University of Houston sophomore wide receiver Matthew Golden has been named to the watch list for 87th Maxwell Award, bestowed annually to the college football player of the year, the Maxwell Football Club announced.

The accolade is the latest for Golden following the Houston native's breakout freshman campaign. The Klein Cain product was named to the Athlon Sports Preseason All-Big 12 Conference First Team, Phil Steele Preseason All-Big 12 Conference Second Team and was an Honorable Mention as part of Dave Campbell's Texas Football Best Returning Wide Receivers.

Golden is one of just two Big 12 receivers to be featured among the 85-member watch list, joining Texas junior Xavier Worthy. Twelve Big 12 student-athletes received recognition on the list. A full list of Houston Football preseason honors can be found here.

As a freshman, Golden appeared in 11 games (538 snaps) and made eight starts, hauling in 38 receptions for 584 yards and seven touchdowns. The seven scores set a Houston true freshman school record and ranked second nationally among true freshmen. Four of the touchdowns were for 20+ yards, a mark that paced the country. Golden ranked second on the Cougars with 700 all-purpose yards.

Semifinalists for the Maxwell Award will be announced Nov. 13, while the three finalists for the will be unveiled Nov. 28. The winners of the 87th Maxwell Award will be announced as part of the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show held on Dec. 7. The formal presentations of the Maxwell Award will be made at the Maxwell Football Club Awards in March 2024.

The Maxwell Football Club has once again partnered with Pro Football Focus (PFF) and Phil Steele Publications as selection committee partners. The Maxwell Football Club was founded in 1935 and is the oldest football organization of its kind in America. The Club recognizes excellence in performance at the high school, collegiate and professional levels of the game.