College football players named to Comeback Player of the Year watch list

Monroe Mills of Virginia and Nick Morris Jr. of Duke have been named to the midseason watch list for the 2026 Comeback Player of the Year Award. The honor is presented annually by the College Sports Communicators, the Associated Press, and the Fiesta Sports Foundation to student-athletes who have overcome injury, illness, or other significant circumstances.

Virginia offensive lineman Monroe Mills missed the entire 2025 season due to a knee injury sustained during spring practices. He returned for the 2026 season opener and has since started nine games, earning high grades from Pro Football Focus and being named ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week.

Duke linebacker Nick Morris Jr. was recognized after overcoming season-ending leg injuries in both the 2024 and 2025 campaigns. After returning to the field this season, he has started eight games and leads his team with 45 tackles.