2026 Biletnikoff Award Preseason Watch List

The Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation, the Creator and Sponsor of the Biletnikoff Award, Recognizing the College Football Season’s Outstanding FBS Receiver at Any Position, Announces the 2026 Preseason Biletnikoff Award Watch List

The Biletnikoff Award annually recognizes the college football season’s outstanding FBS receiver. Any player, regardless of position (wide receiver, tight end, slot back, and running back) who catches a pass is eligible for the award. As such, the Biletnikoff Award recognizes college football’s outstanding receiver, not merely college football’s outstanding wide receiver. Tight end Kyle Pitts was a finalist in 2020 and other tight ends were semifinalists in prior and subsequent years. Moreover, the Biletnikoff Award is a single season, not career, award.

Frank Coyle has been a longtime voter in the Biletnifott Award. He considers this award one of the most critical positions which translates to the NFL game. 

The Biletnikoff Award’s semifinalists, three finalists, and award recipient are selected by the highly distinguished Biletnikoff Award National Selection Committee, a group of 625 prominent college football journalists, commentators, announcers, Biletnikoff Award winners, and other former receivers. Foundation trustees do not vote and have never voted. For a list of voters, please see BiletnikoffAward.com/voters.

Receivers are frequently added to the watch list as their season performances dictate. Actual, not potential, performance is the basis for inclusion on the Biletnikoff Award Watch List.

Important Dates

Aug. 19, 2026:
Preseason Watch List announcement

Sept. 23, 2026:
FanVote opens

Nov. 9 – 15, 2026:
Vote by the Biletnikoff Award National Selection Committee to determine Semifinalists

Nov. 16, 2026:
Semifinalists announcement

Nov. 16 – 22, 2026:
Vote to determine 3 Finalists

Nov. 24, 2026:
3 Finalists announcement

Nov. 24 – Dec. 5, 2026 :
Final vote to determine Biletnikoff Award Winner

Dec. 11, 2026:
Biletnikoff Award Winner announced on The Home Depot College Football Awards

The Biletnikoff Award Banquet & Celebration
honors the 2026 Biletnikoff Award Winner on Saturday, March 20, 2027, at the basketball arena at Donald L. Tucker Civic Center in Tallahassee, Florida 32301

Butkus Award Announces 2026 Watch List For 42nd Season

The Butkus Foundation announced their preseason watch list for the 42nd annual Butkus Award, presented each year to the nation’s top collegiate linebacker. The 51-player watch list honors Dick Butkus’ iconic No. 51 jersey and recognizes the toughness, instincts, leadership, competitiveness, and football character that defined one of the greatest defensive players in football history.  Photo – Ray Coney – Texas A&M

Frank Coyle has been a longtime voter in the Butkus Award since the 1990s. He had a long friendship with Dick that spanned over three decades and enjoyed the HOF Mike backer immensely as a special friend and athlete.

The 2026 watch list features 51 linebackers representing 42 colleges and universities from across the country. Returning All-Americans, All-Conference performers, and emerging defensive standouts from across the Football Bowl Subdivision are among this year’s candidates.

The Butkus Award remains one of college football’s most respected individual honors, recognizing linebackers whose performance reflects the standard established by Dick Butkus more than six decades ago at the University of Illinois and throughout his Hall of Fame NFL career.

The 2026 watch list includes representatives from seven conferences, led by the SEC (14), Big Ten (12), Big 12 (12) and ACC (9), with additional representatives from the MAC (1) and Mountain West (1), along with two Independents. Virginia’s Kam Robinson is the only returning semifinalist.

Semifinalists for the 2026 Butkus Award will be announced on October 28th, finalists on November 20th, and the winner will be revealed during the week of December 7th. Selection is based on performance throughout the season, and appearance on the preseason watch list is not required for a player to win the Award.

The recipient will be recognized during the Butkus Award celebration in early 2027 and featured in the annual Big Ten Network Butkus Award special.

The 51-member Butkus Award Selection Committee is comprised of coaches, professional scouts, former players, and members of the media from across the country. Committee members evaluate candidates using the same qualities that defined Dick Butkus throughout his career: instincts, toughness, leadership, competitiveness, football character, and consistent excellence at the linebacker position.

The 2025 Butkus Award winners included collegiate winner Jacob Rodriguez of Texas Tech, now with the Miami Dolphins; high school winner Tyler Atkinson of Grayson High School, now at the University of Texas; and professional winner Jack Campbell of the Detroit Lions.

About the Butkus Award

Founded in 1985, the Butkus Award® honors the nation’s top linebackers at the high school, collegiate, and professional levels while preserving the legacy of Dick Butkus through excellence in football, cardiovascular health advocacy, and youth character development. Through the Butkus Foundation’s Takes Heart™ initiative and partnership with Carle Illinois College of Medicine, the Foundation supports education, research, and expanded access to preventive cardiovascular screening. The Foundation also promotes natural athletic performance through its longstanding I Play Clean® initiative.

The Butkus Award® is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which encompasses college football’s most prestigious awards. The NCFAA’s 25 awards have honored nearly 1,000 recipients since 1935. This season, 12 NCFAA awards recognize National Players of the Week each Tuesday.

Butkus Award 2026 Collegiate Watch List

Xe’ree Alexander, Washington
Xavier Atkins, Auburn
Maverick Baranowski, Minnesota
Rasheem Biles, Texas
Troy Bowles, Michigan
Drayk Bowen, Notre Dame**
Sammy Brown, Clemson**
Taye Brown, Arizona
Gary Bryant, Syracuse
Amare Campbell, Tennessee
Arion Carter, Tennessee
Owen Chambliss, Nebraska
Chris Cole, Georgia
Ray Coney, Texas A&M
Jahleel Culbreath, UCF
John Curry, Texas Tech
TJ Dottery, LSU
Kooper Ebel, Penn State
Jaxton Eck, New Mexico
Kyle Efford, Georgia Tech
Myles Graham, Florida
Jordan Hall, Michigan State
Rolijah Hardy, Indiana
Owen Heineke, Oklahoma
Isaiah Jones, Indiana
Gideon Lampron, Colorado
Trey Lathan, Kansas
Liona Lefau, Colorado
Kip Lewis, Oklahoma
Owen Long, Arizona State
Braylan Lovelace, Pittsburgh
Luke Mergott, Duke
Jayden Montgomery, Iowa
Blayne Myrick, Miami-Ohio
Sammy Omosigho, UCLA
Mason Posa, Wisconsin
Ben Roberts, Texas Tech
Kam Robinson, Virginia*
Austin Romaine, Texas Tech
Matt Rose, Stanford
Peyton Seelman, North Carolina
Keaton Thomas, Mississippi
Jonathan Thompson, Cincinnati
Mohamed Toure, Miami-Fla.
Cade Uluave, BYU
Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, Notre Dame
Whit Weeks, LSU
Ethan Wesloski, Oklahoma State
Raylen Wilson, Georgia
Daniel Wingate, Maryland
Caleb Woodson, Alabama

* — Returning Semifinalist
** — High School Butkus Award Winner

Paul Hornung 2026 Award Watch List

Now in its 17th season, the Paul Hornung Award is presented annually by the Louisville Sports Commission to the most versatile player in major college football. The award honors the legacy of the late football legend and Louisville native Paul Hornung. This year’s winner and his family will be honored in March 2027 at the annual Paul Hornung Award Dinner presented by UofL Health at the Galt House Hotel in downtown Louisville.

Past Winners
2025: KC Concepcion (WR/RS, Texas A&M)
2024: Travis Hunter (WR/CB, Colorado)
2023: Travis Hunter (WR/CB, Colorado)
2022: Jack Colletto (QB/FB/LB/ST, Oregon State)
2021: Marcus Jones (CB/WR/RS, Houston)
2020: DeVonta Smith (WR/RS, Alabama)
2019: Lynn Bowden Jr. (QB/WR/RS, Kentucky)
2018: Rondale Moore (WR/RS, Purdue)
2017: Saquon Barkley (RB/RS, Penn State)
2016: Jabrill Peppers (QB/WR/RB/LB/DB/RS, Michigan)
2015: Christian McCaffrey (RB/RS, Stanford)
2014: Shaq Thompson (RB/LB/S, Washington)
2013: Odell Beckham Jr. (WR/RS, LSU)
2012: Tavon Austin (WR/RB/RS, West Virginia)
2011: Brandon Boykin (WR/CB/RS, Georgia)
2010: Owen Marecic (FB/LB, Stanford)

John Mackey Award Announces 2026 Preseason Watchlist

Frank Coyle/ Head scout

The John Mackey Award announced its 2026 Preseason Watch List, recognizing the nation’s top collegiate tight ends entering the 2026 college football
season. The watchlist represents programs from every level of major college football and highlights players who have demonstrated talent, leadership and potential heading into the upcoming season. The John Mackey Award Selection Committee will continue to evaluate candidates throughout the season, with additional players eligible to be added based on their on-field performance. The Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame annually presents the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award to the best defensive back in college football.

Frank Coyle has been a long time voter in NCAA awards including the Heisman, Bronko Nagurski, Lombardi, Dick Butkus, Jim Thorpe awards etcs for over 30 years.  

Presented annually to the most outstanding tight end in college football, the John Mackey Award honors the legacy of Pro Football Hall of Famer John Mackey, whose excellence, leadership, character, and impact on the game continue to inspire generations of student-athletes. Established in 2000 by the Nassau County Sports Commission, the award remains one of college football’s premier individual honors for the tight end position.

John Mackey was a unicorn for the position in the 1960s before tight ends were highlighted as receivers. He was the complete player for the position and excelled as both a collegian and NFL player. He was inducted into the HOF after a brilliant career with the Baltimore Colts.  He set the standard for the position which depicts the importance and impact for the modern tight end performer.

Player School
Benjamin Brahmer Penn State
Brett Norfleet Missouri
Brody Foley Louisville
Bruin Fleischmann Montana State
Cade Keith New Mexico
Carter Moses Kansas
Chris Corbo Georgia Tech
Decker DeGraaf Washington
DJ Vonnahme Iowa
Dorian Flemming Maryland
Dorian Thomas Cal
Dylan Wade UCF
Eli Finley Louisiana Tech
Elija Lofton Miami (FL)
Ethan Davis Tennessee
Gabe Burkle Penn State
Garrett Oakley Kansas St
Houston Thomas Texas A&M
Player School
Hunter Welcing Ohio State
Jaden Platt Arkansas
Jamari Johnson Oregon
Jelani Thurman UNC
Jeremiah Hasley Duke
Jeron Askren Missouri State
JJ Buchanan Michigan
Joshua Long Eastern Michigan
Juice Vereen Colorado State
Lawson Luckie Georgia
Luke Hasz Ole Miss
Luke Lindermeyer Nebraska
Luke Reynolds Virginia Tech
Matt Wagner Boise State
Michael Masunas Texas
Patrick Overmyer Houston
Peter Clarke Temple
Randy Pittman Jr SMU
Player School
Richie Anderson Texas A&M
Terik Mulder Kent State
Terrance Carter Jr. Texas Tech
Toby Payne Marshall
Trey’Dez Green LSU
Walker Lyons BYU
Willie Rodriguez Kentucky

The John Mackey Award is a proud member of the NCFAA which encompasses 25 of
the most prestigious awards in college football, dating back to 1935, honoring more
than 950 recipients. Sixteen NCFAA members are unveiling preseason watch lists
over a 15-day period. Visit NCFAA.org to learn more.
NCFAA 2025 Preseason Watchlist Calenda

Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List Announced by FWAA

Corner Leonard Moore along with edge defenders Dylan Stewart and Colin Simmons head the 2026 Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list. They are among the 11 returning players who were named to Nagurski Trophy Watch List from last fall

Corners Leonard Moore and Zabien Brown along with edge defenders Dylan Stewart and Colin Simmons head the 2026 Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list. They are part of 68 players named to the 2026 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List, the Football Writers Association of America announced.

The Southeastern Conference leads the nation with 17 players on the watch list.  By position, the list includes 21 linebackers, 16 safeties (including one designated nickel back), 13 defensive ends, 10 defensive tackles and eight cornerbacks.

Frank Coyle has been a voter in the Bronko Nagurski award since the mid 1990’s along with all the major college football awards – Heisman, Jim Thorpe, Lombardi, Dick Butkus, John Mackey, Paul Hornung etc

Moore, Brown, Stewart and Simmons are among the 11 returning players who were on the Nagurski Trophy Watch List last fall.

The FWAA and the Charlotte Touchdown Club will announce finalists for the defensive player of the year award on Nov. 19. The official presentation to the recipient of the 2026 Bronko Nagurski Trophy will be at the Bronko Nagurski Awards Banquet in Charlotte, N.C. on Dec. 7.

Players may be added or removed from the watch list during the course of the 2026 season. As in previous years, the FWAA will announce a Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week each Tuesday this season. If not already on the watch list, each week’s honored player will be added at that time.

The FWAA has chosen a National Defensive Player of the Year since 1993. In 1995, the FWAA named the award in honor of the legendary two-way player from the University of Minnesota. Nagurski dominated college football, then became a star for professional football’s Chicago Bears in the 1930s. Bronislaw “Bronko” Nagurski is a charter member of both the College Football and Pro Football Halls of Fame.

The Bronko Nagurski Trophy is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which encompasses college football’s most prestigious awards. The NCFAA’s 25 awards have honored nearly 1,000 recipients since 1935.

2026 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List

Melkart Abou Jaoude, DE, North Carolina

Xavier Atkins, LB, Auburn

Rasheem Biles, LB, Texas

KJ Bolden, S, Georgia

Drayk Bowen, LB, Notre Dame

Sammy Brown, LB, Clemson

Taye Brown, LB, Arizona

Zabien Brown, CB, Alabama

Kemari Copeland, DT, Virginia Tech

John Henry Daley, DE, Michigan

CJ Doggette Jr., DT, Florida Atlantic

Will Echoles, DT, Ole Miss

Jaxton Eck, LB, New Mexico

Koen Entringer, S, Louisville

Tre’Quon Fegans, CB, Jax State

Amare Ferrell, S, Indiana

Brandon Finney Jr., CB, Oregon

C.J. Fite, DT, Arizona State

Bryce Fitzgerald, S, Miami

Blake Fletcher, LB, Air Force

Josh Franklin, NB, Western Michigan

Isaiah Glasker, LB, BYU

Brevin Hamblin, S, Utah State

Rolijah Hardy, LB, Indiana

Simeon Harris, S, Fresno State

A.J. Holmes Jr., DT, Texas Tech

Baron Hopson, LB, Kennesaw State

Bray Hubbard, S, Alabama

Kenyatta Jackson Jr., DE, Ohio State

Will James, CB, Houston

Jamel Johnson, S, TCU

Isaiah Jones, LB, Indiana

Kelley Jones, CB, Mississippi State

Dylan LaBarbera, DE, Nevada

Kip Lewis, LB, Oklahoma

Bryce Llewellyn, S, Eastern Michigan

Clev Lubin, DE, Louisville

Zach Lutmer, S, Iowa

Jaylen McClain, S, Ohio State

Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame

Ahmad Moten Sr., DT, Miami

Koi Perich, S, Oregon

Suntarine Perkins, LB, Ole Miss

Colton Phares, LB, App State

Brice Pollock, CB, Texas Tech

Marcus Ratcliffe, S, Texas A&M

Ty Redmond, CB, Tennessee

Ben Roberts, LB, Texas Tech

Kam Robinson, LB, Virginia

Matt Rose, LB, Stanford

Faletau Satuala, S, BYU

Colin Simmons, DE, Texas

Anthony Smith, DE, Minnesota

Donnie Smith, DE, Troy

Dylan Stewart, DE, South Carolina

David Stone, DT, Oklahoma

MJ Stroud, DE, Georgia Southern

Jack Tchienchou, S, Tulane

Boubacar Traore, DT, Notre Dame

Tyrique Tucker, DT, Indiana

Cade Uluave, LB, BYU

Princewill Umanmielen, DE, LSU

Jayden Virgin-Morgan, DE, Boise State

A’Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon

Whit Weeks, LB, LSU

Draft Insiders’ 2025 All-America Teams

Frank Coyle & Staff

Offensive Player of the Year
QB Fernando Mendoza – Indiana

Defensive Player of the Year
LB Jacob Rodriguez – Texas Tech

Special Teams Player of the Year
PK Tate Sandell, Junior, Oklahoma

Freshman of the Year
Offense – WR Malachi Toney, Miami
Defense – DB DJ Pickett, LSU

Draft Insiders’ All-America Teams

Frank Coyle & Staff

First Team
Offense

QB Fernando Mendoza, Junior, Indiana
RB Jeremiyah Love, Junior, Notre Dame
RB Ahmad Hardy, Soph, Missouri
WR Makai Lemon, Junior, USC
WR Jeremiah Smith, Soph, Ohio State
WR Carnell Tate, Junior, Ohio State
TE Eli Stowers, Graduate, Vanderbilt
OT Francis Mauigoa, Junior, Miami
OT Spencer Fano, Junior, Utah
OG Emmanuel Pregnon, Senior, Oregon
OG Olaivavega Ioane, Junior, Penn State
C Logan Jones, Graduate, Iowa

All-Purpose KC Concepcion, Junior, Texas A&M
PK Tate Sandell, Junior, Oklahoma

Draft Insiders’ 2025 December Newsletter out next week – Top 150 Prospects, Three Round Mock Draft, Declared Underclassmen etc
Order Today

Defense

Edge David Bailey, Senior, Texas Tech
Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Junior, Miami
DT Kayden McDonald, Junior, Ohio State
DT Peter Woods, Senior, Clemson
LB Arvell Reese, Junior, Ohio State
LB Jacob Rodriguez, Senior, Texas Tech
LB CJ Allen, Junior, Georgia
CB Mansoor Delane, Senior, LSU
CB Leonard Moore, Soph, Notre Dame
S Caleb Downs, Junior, Ohio State
S Dillon Thieneman, Junior, Oregon

DB D’Angelo Ponds, Junior, Indiana
P Brett Thorson, Senior, Georgia

Second Team
Offense

QB Diego Pavia, Graduate, Vanderbilt
RB Emmett Johnson, Junior, Nebraska
RB Kewan Lacy, Soph, Ole Miss
WR Skylar Bell, Senior, UConn
WR Malachi Toney, Freshman, Miami
WR Danny Scudero, Soph, San Jose State
TE Kenyon Sadiq, Junior, Oregon
OT Caleb Lomu, Senior, Utah
OT Kadyn Proctor, Junior, Alabama
OG Beau Stephens, Senior, Iowa
OG Cayden Green, Senior, Missouri
C Connor Lew, Junior, Auburn

All-Purpose Ryan Niblett, Soph, Texas
PK Kansei Matsuzawa, Senior, Hawaii

Defense

Edge Cashius Howell, Senior, Texas A&M
Edge John Henry Daley, Soph, Utah
DT A.J. Holmes, Junior, Texas Tech
DT Landon Robinson, Senior, Navy
LB Sonny Syles, Senior, Ohio State
LB Anthony Hill Jr., Junior, Texas
LB Red Murdock, Graduate, Buffalo
CB Chris Johnson, Senior, San Diego State
CB Avieon Terrell, Junior, Clemson
S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Senior, Toledo
S Bishop Fitzgerald, Senior, USC

DB Hezekiah Masses, Senior, Cal
P Cole Maynard, Senior, Western Kentucky

Third Team
Offense

QB Julian Sayin, Freshman, Ohio State
RB LJ Martin, Junior, BYU
RB Kaytron Allen, Senior, Penn State
WR Chris Brazzell II, Junior, Tennessee
WR Jordyn Tyson, Junior, Arizona State
WR Denzel Boston,Junior, Washington
TE Michael Trigg, Senior, Baylor
OT Carter Smith, Junior, Indiana
OT Brian Parker II, Junior, Duke
OG Keylan Rutledge, Senior, Georgia Tech
OG Ar’maj Reed-Adams, Graduate, Texas A&M
C Jake Slaughter, Senior, Florida

All-Purpose Jadarian Price, Junior, Notre Dame
PK Dominic Zvada, Senior, Michigan

Defense

Edge Caden Curry, Senior, Ohio State
Edge Nadame Tucker, Senior, Western Michigan
DT Lee Hunter, Senior, Texas Tech
DT Tyrique Tucker, Junior, Indiana
LB Caden Fordham, Graduate, NC State
LB Aiden Fisher, Senior, Indiana
LB Owen Long, Soph, Colorado State
CB Jakari Foster, Senior, Louisiana Tech
CB Willie Lee III, Senior, Texas A&M
S Michael Taaffe, Senior, Texas
S Louis Moore, Senior, Indiana

DB Bray Hubbard, Junior, Alabama
P Ryan Eckley, Junior, Michigan State

Rimington Trophy Announces Three Finalists

Centers, Logan Jones, Iapani Laloulu & Jake Slaughter Named Top Three DI Centers

The Rimington Trophy Committee announces 2025 Finalists for the Most Outstanding Center

Finalists

Logan Jones, University of Iowa
Logan Jones anchors Iowa’s offensive line, which is a Joe Moore Award semifinalist. Jones, a first-team All-Big Ten honoree, has started 50 career games and has served as a game captain all 12 games this season. He is the top-rated center in the country by Pro Football Focus and has not been flagged for an offensive holding penalty in 2025. Jones and the Hawkeyes outrushed their opponents nine times in 2025. Jones’ protection along with the rest of the line has helped quarterback Mark Gronowski break school single-season records for rushing yards (491) and rushing touchdowns (15) by a quarterback. Jones was named first team Big Ten and first team All-America honors by DraftInsiders.com

Iapani Laloulu, University of Oregon
Iapani Laloulu has started all 12 games for the Ducks at center in 2025 and has started 27 consecutive games for Oregon dating back to 2023. An all-Big Ten second-team selection by the league’s coaches. No. 2 among Big Ten centers and fourth among FBS centers with an 89.1 pass-blocking grade by Pro Football Focus. Has allowed just one sack and only six total pressures in 333 pass-blocking opportunities this season. In his career, has surrendered just one total sack and 18 pressures in 1,051 pass-blocking opportunities. The leader of an Oregon offensive line that is a semifinalist for the Joe Moore Award for the fourth consecutive year. A key piece of an Oregon offense that ranks in the top 20 nationally in scoring (9th, 38.2 PPG), total offense (13th, 465.2 YPG), rushing offense (14th, 218.42 YPG), sacks allowed (T-17th, 14) and tackles for loss allowed (8th, 43).

Jake Slaughter, University of Florida
Jake Slaughter started all 12 games at center for the Florida Gators in 2025, posting a 100 percent block rate and zero pressures in eight of 12 games, including four of the last five. For the season he allowed just one sack, one quarterback hit and two hurries. He anchored an offensive line that saw running back Jadan Baugh finish third in the SEC with 1,170 rushing yards. Slaughter was named a 2024 First-Team All-American by the Associated Press and ESPN. He was named 2^nd team All-America honors by DraftInsiders.com

Selection Process

While more than a dozen All-America teams are selected annually, the Rimington Trophy committee uses these three prestigious teams to determine a winner:
Walter Camp Foundation (WCF)
Sporting News (SN)
Football Writers Association of America (FWAA)

Because the selectors of these three All-America teams can place centers in a “mix” of offensive linemen that includes guards and tackles, their 11-man first teams can often have two centers. The Rimington Trophy committee’s policy is to count all players that play primarily the center position for their respective teams as centers, even though they may be listed as guards or tackles on the All- America teams.

The center with the most first team votes will be determined the winner. If there is a tie with first team votes, then the center with the most second team votes will win. If there is still a tie, the winner will be determined by a majority vote from the Rimington Trophy Committee.

Winner will be announced this Friday, December 12th on the ESPN College Football Awards Show.

Biletnikoff Award Announces Semi-finalists

Tallahassee, FL – The Tallahassee Quarterback Club (TQC) Foundation, Inc., the Florida-based creator and sponsor of the prestigious Biletnikoff Award, announces the semifinalists for the 2025 Biletnikoff Award. The secure and confidential electronic voting by the distinguished members of the Biletnikoff Award National Selection Committee was conducted from November 10th through November 16th, and certified by a prominent CPA firm.

Frank Coyle is a longtime member of the FWAA and a voter for the Heisman Trophy, Outland Trophy, Bronko Nagurski, Jim Thorpe, Fred Biletnikoff and Eddie Robinson awards annually for 34 years.

The Biletnikoff Award annually recognizes the college football season’s outstanding FBS receiver. Any player, regardless of position (wide receiver, tight end, slot or inside receiver, wing back, or running back) who catches a pass is eligible for the award. As such, the Biletnikoff Award recognizes college football’s outstanding receiver, not merely college football’s outstanding wide receiver. Tight end Kyle Pitts was a finalist in 2020 and other tight ends were semifinalists in other years. Moreover, the Biletnikoff Award is a single season, not career, award.

The Biletnikoff Award’s semifinalists, three finalists, and award recipient are selected by the highly distinguished Biletnikoff Award National Selection Committee, a group of 600 prominent college football journalists, commentators, announcers, Biletnikoff Award winners, and other former receivers. Foundation trustees do not vote and have never voted. For a list of voters, please see BiletnikoffAward.com/voters.

Receivers are frequently added to the watch list as their season performances dictate. Actual, not potential, performance is the basis for inclusion on the Biletnikoff Award Watch List.

The Biletnikoff Award candidate eligibility and voting criteria, transparently explicit and detailed, are available for review at BiletnikoffAward.com/criteria.

The 2025 Biletnikoff Award Semifinalists

in alphabetical order

Chris Bell, Louisville (WR)

Skyler Bell, UConn (WR)

Germie Bernard, Alabama (WR)

Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee (WR)

Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana (WR)

Mario Craver, Texas A&M (WR)

Makai Lemon, USC (WR)

Eric McAlister, TCU (WR)

Duce Robinson, Florida State (WR)

Elijah Sarratt, Indiana (WR)

Danny Scudero, San José State (WR)

Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State (WR)

Carnell Tate, Ohio State (WR)

Announcement/ Voting Dates

Nov. 10 – 16, 2025:

Vote by the Biletnikoff Award National Selection Committee to determine Semifinalists

Nov. 17, 2025:

Semi-finalists announcement

Nov. 17 – 23, 2025:

Vote to determine 3 Finalists

Nov. 25, 2025:

3 Finalists announcement

Nov. 25 – Dec. 6, 2025:

Final vote to determine Biletnikoff Award Winner

Dec. 12, 2025:

Biletnikoff Award Winner announced on The Home Depot College Football Awards

The name Biletnikoff is synonymous with the term receiver. Fred Biletnikoff, a member of the pro and college football halls of fame, was a consensus 1st-team All-America receiver at Florida State University and an All-Pro receiver for the Oakland Raiders. He caught 589 passes for 8,974 yards and 76 touchdowns in his 14-year Raiders career from 1965 through 1978. Fred was the Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl XI.

The Biletnikoff Award Watch List 2025

Frank Coyle/ Publisher

   November 1st

The Biletnikoff Award recognizes the college football season’s outstanding FBS receiver, regardless of position. Any player, regardless of position (wide receiver, tight end, split end, inside receiver, slot back or running back) who catches a pass is eligible for the award. As such, the Biletnikoff Award recognizes the outstanding receiver, not merely the outstanding wide receiver. The award recipient is selected by the highly distinguished Biletnikoff Award National Selection Committee, a group of prominent college football journalists, commentators, and former receivers. BiletnikoffAward.com/voters

Frank Coyle is a longtime member of the FWAA and a voter for the Heisman Trophy, Outland Trophy, Bronko Nagurski, Jim Thorpe, Fred Biletnikoff etc awards annually for 34 years.

Receivers have become a major impact position in the college and NFL games. They have developed into the key game changes in an offense other than the QB. The Biletnikoff award has highlighted these positions extensively each season including emerging playmakers who rise in the NFL Draft and become early NFL starters.

Receivers are periodically added to the watch list as their season performances dictate. Actual, not potential, performance is the basis for inclusion on the Biletnikoff Award Watch List. The transparently detailed and explicit criteria for candidate eligibility, watch list inclusion, and voting appear at: BiletnikoffAward.com/criteria

+Player removed from consideration due to season-ending injury without playing in the required minimum number of games.

*Player added October 1, 2025
**Player added October 15, 2025
***Player added October 23, 2025
****Player added October 29, 2025
 
Nov. 10 – 16, 2025:
Vote by the Biletnikoff Award National Selection Committee to determine Semifinalists

Nov. 17, 2025:
Semifinalists announcement

Nov. 17 – 23, 2025:
Vote to determine 3 Finalists

Nov. 25, 2025:
3 Finalists announcement

Nov. 25 – Dec. 6, 2025:
Final vote to determine Biletnikoff Award Winner

Dec. 12, 2025:
Biletnikoff Award Winner announced on The Home Depot College Football Awards

2025 Biletnikoff Award Watch List

November 1st

Player                           School             Position

Aaron Anderson             LSU                  WR

Cooper Barkate*            Duke                 WR

Hank Beatty**               Illinois               WR

Chris Bell                      Louisville           WR

Skyler Bell                      UConn              WR

Germie Bernard             Alabama            WR

O’Mega Blake               Arkansas              WR

Denzel Boston               Washington       WR

Chris Brazzell II*           Tennessee        WR

Camden Brown**           Georgia Southern          WR

Jayce Brown                 Kansas State         WR

Josh Cameron               Baylor                   WR

Cam Coleman               Auburn                 WR

Kevin Coleman Jr.         Missouri             WR

Omar Cooper Jr.*          Indiana               WR

Mario Craver*                Texas A&M         WR

Caleb Douglas               Texas Tech          WR

KJ Duff*                        Rutgers                WR

Jack Endries                 Texas                    TE

Malachi Fields               Notre Dame       WR

Cade Harris*                 Air Force              WR

Emmanuel Henderson Jr.*   Kansas       WR

Chase Hendricks*          Ohio                   WR

Ted Hurst                      Georgia State      WR

Justin Joly                    North Carolina St    TE

Omari Kelly                   Michigan St           WR

Max Klare                     Ohio State             TE

Tanner Koziol                Houston              TE

Cayden Lee                  Ole Miss                WR

Makai Lemon                 USC                    WR

Eric McAlister                TCU                     WR

Chrishon McCray           Michigan St       WR

Jordan Napier**             San Diego St     WR

Adrian Norton                Marshall            WR

Braden Pegan****          Utah State        WR

Trebor Pena                  Penn State           WR

Eric Rivers                    Georgia Tech      WR

Chase Roberts              BYU                      WR

Devonte Ross               Penn St                WR

Corey Rucker                Arkansas St        WR

Elijah Sarratt                 Indiana              WR

Danny Scudero*            San José St       WR

DT Sheffield                  Rutgers              WR

Eric Singleton Jr.           Auburn              WR

Anthony Smith              East Carolina     WR

Jeremiah Smith             Ohio State         WR

Beau Sparks***             Texas State        WR

Eli Stowers                    Vanderbilt           TE

De’Zhaun Stribling         Ole Miss           WR

Ian Strong*                    Rutgers              WR

Carnell Tate                  Ohio State           WR

Javon Tracy                  Minnesota           WR

Jordyn Tyson                 Arizona State    WR

Junior Vandeross III       Toledo             WR

Cam Vaughn                 West Virginia     WR

Reggie Virgil                  Texas Tech          WR

Devin Voisin*                 South Alabama  WR

Trent Walker                  Oregon State       WR

Harrison Wallace III       Ole Miss            WR

Bryant Wesco Jr.           Clemson              WR

Ryan Williams               Alabama              WR

Antonio Williams            Clemson           WR

Luke Wysong                Arizona                WR

Draft Insiders’ All-America Teams

Frank Coyle / Head scout

Offensive Player of the Year
Ashton Jeanty – Boise State

Defensive Player of the Year
Travis Hunter – Colorado

2024 Draft Insiders’ All-America Teams

First Team Offense

Quarterback
Dillon Gabriel, Sr. – Oregon – 6-0, 200

Running Backs
Ashton Jeanty, Jr – Boise State – 5-9, 215
Cam Skattebo, Sr – Arizona State – 5-11, 215

Wide Receivers
Travis Hunter, Jr – Colorado – 6-1, 190
Nick Nash, Sr – San Jose State – 6-3, 195
Tetairoa McMillan, Jr – Arizona – 6-5, 215

Tight End
Tyler Warren, Sr – Penn State – 6-5, 260

Tackles
Kelvin Banks, Jr – Texas – 6-4, 320
Will Campbell, Jr – LSU – 6-6, 325

Guards
Tyler Booker, Jr – Alabama – 6-5, 325
Donovan Jackson, Sr – Ohio State – 6-4, 320

Center
Seth McLaughlin, Sr – Ohio State – 6-4, 305

All-purpose
Travis Hunter, Jr – Colorado – 6-1, 190

Kicker
Kenneth Almendares, Sr – Louisiana – 6-2, 250

First Team Defense

Edge Rushers
Abdul Carter, Jr – Penn State – 6-3, 250
Kyle Kennard, Sr – South Carolina – 6-5, 255

Interior Linemen
Mason Graham, Jr – Michigan – 6-3, 320
Walter Nolen, Jr – Mississippi – 6-3, 305

Linebackers
Jay Higgins, Sr – Iowa – 6-2, 230
Danny Stutsman, Sr – Oklahoma – 6-4, 245
Shaun Dolac, Sr – Buffalo – 6-1, 225

Cornerbacks
Jahdae Barron, Sr – Texas – 5-11, 200
Travis Hunter, Jr – Colorado – 6-1, 190

Safeties
Xavier Watts, Sr – Notre Dame – 6-0, 205
Caleb Downs, Soph – Ohio State – 6-0, 200

Defensive back
Nick Emmanwori, Jr – South Carolina – 6-3, 225

Punter
Alex Mastromanno, Sr – Florida State – 6-1, 240

Returners
KR Rayshawn Pleasant – Tulane
PR Kam Shanks – UAB

Second Team Offense

Quarterback
Cam Ward, Sr – Miami – 6-2, 225

Running Backs
Kaleb Johnson, Jr – Iowa – 6-0, 225
Omarion Hampton, Jr – North Carolina – 6-0, 220

Wide Receivers
Tre Harris, Sr – Mississippi – 6-3, 210
Jeremiah Smith, Fr – Ohio State – 6-3, 215
Xavier Restrepo, Sr – Miami – 5-10, 195

Tight End
Harold Fannin, Jr. – Bowling Green – 6-3, 230

Tackles
Josh Conerly, Jr. – Oregon – 6-4, 315
Aireontae Ersery, Sr – Minnesota – 6-3, 330

Guards
Addison West, Sr – Western Michigan – 6-3, 305
Dylan Fairchild, Jr – Georgia – 6-5, 315

Center
Jake Slaughter, Jr – Florida – 6-5, 310

All-purpose
Desmond Reid, Jr – Pittsburgh – 5-8, 175

Kicker
Dominic Zvada, Jr – Michigan – 6-3, 180

Second Team Defense

Edge Rushers
Donovan Ezeiruaku, Sr – Boston College – 6-2, 245
Antwaun Powell-Ryland, Sr – Virginia Tech – 6-3, 250

Interior Linemen
Derrick Harmon, Jr – Oregon – 6-5, 310
Alfred Collins, Sr – Texas – 6-5, 320

Linebackers
Anthony Hill Jr., Soph – Texas – 6-3, 235
Jihaad Campbell, Jr – Alabama 6-3, 230
Carson Schwesinger, Jr – UCLA – 6-2, 225

Cornerbacks
Nohl Williams, Sr – California – 6-1, 200
Jermod McCoy, Soph – Tennessee – 6-0, 195

Safeties
Malaki Starks, Jr – Georgia – 6-1, 205
Malachi Moore, Sr – Alabama – 6-0, 200

Defensive back
Dorian Strong, Sr – Virginia Tech – 6-0, 190

Punter
Brett Thorson, Jr – Georgia – 6-2, 235

Returners
KR Keelan Marion, Sr – BYU
PR Kaden Wetjen, Jr – Iowa

Third Team Offense

Quarterback
Shedeur Sanders, Sr – Colorado – 6-2, 215

Running Backs
Dylan Sampson, Jr – Tennessee – 5-11, 200
RJ Harvey, Sr – UCF – 5-9, 210

Wide Receivers
Tai Felton, Sr – Maryland – 6-2, 185
Jordyn Tyson, Soph – Arizona State – 6-1, 195
Jayden Higgins, Sr – Iowa State – 6-4, 215

Tight End
Oronde Gadsden II, Jr – Syracuse – 6-5, 235

Tackles
Jonah Savaiinaea, Jr – Arizona – 6-5, 330
Wyatt Milum, Sr – West Virginia – 6-6, 320

Guards
Luke Kandra, Sr – Cincinnati – 6-4, 320
Tate Ratledge, Sr – Georgia – 6-6, 330

Center
Cooper Mays, Sr – Tennessee – 6-4, 300

All-purpose
Brashard Smith, Sr – SMU – 5-10, 195

Kicker
Ryan Fitzgerald, Sr – Florida State. – 6-1, 190

Third Team Defense

Edge Rushers
Nic Scourton, Sr – Texas A&M – 6-4, 260
Mikail Kamara, Jr – Indiana – 6-1, 265

Interior Linemen
JJ Pegues, Sr – Mississippi – 6-2, 320
Kenneth Grant, Jr – Michigan – 6-3, 335

Linebackers
Jalon Walker, Jr – Georgia, – 6-2, 245
Wesley Weeks, Sr – LSU – 6-2, 235
Chris Paul Jr., Jr – Mississippi – 6-1, 235

Cornerbacks
Will Johnson, Jr – Michigan – 6-2, 200
Trey Amos, Sr – Mississippi – 6-1, 200

Safeties
Lathan Ransom, Sr – Ohio State – 6-1, 210
Jalen Catalon, Sr – UNLV – 5-11, 205

Defensive back
Cobee Bryant, Sr – Kansas – 6-0, 175

Punter
Eddie Czaplicki, Jr – Southern California – 6-1, 205

Returners
KR Winston Wright, Sr – East Carolina
PR LaJohntay Wester, Sr – Baylor

Frank Coyle is a long-time scout with nationwide ties with NFL and college coaches, scouts and player agents. He is a member of the FWAA and voter in College player awards – Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe, Biletnikoff etc plus annual All-American teams for the past 30+ years. He writes College Football Mondays weekly during the season. He was a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He does sports radio shows for CBS, ESPN, Fox Sports and Sporting News on a year-round basis related to NFL and College Football especially during the postseason team and All-star Bowl time. He has worked for CBS Sports, USA Today, NBC Sports, Yahoo and Rivals sports publications and web sites.