The 2025 Biletnikoff Award Preseason Watch List has now been made public by the Tallahassee Quarterback Club (TQC) Foundation, Inc., the Florida-based organization responsible for creating and sponsoring the highly respected Biletnikoff Award.
Each year, this award is presented to the most outstanding receiver in college football at the FBS level. Players from any offensive position who catch passes, including wide receivers, running backs, slot backs, and tight ends, can be considered.
The award does not focus only on wide receivers. For instance, tight end Kyle Pitts made it to the final stage in 2020, and others in the same role have also reached the semifinals in the past. It is important to know that this award is based solely on performance during one season, not a player’s full college career.
Selection Process and Voting Rules
A large and highly respected voting panel known as the Biletnikoff Award National Selection Committee is in charge of choosing the semifinalists, the three finalists, and the winner. This panel includes 600 individuals, such as football analysts, writers, former players, past award winners, and broadcasters.
Trustees of the foundation are not involved in the voting process and have never participated. Details about who makes up the voting group can be found at BiletnikoffAward.com/voters.
As players show what they can do during the season, the watch list is regularly updated. A player’s real performance on the field, not their expected potential, is what earns them a place on the list.
Event Highlights and Past Guest Speakers
The annual banquet has been known for inviting speakers who have left strong marks in football and beyond. Some of those who have given keynote speeches at the event include Bart Starr, Dick Vermeil, Floyd Little, Larry Csonka, Steve Largent, Mike Ditka, Don Shula, Dan Reeves, and Archie Manning.
Ron Jaworski, Gene Stallings, Bob Griese, Bill Curry, Bobby Bowden, Jim Kelly, Jerry Kramer, Joe Theismann, Dan Fouts, Chad Hennings, Lou Holtz, Aaron Taylor, Archie Griffin, Danny Wuerffel, and Drew Pearson were also there.
During the 30th Biletnikoff Award Banquet held on March 9, 2024, Foundation Chairman and Founding Trustee Walter Manley II had the honor of presenting the award trophy to Marvin Harrison Jr., who had been named a unanimous 1st-team All-American.
The ceremony also featured 1996 Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel as the guest speaker. Around 700 guests were present to witness the event.
Long List of Award Winners Who Went on to Excel in the NFL
Many who have received this award in college have gone on to become major names in the NFL. Previous winners include standout players such as Calvin Johnson, Randy Moss, Michael Crabtree, Amari Cooper, Golden Tate, Brandin Cooks, the late Terry Glenn, Ja’Marr Chase, DeVonta Smith, and Larry Fitzgerald.
