COLLEGE PARK, MD – University of Maryland freshman quarterback Malik Washington has been selected as a candidate for The Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award watch list, the Maxwell Football Club announced today. This marks the eighth year of the award, which is presented annually to the most outstanding freshman player in college football.

Washington, a consensus four-star recruit, was an ESPN300 and Rivals 250 selection. He quarterbacked Archbishop Spalding to a Top 10 national ranking and became the first quarterback in league history to win three consecutive MIAA Titles. Washington ended his high school career as the all-time passing leader in MIAA history.

Washington was the second-ranked player in Maryland and a Top 50 overall recruit according to 247 Sports. He was ranked as the fifth best overall quarterback in the 2025 class.

The Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award will be presented at the Maxwell Football Club Awards along with several of the other top awards in college and professional football. The event will be held on Friday March 13, 2026 and hosted by the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia.