Biletnikoff Award Odds 2026: Can Jesse Legree Challenge Jeremiah Smith?

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The Biletnikoff Award odds are a great measuring stick for who could be a difference maker this college football season and when these receivers make their move to the NFL.

The Fred Biletnikoff Award is one of the most prestigious awards in college football. It’s given to the most outstanding receiver in college football. The 2026 Biletnikoff Award will be handed out in December.

As long as the 6-foot-3 Smith remains healthy throughout the season, this is his Biletnikoff Award to win...

Makai Lemon won the Biletnikoff Award in 2025, becoming the first USC receiver to win since Marqise Lee in 2012. Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith is the clear leader in the 2026 Biletnikoff odds and a potential top-five pick in the NFL Draft odds.

Remember to make your college football picks with the best sportsbooks all year long when getting in on the action with one of the most interesting college football futures markets.

Here is a look at the Biletnikoff betting odds for the 2026 college football season:

🏈 Biletnikoff Award odds for 2026

School Player Odds Implied Probability
Jeremiah Smith -200 66.67%
Jesse Legree +250 28.57%
Malachi Toney +1200 7.69%
Easton Messer +1400 6.67%
Umari Hatcher +1800 5.26%
Carlos Hernandez +2200 4.35%
Isaiah Myers +2500 3.85%
Collin Dixon +2800 3.45%
Charlie Becker +3500 2.78%
Justin Stevenson +4000 2.44%

Biletnikoff Award odds accurate as of Nov. 9

Biletnikoff Award Favorites

There are several key players that will play a big factor in the Biletnikoff Award odds race this season. The pre-season favorite was one of last year’s finalists: Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith. Malachi Toney was neck-and-neck with Smith throughout the first half of the season, but his recent injury all but removes him from the race.

Jeremiah Smith Biletnikoff Award odds | -200

Jeremiah Smith remains the Biletnikoff Award odds favorite despite Ohio State’s Week 10 loss to Oregon. The junior wide receiver caught seven passes for 133 yards and a touchdown, bringing his season totals to 69 receptions, 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns through nine games. He ranks second nationally in receiving yards, just nine behind Oregon State’s Jesse Legree, who leads the country with 1,209 yards and 14 touchdown catches.

Smith also remains a legitimate Heisman Trophy odds contender, although his chances have taken a hit with quarterback Julian Sayin sidelined. Ohio State’s playoff hopes have also taken a hit following consecutive losses to USC and Oregon. Still, Smith’s individual production keeps him firmly in the Biletnikoff conversation, although Legree has emerged as his closest challenger.

Jesse Legree Biletnikoff Award odds | +250

Jesse Legree has strengthened his Biletnikoff Award odds case following another productive performance, moving closer to Smith at the top of the race. The Oregon State freshman caught eight passes for 99 yards against Texas State on Nov. 7, bringing his season totals to 61 receptions, 1,209 yards and 14 touchdowns through nine games. He leads the nation in receiving yards and is tied with Smith for the most touchdown catches, averaging 19.8 yards per reception.

Legree’s production has been especially impressive for a freshman, including seven consecutive 100-yard performances to open the season. However, Oregon State’s national profile and its 5-4 record could work against him in the voting. He has done enough statistically to challenge Smith, but maintaining his production over the final stretch will be crucial to securing the award.

Biletnikoff Award sleeper pick

Rich Barnes-Imagn Images

Umari Hatcher Biletnikoff Award odds | +1800

Umari Hatcher remains an intriguing Biletnikoff Award sleeper, although his odds of catching the leading contenders took a hit after Syracuse’s Nov. 7 loss to Clemson. The senior wide receiver managed just two receptions for 12 yards, leaving him with 62 catches for 964 yards and eight touchdowns through nine games. He is averaging 15.55 yards per reception and remains close to the 1,000-yard milestone.

Hatcher’s earlier performances, including a 224-yard outing against Louisville and a 152-yard, three-touchdown game against UConn, demonstrate his ability to produce at an elite level. However, Syracuse’s inconsistent quarterback situation and his quiet performance against Clemson raise questions about his ability to close the gap on Smith and Legree. At +1800, he may still offer sleeper value, but his remaining games are increasingly important.

Biletnikoff Award odds breakdown

Just like how the Heisman Trophy is awarded to the most outstanding player in college football and how the Doak Walker Award is given the most outstanding running back, the Biletnikoff Award is given to the most outstanding receiver in the nation.

The winner is selected by a nationwide committee that consists of over 600 voters including announcers, broadcasters, former players and journalists.

If you choose to bet the Biletnikoff Award odds, remember that the winner of the award usually plays on a good team.

While Jeremiah Smith is the heavy favorite in odds to win the Biletnikoff, you can find good value with other receivers, so shop around the best sportsbooks for the best odds.

How to read Biletnikoff Award odds

Betting on the Biletnikoff Award odds is quite simple. You are wagering on which player will win the Biletnikoff Award for the most outstanding receiver in college football.

For example, suppose you bet $10 on Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith to win the Biletnikoff Award at +160 odds, and he wins the award. In that case, you will take home $16 and receive your original wager of $10 back ($26 total payout).

If a more significant underdog wins the Biletnikoff Award, perhaps Rutgers’ KJ Duff at +1800 odds, you will win $180 if Coleman gets the job done. The higher the odds, the bigger the payout and vice versa.

Biletnikoff Award betting trends

The way things have been trending, it might be wise to put your money on Biletnikoff Award odds candidates playing in the eastern US. Only two pacific or mountain time zone school player has won the award since 2013, although both were in the last two years: Makai Lemon (USC) and Travis Hunter (Colorado).

The winner of the Biletnikoff Award tends to come from a successful team. Each winner since 2013 has been on a team that has won at least nine games.

If you like a certain player, but you are not confident in the team’s ability to be successful, it might be wise to avoid wagering on that player.

Previous Biletnikoff Award winners

Year Winner School
2025 Makai Lemon USC
2024 Travis Hunter Colorado
2023 Marvin Harrison Jr. Ohio State
2022 Jalin Hyatt Tennessee
2021 Jordan Addison Pittsburgh
2020 DeVonta Smith Alabama
2019 Ja’Marr Chase LSU
2018 Jerry Jeudy Alabama
2017 James Washington Oklahoma State
2016 Dede Westbrook Oklahoma
2015 Corey Coleman Baylor
2014 Amari Cooper Alabama
2013 Brandin Cooks Oregon State
2012 Marqise Lee USC
2011 Justin Blackmon Oklahoma State
2010 Justin Blackmon Oklahoma State
2009 Golden Tate Notre Dame
2008 Michael Crabtree Texas Tech
2007 Michael Crabtree Texas Tech
2006 Calvin Johnson Georgia Tech
2005 Mike Hass Oregon State

There have been a couple of two-time Biletnikoff Award winners—Michael Crabtree in 2007 and 2008 and Justin Blackmon in 2010 and 2011. Since 2011, a new winner has been selected each season.

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Biletnikoff Award odds FAQs

What is the Biletnikoff Award?

The Fred Biletnikoff Award is one of the most prestigious awards in the nation. It is annually given to the most outstanding receiver in college football. Legendary college football players of the past have won the Biletnikoff Award, like Randy Moss, Larry Fitzgerald, Calvin Johnson, Michael Crabtree, Ja’Marr Chase, DeVonta Smith, and many more.

Who is the favorite to win the Biletnikoff Award 2026?

Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith remains among the leading contenders to win the 2026 Biletnikoff Award, alongside Miami’s Malachi Toney and Oregon State’s Jesse Legree. Syracuse’s Umari Hatcher is another name to watch as a longer-priced sleeper, with 952 yards and eight touchdowns. The race has tightened after Week 9, with all four receivers putting together impressive individual campaigns.

Who won the Biletnikoff Award in 2025?

Makai Lemon won the Biletnikoff Award in 2025. The USC receiver and Philadelphia Eagles draft pick totaled an incredible 79 receptions for 1,156 yards and 11 receiving touchdowns.

How are Biletnikoff Award winners picked?

A nationwide selection committee chooses the Biletnikoff Award winner. The committee consists of over 600 voters from varying backgrounds in college football, including announcers, broadcasters, former players, and journalists. The Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization, presents the annual award.

How can I bet on the Biletnikoff Award?

Once the odds are released later this year, you can bet on the 2026 Biletnikoff Award odds in with any of the best sportsbooks. Head to the college football tab on your preferred sportsbook and find the awards odds. Make sure you are looking at the Biletnikoff Award odds and select who you think will take home the prestigious trophy.

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