Mountain West Conference and one of only six quarterbacks selected from outside the “Power Four” conferences.
What is the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award?
Unlike awards that focus solely on statistics, the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award is designed to honor the “complete package.” To win this accolade, a quarterback must demonstrate exceptional performance both on and off the field. The criteria include:
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- On-Field Excellence: Superior athletic performance and leadership.
- Strong Character: Demonstrating integrity and leadership within the team.
- Citizenship: Contributing positively to the community.
- Academic Commitment: Maintaining a high standard of academic achievement.
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The final winner will be announced in December and celebrated during a special ceremony in Baltimore on December 9.
A Season of Momentum for the Rainbow Warriors
Micah Alejado’s inclusion on the watch list is no surprise given his explosive trajectory. Last season, he cemented his status as a powerhouse, throwing for a staggering 3,106 yards and 24 touchdowns. His ability to lead the offense has made him a focal point of the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors‘ strategy.
The accolades don’t stop with the Johnny Unitas award. Alejado is currently sweeping the preseason honors, including:
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- Preseason Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year.
- Watch list for the Maxwell Award.
- Watch list for the Walter Camp Player of the Year award.
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Looking Ahead
As the season kicks off, all eyes will be on Alejado to see if he can translate this preseason hype into a championship-caliber season. For fans of NCAA football, he is undoubtedly a player to watch in 2026.
Whether he secures the Golden Arm Award or leads Hawaii to a historic season, Micah Alejado is proving that hard work, academic discipline, and raw talent are a winning combination.
