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10 semifinalists announced for 2023 Biletnikoff Award as nation's top receiver

IMG_6598by:Nick Kosko11/20/23

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biletnikoff
(Biletnikoff Award on Twitter)

The 10 semifinalists for the 2023 Biletnikoff Award were revealed Monday. The award released the full list, which features some big names.

The award is presented to the nation’s top receiver. But, it’s not limited to just wide receivers as a certain tight end is up for the honor.

Below is the full list for the 2023 Biletnikoff Award:

Brock Bowers, Georgia

Georgia TE Brock Bowers
Kari Hodges / UGA Sports Communications

Stats: 51 catches, 661 yards, 6 TD, 13 yards per catch

Bowers has been dominant when he’s played this year. He’s the only tight end on the list this season and could certainly help the Bulldogs win the national title, again. Maybe the end of the year could boost his odds.

Luther Burden III, Missouri

Luther Burden - Missouri
(© Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports)

Stats: 77 catches, 1,142 yards, 8 TD, 14.8 yards per catch

Burden is a big reason why for the breakout season in Missouri and why the Tigers are 9-2. He can stretch the field and has been a big target for Brady Cook all season long. Great production from the Tigers wideout in 2023.

Keon Coleman, Florida State 

Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports

Stats: 45 catches, 615 yards, 11 TD, 13.7 yards per catch

Coleman was a glorious transfer portal get for the Seminoles to pair alongside Johnny Wilson this season. While his numbers aren’t eye-popping, he has touchdowns on nearly a quarter of his catches. We’ll take those chances throwing him the football!

Troy Franklin, Oregon 

troy-franklin-breaks-oregon-single-season-records-for-receiving-yards-and-touchdowns-in-ducks-win-over-asu
© Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Stats: 68 catches, 1,221 yards, 13 TD, 18 yards per catch

Franklin helped Bo Nix get into the Heisman Trophy conversation this season. He’s been outstanding with 13 touchdown receptions, helping Oregon get in the Pac-12 mix. He can be a big difference maker on offense to help the Ducks win the conference title and get to the College Football Playoff.

Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State

marvin harrison jr.-ohio state-ohio state football-buckeyes
Matt Parker/Lettermen Row

Stats: 62 catches, 1,093 yards, 13 TD, 17.6 yards per catch

Arguably the best wide receiver in college football when you break down stats, skill level and potential. Harrison Jr. received Heisman buzz as well, so it’d be logical for him to win this award. Easily the MVP of the Ohio State offense in 2023.

Xavier Legette, South Carolina 

Xavier Legette - South Carolina
© Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

Stats: 65 catches, 1,187 yards, 7 TD, 18.3 yards per catch

In a season of downs, and some ups of course, Legette has been one of the latter. He didn’t get to double digit touchdowns, but his production cannot be understated. Talk about a wide receiver that can stretch the field and get yards after the catch.

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Malik Nabers, LSU 

lsu-texas-am-kickoff-time-tv-coverage-announced
Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports

Stats: 80 catches, 1,424 yards, 12 TD, 17.8 yards per catch

It helps when you have Jayden Daniels as your quarterback, but there’s no denying how good Nabers is at his position. He’s not the only LSU pass catcher on this list either! He can go up and above, out run you and do everything in between. This is clearly one of the best wide receivers in college football.

Rome Odunze, Washington 

Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Stats: 66 catches, 1,206 yards, 11 TD, 18.3 yards per catch

Talk about someone standing out on their own team. Odunze has a loaded room, but he’s the best of the bunch and certainly Michael Penix Jr.‘s favorite target within the Huskies’ offense. He’ll make a great pro, like a lot of the guys on this list.

Brian Thomas Jr., LSU 

lsu-missouri-kickoff-time-tv-coverage-announced
(David Chivatero – On3)

Stats: 55 catches, 1,021 yards, 14 TD, 18.6 yards per catch

Remember when we mentioned Nabers wasn’t the only LSU guy on this list? Well, here’s Thomas Jr. Despite having less catches and yards, Thomas Jr.’s stat line remained impressive, especially with 14 scores on the season. He’s not finished.

Malik Washington, Virginia

Bishop Fitzgerald NC State
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Stats: 96 catches, 1,311 yards, 9 TD, 13.7 yards per catch

Talk about making an impact on your team. Washington has been fantastic all fall and could wrap it up with the sport’s premier award for pass catchers. With one game left, he could easily get to 100 catches on the year.

Eventually, this list will have to be cut down. What a shame since all of these pass catchers are capable of a Biletnikoff Award.