Baltimore Native DeJuan Williams Lands on Doak Walker Watch List

AI-generated editorial image of DeJuan Williams in a non-documentary training setting; created for PowerPage Sports and not a photograph of an actual practice, game, or award event.

Baltimore native DeJuan Williams will begin the 2026 season carrying national recognition into Maryland’s backfield. The redshirt sophomore was named August 18, 2026, to the Doak Walker Award watch list, placing him among the running backs under early consideration for the honor presented annually to the nation’s best at the position.

Williams, listed by Maryland at 5-foot-11 and 215 pounds, attended Saint Frances Academy in Baltimore. His first full season with the Terrapins showed that his value extends beyond traditional rushing production. He finished 2025 with 927 all-purpose yards and four touchdowns, including 501 yards on the ground and 426 receiving yards on 45 catches.

Those 45 receptions led all Big Ten running backs. Williams also set Maryland’s single-season record for receiving yards by a running back, passing the 359 yards Bruce Perry recorded in 2001. His reception total ranked second in program history at the position, behind the 51 catches Allen Williams made in 1994.

The watch-list selection arrives before the season determines which candidates remain in contention. Semifinalists are scheduled to be announced in November, followed by three finalists later that month. The winner is set to be revealed December 10, 2026, during the Home Depot College Football Awards. Williams now has an opportunity to turn preseason recognition into a sustained national case through Maryland’s weekly schedule.

Maryland’s official announcement provides the complete watch-list context and Williams’ 2025 statistical profile. PowerPage readers can also see the site’s recent report on a major Maryland Athletics gift and its local impact. For the Terrapins, Williams offers proven production as both a runner and receiver. For Baltimore, his recognition gives the city another direct connection to one of college football’s prominent preseason award races.