University of Massachusets Athletics
November 09, 2026 | Football
William “Pop” Watson III earned Co-Offensive Player of the Week.
AMHERST, Mass. – Senior quarterback William "Pop" Watson III tabbed MAC Co-Offensive Player of the Week, as announced by the Mid-American Conference on Monday morning.
It marks the second career weekly honor for Watson III.
Watson III led Massachusetts to a 31-30 overtime win against Ball State on Wednesday night at McGuirk Alumni Stadium (November 4). In overtime after Ball State scored but missed an extra point, Watson III had a 12-yard rush and then a 13-yard touchdown run to set up Derek Morris' game-winning extra point. With the win, UMass improved to 5-4 on the season marking the program's most wins since joining the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). Watson finished the game 17-of-25 passing for a career-high 302 yards and a touchdown. In a night of big plays, Watson III had completions of 64, 47, 46 and 41 yards to three different receivers. The 64-yard touchdown connection with Jabari Lewis was his longest pass with the Minutemen. He also totaled 40 rushing yards on eight carries and added two touchdowns.
Watson III and the Minutemen head to Toledo, Ohio, on Wednesday, November 11 to take on Toledo at 7:30 p.m. on CBS Sports Network.
It marks the second career weekly honor for Watson III.
Watson III led Massachusetts to a 31-30 overtime win against Ball State on Wednesday night at McGuirk Alumni Stadium (November 4). In overtime after Ball State scored but missed an extra point, Watson III had a 12-yard rush and then a 13-yard touchdown run to set up Derek Morris' game-winning extra point. With the win, UMass improved to 5-4 on the season marking the program's most wins since joining the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). Watson finished the game 17-of-25 passing for a career-high 302 yards and a touchdown. In a night of big plays, Watson III had completions of 64, 47, 46 and 41 yards to three different receivers. The 64-yard touchdown connection with Jabari Lewis was his longest pass with the Minutemen. He also totaled 40 rushing yards on eight carries and added two touchdowns.
Watson III and the Minutemen head to Toledo, Ohio, on Wednesday, November 11 to take on Toledo at 7:30 p.m. on CBS Sports Network.
Players Mentioned
WR
/ Football
PK
/ FootballFriday, November 06
Wednesday, November 04
Wednesday, November 04
Wednesday, November 04