Best Wide Receivers in College Football (Fred Biletnikoff Award Watch List 2025)
Published on: August 24, 2024
Updated on: August 30, 2025
Category: Advice & Tips

The following post features the best wide receivers in college football (Fred Biletnikoff Award Watch List 2025).
Some college football teams have an NFL-level WR capable of turning a simple 5-yard slant route into a 75-yard TD. These are the WRs you need to know about when betting on college football.
Read: Best Kickers in College Football
Related: Best Times to Live Bet College Football
The Fred Biletnikoff Award Watch List features the top wide receivers in the nation heading into the 2025 college football season.
So, who are the top WRs in 2025? Here’s what you need to know.
Overview
Colorado’s Travis Hunter won the 2024 Fred Biletnikoff Award after a season in which he totaled 96 receptions for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns. He was selected over two other finalists: Tetairoa McMillan of Arizona and Nick Nash of San Jose State.
How the Award Works
Throughout the season, the Fred Biletnikoff Award Committee monitors the performance of the receivers on the preseason watchlist. At mid-season, the committee narrows the list down to 10 semifinalists. From this group, the top three finalists are chosen. The winner is selected from these three finalists by a panel of college football coaches, media members, and former Fred Biletnikoff winners.
Fred Biletnikoff Award Watch List (2025)
Click here for the official Fred Biletnikoff Award Watch List (2025).
Fred Biletnikoff Award Winners (2000 – Present)
Here are the winners from years past – notice lots of NFL names on this list.
Year |
Player |
Team |
|---|---|---|
2024 |
Travis Hunter |
Colorado Buffaloes |
2023 |
Marvin Harrison Jr. |
Ohio State Buckeyes |
2022 |
Jalin Hyatt |
Tennessee Volunteers |
2021 |
Jordan Addison |
Pittsburgh Panthers |
2020 |
DeVonta Smith |
Alabama Crimson Tide |
2019 |
Ja’Marr Chase |
LSU Tigers |
2018 |
Jerry Jeudy |
Alabama Crimson Tide |
2017 |
James Washington |
Oklahoma State Cowboys |
2016 |
Dede Westbrook |
Oklahoma Sooners |
2015 |
Corey Coleman |
Baylor Bears |
2014 |
Amari Cooper |
Alabama Crimson Tide |
2013 |
Brandin Cooks |
Oregon State Beavers |
2012 |
Marqise Lee |
USC Trojans |
2011 |
Justin Blackmon |
Oklahoma State Cowboys |
2010 |
Justin Blackmon |
Oklahoma State Cowboys |
2009 |
Golden Tate |
Notre Dame Fighting Irish |
2008 |
Michael Crabtree |
Texas Tech Red Raiders |
2007 |
Michael Crabtree |
Texas Tech Red Raiders |
2006 |
Calvin Johnson |
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets |
2005 |
Mike Hass |
Oregon State Beavers |
2004 |
Braylon Edwards |
Michigan Wolverines |
2003 |
Larry Fitzgerald |
Pittsburgh Panthers |
2002 |
Charles Rogers |
Michigan State Spartans |
2001 |
Josh Reed |
LSU Tigers |
2000 |
Antonio Bryant |
Pittsburgh Panthers |