University of Delaware Athletics
Photo by: Mikey Reeves
Football’s Minicucci Named to 2026 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Preseason Watchlist
8/19/2026 3:00:00 PM | Football
BALTIMORE – University of Delaware football QB Nick Minicucci has been named to the 2026 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Preseason Watchlist, the Golden Arm Foundation announced Wednesday. Minicucci is the first player in program history to make the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Watchlist.
The Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award honors the nation's top upperclassman quarterback who exemplifies leadership, character, citizenship, integrity, and athletic achievement. While on-field excellence remains an important part of the selection process, the award recognizes the complete student-athlete and the lasting impact they have on their team, university, and community.
This preseason, the senior signal caller has been named to the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award Watchlist, Maxwell Award Watchlist, CUSA Watchlist, Athlon Sports All-CUSA First Team, Phil Steele All-CUSA Second Team, Pro Football Network All-CUSA First Team, a HERO Sports Group of Six All-American, and the Conference USA Preseason Player of the Year.
Minicucci, a 2025 Second Team All-CUSA selection and 68 Ventures Bowl Offensive MVP, spearheaded a Fightin' Blue Hen offense that finished with a bowl win in its first FBS season. In 2025, Minicucci led CUSA in passing yards (3,683), completions (322), attempts (512), passing yards/game (283.3), total offense (3,918), and total offense per game (301.4). He connected with 10+ receivers in seven games, eight or more in 10 of 13 games, and seven in all 12 regular season games. On the ground, the signal caller tied for fourth in the conference with 10 rushing touchdowns. Minicucci became the second QB in program history with 20 passing TDs and 10 rushing TDs (first since 1969). He ranked among the nation's best in passing yards (sixth), pass yards per game (eighth), total yards (eighth), and total yards per game (ninth).
TICKET INFORMATION
Get your 2026 Delaware Football season tickets now by visiting bluehens.com/fbtickets.
FOLLOW ON SOCIAL
For the latest on Delaware football, follow the Fightin' Blue Hens on X, Instagram, and like on Facebook.
The Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award honors the nation's top upperclassman quarterback who exemplifies leadership, character, citizenship, integrity, and athletic achievement. While on-field excellence remains an important part of the selection process, the award recognizes the complete student-athlete and the lasting impact they have on their team, university, and community.
This preseason, the senior signal caller has been named to the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award Watchlist, Maxwell Award Watchlist, CUSA Watchlist, Athlon Sports All-CUSA First Team, Phil Steele All-CUSA Second Team, Pro Football Network All-CUSA First Team, a HERO Sports Group of Six All-American, and the Conference USA Preseason Player of the Year.
Minicucci, a 2025 Second Team All-CUSA selection and 68 Ventures Bowl Offensive MVP, spearheaded a Fightin' Blue Hen offense that finished with a bowl win in its first FBS season. In 2025, Minicucci led CUSA in passing yards (3,683), completions (322), attempts (512), passing yards/game (283.3), total offense (3,918), and total offense per game (301.4). He connected with 10+ receivers in seven games, eight or more in 10 of 13 games, and seven in all 12 regular season games. On the ground, the signal caller tied for fourth in the conference with 10 rushing touchdowns. Minicucci became the second QB in program history with 20 passing TDs and 10 rushing TDs (first since 1969). He ranked among the nation's best in passing yards (sixth), pass yards per game (eighth), total yards (eighth), and total yards per game (ninth).
TICKET INFORMATION
Get your 2026 Delaware Football season tickets now by visiting bluehens.com/fbtickets.
FOLLOW ON SOCIAL
For the latest on Delaware football, follow the Fightin' Blue Hens on X, Instagram, and like on Facebook.
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