Williams, Stroud, Hooker finalists for Maxwell as top player

Quarterbacks Caleb Williams of Southern California, C.J. Stroud of Ohio State and Hendon Hooker of Tennessee have been named finalists for the Maxwell Award as the player of the year in college football. The Maxwell finalists were announced along with finalists for most of the other awards to be presented Dec. 8 on ESPN. Williams is throwing for more than 300 yards per game. Stroud has thrown for 37 touchdowns and has the nation’s highest passer rating. Hooker was leader of the nation’s No. 1 offense before a major knee ended his season Nov. 19.