TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Two tight ends and four wide receivers have joined the 2026 Biletnikoff Award Watch List, expanding the field competing for college football’s outstanding FBS receiver honor.
The Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation announced the six additions on October 28, marking its fourth in-season watch list update since releasing the preseason list on August 19.
Latest Watch List Additions
The foundation’s accompanying announcement graphic identifies the following players:
| Player | School | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Kari Ashley | TCU | Tight end |
| Cataurus Hicks | Pittsburgh | Wide receiver |
| Isaiah Myers | Missouri State | Wide receiver |
| Patrick Overmyer | Houston | Tight end |
| DeAree Rogers | Northern Illinois | Wide receiver |
| Justin Stevenson | North Texas | Wide receiver |
The foundation adds receivers throughout the season based on their demonstrated performances. Inclusion reflects actual production rather than projected potential, according to the announcement.
Tight Ends and Running Backs Are Eligible
The Biletnikoff Award recognizes the season’s outstanding FBS receiver regardless of position. Wide receivers, tight ends, slot backs, and running backs who catch passes are eligible.
The addition of Ashley and Overmyer underscores that distinction. The foundation cited tight end Kyle Pitts’ appearance as a 2020 finalist as an example of the award’s reach beyond wide receivers.
The honor evaluates a player’s performance during a single season, rather than career accomplishments.
National Committee Selects the Winner
A 625-member national selection committee chooses the semifinalists, three finalists, and eventual recipient, according to the release.
The panel includes college football journalists, commentators, announcers, previous Biletnikoff Award winners and other former receivers.
Foundation trustees do not participate in voting. The organization publishes its voter information and eligibility and voting criteria online.
Award Supports Scholarship Mission
Beyond administering the award, the nonprofit foundation provides college and vocational scholarships to North Florida high school seniors who have overcome significant challenges while achieving academically and through extracurricular activities.
According to the announcement, the all-volunteer organization has provided more than 360 scholarships with benefits exceeding $7 million through 2026.
The foundation has set a goal of reaching $10 million in cumulative scholarship awards by 2030. Participation in sports is not required for scholarship eligibility.
Named for Hall of Fame Receiver Fred Biletnikoff
The award honors Fred Biletnikoff, a College Football Hall of Fame and Pro Football Hall of Fame receiver who starred at Florida State and with the Oakland Raiders.
Previous recipients include Randy Moss, Larry Fitzgerald, Calvin Johnson, Amari Cooper, Ja’Marr Chase and DeVonta Smith.
The supplied release identifies USC’s Makai Lemon as the 2025 winner. He received his trophy at the foundation’s March 28, 2026, banquet in Tallahassee.
Source: Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation release and accompanying watch list graphic dated October 28, 2026.
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