Jalin Hyatt reveals if he ever dreamed of winning the Biletnikoff Award

Being recognized as the college football season’s outstanding FBS receiver is a huge honor. The Biletnikoff Award is one of the most prestigious out there, with Tennessee‘s Jalin Hyatt being named the 2022 recipient. An outstanding season on Rocky Top was rewarded in the highest way possible.

For many, the moment of winning an award can be more special than the process itself. Hyatt is no different, being surrounded by family and teammates when hearing his name called. “Blessed” is how the Tennessee wide receiver described himself, enjoying Thursday night.

“When I heard my name, just grateful,” Hyatt said. “Blessed to be in this position. Not only that, being with my family, for them to come up here. And for the team to be behind me as well was one of the biggest things I got out of it.”

Two other candidates were up for the award — Ohio State‘s Marvin Harrison Jr. and Iowa State‘s Xavier Hutchinson. Harrison would have been considered the upset pick, having a great season alongside Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback CJ Stroud. If anyone was going to knock off Hyatt, it would the Buckeyes’ top weapon.

“I was nervous,” said Hyatt. “Marvin Harrison is a great receiver, I think we all know that. He has a great career ahead of him and it was a great race for it between me and him. But I’m just blessed for the opportunity to be up here in front of y’all.”

LSU game sparked run for Jalin Hyatt

Tennessee knew they would have a top-level offense heading into the season. Even so, quarterback Hendon Hooker was looking for a consistent No. 1 and settled nicely on Hyatt. The exact moment things clicked for the duo seemed to be in Baton Rouge, destroying LSU in Death Valley.

“After the LSU game,” Hyatt said on when he knew something special was brewing. “My confidence was as high as it could be. Coaching staff started to trust in me a little more and I kept telling them I want to be the guy. Coach gave me a shot for the LSU game and I think after that LSU game, sparked everything else, just as far as confidence, just them trusting me, and just me going out there and making plays.”

Hyatt caught just four passes against the Tigers but still made a huge impact. Those went for 63 yards and two touchdowns before sparking the rest of his season.

Alabama could not guard Hyatt, allowing 207 yards and five touchdowns during a historic night at Neyland Stadium. Add three more 100-yard receiving games and it’s easy to see why Hyatt was named the Biletnikoff winner.