Emory Williams latest from Miami on preseason watch list to Comeback POY

Miami quarterback Emory Williams became the ninth Miami player named to a preseason watch list on Wednesday when he was recognized by the Comeback Player of the Year Award. Williams is one of 90 players from 68 different schools named to the Comeback POY watch list.

As a true freshman in 2023, Williams played in five games with two starts, completing 62.0 percent of his passes for 470 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. Williams led Miami to a win in his first collegiate start versus Clemson. Williams was 24-33 for 151 yards, one TD and one interception in the 28-20 win over Clemson.

In Williams' second start, he suffered a season-ending compound arm fracture against Florida State. The arm fracture came on the final drive with Miami trailing 27-20. Williams recovered in time from his arm injury to participate in spring practice. Williams was 7-9 for 100 yards and a TD on three series in the spring game.

Williams will compete with Albany transfer Reese Poffenbarger to be the backup to Cam Ward this season. Earning the Comeback 2024 Player of the Year will be difficult for Williams. Miami could redshirt Williams in 2024. Williams' redshirt would depend on Ward's health and Poffenbarger.

Williams being named to the Comeback Player of the Year watchlist is a great honor for a former three-star signee. If Williams sits as much as expected in 2024, he should be a candidate to be on the 2025 Comeback Player of the Year watch list. Williams should compete to be Miami's starting QB in 2025.

How much true freshman Judd Anderson, Poffenbarger and Williams should influence if Miami adds another transfer QB in 2025. Miami has a commitment from four-star QB Luke Nickel in the 2025 class. Nickel has had a great summer and is one of the rising prospects in the 2025 class.