PHILADELPHIA (JMU Athletics) – James Madison quarterback Alonza Barnett III has been named to the preseason watch list for the Maxwell Award, as announced on Monday afternoon by the Maxwell Football Club.

The award, now in its 89th year, is presented annually to the College Player of the Year.

Barnett, who was selected to the Maxwell Award Midseason Watch List in 2024, finished his redshirt sophomore campaign by accounting for more than 3,000 total yards and 33 touchdowns, earning Honorable Mention All-Sun Belt status. He threw for 2,598 passing yards with 26 touchdowns and just four interceptions while rushing for 442 yards and a team-best seven rushing scores.

He was additionally named Virginia Sports Information Directors Offensive Player of the Year and the Touchdown Club of Richmond Division I State Quarterback of the Year. Along with the Maxwell Award, Barnett received a nod on the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award Midseason Watch List during his breakout year in Harrisonburg.

The Whitsett, N.C., product begins the 2025 season as a member of the Preseason All-Sun Belt Team, capturing second team laurels.

Barnett is one of 80 student-athletes across the Football Bowl Subdivision to garner the preseason accolade and one of just three Sun Belt standouts honored, being joined by Southern Miss quarterback Braylon Braxton and Arkansas State receiver Corey Rucker.

The Maxwell Award has been presented since 1937 and is named in honor of Robert “Tiny” Maxwell, who was a former standout at Swarthmore College and a renowned sportswriter and football official.

Semifinalists for the award will be announced on Nov. 11, while three finalists for the Maxwell Award will be unveiled on Nov. 25. The winner of the 89th Maxwell Award will be announced as part of the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show on Dec. 11.

— JMU Athletics —