Platt Named to Biletnikoff Award Watch List
August 19, 2026 | Football
NEWS
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois WR Jayshon Platt has been named to the preseason watch list for the 2026 Biletnikoff Award, released Wednesday by the Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation.
Platt is among the 44 pass catchers recognized on the list, including one of seven representing Big Ten programs.
BILETNIKOFF AWARD
The Biletnikoff Award annually recognizes the college football season's outstanding FBS receiver. Any player, regardless of position (wide receiver, tight end, slot back, and running back) who catches a pass is eligible for the Biletnikoff Award. As such, the award recognizes college football's outstanding receiver, not merely college football's outstanding wide receiver. The Biletnikoff Award's semifinalists, three finalists, and award recipient are selected by the highly distinguished Biletnikoff Award National Selection Committee, a group of 600 prominent college football journalists, commentators, announcers, Biletnikoff Award winners, and other former receivers.
- Biletnikoff Award Website
- Last three winners:
- 2025: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
- 2024: Travis Hunter Jr., WR/CB, Colorado
- 2023: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
JAYSHON PLATT
- 2026 Jet Award Watch List as one of the nation's top return specialists
- In 2025, played in 12 games with nine starts at Florida Atlantic
- Recorded 46 catches for 720 yards (15.7 yards per reception) with five receiving touchdowns last year
- Ranked 30th in the nation with eight receptions over 30 yards
- Returned 25 kickoffs for 613 yards (24.5 yards per return)
- Career-high 121 receiving yards and one touchdown at Navy (10/25/25)
- Also recorded 100-yard receiving games against Memphis, Navy, and Tulsa
ILLINI ON WATCH LISTS (AS OF AUGUST 19)
- Matthew Bailey – Lott IMPACT Trophy
- Bret Bielema – Allstate AFCA Good Works Team
- Brandon Henderson – Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, Allstate Wuerffel Trophy
- Jayshon Platt - Jet Award, Biletnikoff Award
- Jake Renfro – Rimington Trophy
- Ca'Lil Valentine – Doak Walker Award
