Both Ole Miss and Mississippi State are represented on this year’s preseason watchlist for the Biletnikoff Award, which goes out annually to the most outstanding FBS receiver.
Announced Wednesday by the Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation, Rebels wideout Tre Harris and Bulldogs wideout Kelly Akharaiyi are among the 49 players expected to compete for the award when the college football season begins later this month.
Harris, coming off an inaugural All-SEC campaign in 2023, enters his second year in Oxford with a career total of 2,502 yards and 22 touchdowns. Last season, Harris nabbed 54 catches for 985 yards and eight touchdowns – four of which came in the opening game against Mercer to break the single-game school record. He ended 2023 in the SEC’s top 10 in receiving touchdowns, yards per reception, receiving yards, receiving yards per game, and receptions per game.
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Akharaiyi enters his first season in Starkville after transferring from UTEP. In 2023, as a junior with the Miners, he impressed with 1,033 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. Named first-team All-Conference USA, Akharaiyi was one of just two players in the conference to surpass the 1,000-yard mark as a receiver.
It’s worth noting that the Biletnikoff Award, named after legendary Florida State and Oakland Raiders wideout Fred Biletnikoff, is not exclusive to just wide receivers. Any player who catches a pass, regardless of position (wide receiver, tight end, slot back, running back), is eligible for the award.
Ole Miss will kick off the season on Aug. 31 at home against Furman while the Bulldogs will begin the same day in Starkville against Eastern Kentucky. The full preseason watchlist for the 2024 Biletnikoff Award can be found here.
