Texas Tech WR named to the Biletnikoff Award watchlist

There was once a time when it seemed as if dominant wide receivers just fell out of the sky above Texas Tech University. However, in recent seasons, that position has become one of disappointment and unmet expectations for the Red Raiders.

That all could change in 2024 though with the program having significantly upgraded the skill on the roster at wide receiver. One of the key additions that Joey McGuire made this offseason is super-senior Josh Kelly, a transfer from Washington State who on Wednesday was named to the Biletnikoff Award preseason watchlist.

According to the Biletnikoff Award's website, "The Biletnikoff Award recognizes the college football season’s outstanding FBS receiver, regardless of position. Any player, regardless of position (wide receiver, tight end, split end, inside receiver, slot back or running back) who catches a pass is eligible for the award. As such, the Biletnikoff Award recognizes the outstanding receiver, not merely the outstanding wide receiver. The award recipient is selected by the highly distinguished Biletnikoff Award National Selection Committee, a group of prominent college football journalists, commentators, and former receivers. Foundation trustees do not vote and have never voted"

Kelly is expected to be the Red Raiders' top wide receiver this fall. Last season, he put up 923 yards and eight TDs on 61 catches for the Cougars.

It was truly a breakout season for Kelly. He began his NCAA career at Fresno State where he played for three seasons. There, his best season was in 2021 when he caught 51 passes for 778 yards and three TDs.

Interestingly, that was one of only two seasons in which Kelly didn't miss any games due to injury. The other was last season. In both 2020 and 2022, he played in only six games.

If Kelly an put together a full season in 2024, perhaps he can challenge for the Biletnkioff. Of course, he wouldn't be the first Red Raider to capture that award.

In 2007 and 2008, Texas Tech legend Michael Crabtree became the first back-to-back winner of the Biletnikoff. In 2007, he had 1.962 yards and 22 TDs on 134 receptions. A year later he had 1,165 yards and 19 TDs on 97 catches.

Last season, Ohio State's Marvin Harrison Jr. won the award with 1,211 yards and 14 touchdowns on 67 receptions. Being that he isn't playing for a brand-name school, Kelly will likely have to blow everyone away statistically in 2024 to be in consideration for the award, though. We learned that the hard way in 2018 when the Red Raiders' Antoine Wesley was not named a Biletnikoff finalist despite catching 88 passes for 1,410 yards and nine touchdowns.

If Kelly can even put himself into consideration for the Biletnikoff Award, it will be a sign that the Red Raiders' offense has had a great year, and likely that QB Behren Morton has as well. Kelly was brought to Lubbock to bring more firepower to the offense and if he does what is expected of him, he just might be able to challenge for one of college football's most prestigous awards.