University of North Carolina Athletics

Photo by: ANTHONY SORBELLINI
Max Johnson Named To Comeback Player Of The Year Award Watch List
August 19, 2025 | Football
NEW YORK, N.Y. – After suffering a season-ending injury last year, North Carolina quarterback Max Johnson has been named to the 2025 Comeback Player of the Year Award Watch List, presented by College Sports Communicators in association with The Associated Press (AP) and the Fiesta Sports Foundation.
The "Watch List" is comprised of 75 college football student-athletes from 51 different schools.
Johnson was injured in last year's season opener against Minnesota and missed the remainder of the year. Following a strenuous rehab process, Johnson was fully cleared prior to the start of fall camp.
He has appeared in 31 college games over his career, which spans from LSU, Texas A&M and North Carolina. Over four years, Johnson has thrown for more than 5,000 yards with 47 passing touchdowns.
Since 2018, the award has recognized college football student-athletes for overcoming injury, illness, or other circumstances. At the conclusion of each season, in a vote by a panel of college football writers, editors, and sports information directors, three college football student-athletes are honored as Comeback Player of the Year Award winners at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl.
College athletic communications professionals working with football programs are encouraged to nominate deserving candidates at www.Comeback-Player.com.
The "Watch List" is comprised of 75 college football student-athletes from 51 different schools.
Johnson was injured in last year's season opener against Minnesota and missed the remainder of the year. Following a strenuous rehab process, Johnson was fully cleared prior to the start of fall camp.
He has appeared in 31 college games over his career, which spans from LSU, Texas A&M and North Carolina. Over four years, Johnson has thrown for more than 5,000 yards with 47 passing touchdowns.
Since 2018, the award has recognized college football student-athletes for overcoming injury, illness, or other circumstances. At the conclusion of each season, in a vote by a panel of college football writers, editors, and sports information directors, three college football student-athletes are honored as Comeback Player of the Year Award winners at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl.
College athletic communications professionals working with football programs are encouraged to nominate deserving candidates at www.Comeback-Player.com.
Players Mentioned
WBB: Post-UConn Press Conference - March 27, 2026
Saturday, March 28
UNC Softball: Tar Heels Blank Marist, 11-0
Friday, March 27
WBB: Grant, Nivar, Banghart Pre-UConn Press Conference - March 26, 2026
Thursday, March 26
UNC Softball: Tar Heels Slide Past Wofford, 10-7
Thursday, March 26














