Ohio State’s leading wide receivers have been named to the Biletnikoff Award watch list ahead of the 2025 college football season, recognizing them among the nation’s elite at the position.
As the 2025 college football season approaches, anticipation continues to build around programs expected to contend for national titles, and Ohio State once again finds itself in the heart of the championship conversation. Much of that buzz surrounds a position group that has become the envy of college football in recent years: the Buckeyes’ wide receivers. That excitement grew even louder with the recent announcement that Ohio State’s top wideouts have been named to the prestigious Biletnikoff Award watch list—a clear recognition of their individual talents and the program’s sustained dominance at the position.
Being placed on the Biletnikoff Award watch list is no small feat. Named after Hall of Fame receiver Fred Biletnikoff, the award honors college football’s most outstanding receiver, regardless of position. While it primarily goes to wideouts, any player who catches passes—tight ends and running backs included—can be considered. That makes the honor even more exclusive, as it encompasses a vast pool of candidates. But Ohio State doesn’t just have one name on the list; multiple Buckeye receivers have earned a spot, showcasing not just elite individual potential but also the overwhelming depth of the unit.
This isn’t unfamiliar territory for the Buckeyes. Over the past decade, Ohio State has become a factory for elite receiving talent, with names like Michael Thomas, Terry McLaurin, Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba all coming through Columbus en route to stardom. The program has consistently turned raw athleticism and precise route-running into national recognition and NFL success. And now, in 2025, that tradition is alive and thriving.
The inclusion of multiple Buckeyes on the Biletnikoff watch list is a reflection of both development and opportunity. Under the guidance of wide receivers coach Brian Hartline—who now also plays a significant role in the program’s offensive game planning—the Buckeyes have crafted a system where receivers can flourish. Hartline, himself a former Ohio State and NFL wideout, has a keen eye for talent and an elite understanding of route concepts and spacing. His reputation as a coach who not only recruits the best but develops them into NFL-ready products has made Ohio State the go-to destination for high school receiving talent across the country.
But the recognition also speaks to the individual work ethic and performance of each wide receiver now under the national spotlight. These are players who have not only impressed in practices and scrimmages but have delivered on the big stage—hauling in contested catches, turning short gains into explosive plays, and consistently rising to the occasion when the Buckeyes have needed a spark. They’ve performed in playoff settings, rivalry games, and pressure-packed conference matchups, building a résumé of reliability and highlight-reel moments.
It’s also worth noting the context in which these receivers are operating. Ohio State’s offensive scheme, while balanced, is designed to maximize the passing game’s effectiveness. Quarterbacks are given the freedom to air it out, and with pinpoint accuracy from the Buckeyes’ current signal-caller—who himself is being touted as a Heisman contender—receivers are often placed in optimal situations to make plays. That synergy between quarterback and wideout cannot be understated, as it fuels production and gives receivers the numbers needed to be recognized for awards like the Biletnikoff.
At the same time, these receivers aren’t just stat collectors. They’re technicians. They understand leverage, how to manipulate defensive backs, how to set up routes two or three steps in advance. They have the hands, the agility, and the explosiveness to take over games. Watching them operate is a masterclass in the art of receiving, whether they’re gliding through a secondary on a post route or dragging their toes on the sideline to complete a chain-moving catch.
The competition within the wide receiver room at Ohio State also elevates the standard. Every practice is a battle for supremacy. There’s no resting on accolades or prior performances. These athletes push each other every day, knowing that playing time is earned, not given. That internal pressure cooker has produced some of the best performances college football has seen in recent years, and it’s one reason why multiple Buckeyes can be simultaneously recognized at a national level.
There’s also a leadership element to this group. Veteran wideouts who have returned for another season bring experience, wisdom, and a deep understanding of what it takes to compete at the highest level. They mentor the younger players, reinforcing the culture that has kept Ohio State at the top of the college football world. That mentorship, combined with elite coaching and relentless competition, creates an environment where excellence isn’t just expected—it’s demanded.
Being named to the Biletnikoff Award watch list doesn’t guarantee victory, of course. It’s merely a starting point, a preseason nod that acknowledges talent and potential. But for Ohio State’s wide receivers, it’s more than that. It’s validation that the rest of the country sees what Buckeye fans and coaches have known all along: these athletes are special. They’re capable of dominating any defense they face, capable of rewriting record books, and capable of carrying Ohio State to victories in the season’s biggest moments.
As the season kicks off, all eyes will be on how these receivers perform. Opposing defenses will game-plan to slow them down, likely dedicating extra coverage and exotic schemes to try to disrupt timing and rhythm. But that’s the beauty of having multiple elite options. You double one, and another one beats you. Ohio State’s offense thrives on creating mismatches, and with so many dangerous weapons out wide, they’re almost impossible to completely shut down.
That versatility is another reason why the Biletnikoff committee took notice. These are not one-dimensional players. They’re threats at every level of the field—intermediate route runners with crisp cuts, deep threats who can separate with speed, and red zone targets who know how to use leverage and body control. They don’t rely on just one trait. They have the full toolkit, and they use it with precision.
Fans should expect a season filled with highlight moments from this unit. Whether it’s a toe-tapping touchdown in the corner of the end zone, a one-handed catch in traffic, or a 75-yard sprint to the house, these receivers will be making headlines all season long. And as the season unfolds, it’s likely that at least one—if not more—will find themselves as a semifinalist or finalist for the Biletnikoff Award.
The larger implication, of course, is what this means for Ohio State’s goals this season. To win a national championship, you need game-breaking talent at the skill positions. The Buckeyes have that in abundance. These receivers not only give Ohio State the ability to stretch defenses vertically, but they also open up lanes for the run game and force defenses to play honestly. Their presence changes the entire geometry of the field.
And while awards are nice, the real prize is what lies at the end of the season. The Buckeyes are aiming for Big Ten dominance, a College Football Playoff berth, and ultimately, a national title. The receivers named to the Biletnikoff watch list will be central to those efforts. They’ll be asked to make clutch plays, take over games, and carry the offense when needed. Their ability to rise to those moments will go a long way in determining how far Ohio State can go in 2025.
This kind of recognition also impacts recruiting. When high school stars see multiple Buckeyes getting national attention, it sends a clear message: Ohio State is the best place in the country to be if you want to be a great receiver. It’s not just about the wins or the NFL pipeline—it’s about being developed into a complete player and competing on the highest stage. The watch list honors reflect not only the talent on the current roster but also the strength of the program’s vision and execution over time.
In the end, being named to the Biletnikoff Award watch list is a moment to celebrate, but for Ohio State’s top receivers, it’s also motivation. They’re not just trying to be the best in the country—they’re trying to be the best ever to wear the Scarlet and Gray. That means working harder, staying focused, and delivering every time they step on the field. The journey ahead is full of challenges, but it’s also full of opportunity.
And as the 2025 season unfolds, fans can rest assured that when the ball is in the air, Ohio State’s receivers will be ready. They’ve earned the spotlight, and now it’s time to shine.
