Akharaiyi Named to Biletnikoff Award Watchlist
August 07, 2024 | Football
STARKVILLE – Mississippi State football's Kelly Akharaiyi was named to the preseason watchlist for the prestigious Biletnikoff Award, the Tallahassee Quarterback Club (TQC) Foundation announced on Wednesday.
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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 award.
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Akharaiyi comes to Starkville after two impressive seasons at UTEP. In 2023, Akharaiyi began to turn heads with an outstanding junior campaign. He started all 12 games for the Miners and was one of just two C-USA players to tally over 1,000 receiving yards (1,033). On 48 receptions, he averaged 86.1 yards per game while hauling in seven touchdowns.
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The senior, born in Nigeria, led C-USA and ranked fifth in the FBS in yards per catch (21.5) and 17th in college football in total receiving yards and yards per game. He was a big play threat all season, earning a pair of 80+ yard touchdown receptions, the most 80+ yard receptions for a UTEP receiver since 1999. Akharaiyi was named to the 2024 Athlon Sports Preseason All-SEC Fourth Team after earning First Team All-Conference USA last season.
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During the 2024 preseason, College Football Network named Akharaiy a preseason honorable mention All-SEC performer and was also named to the Shrine Bowl 1,000 Watchlist.
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Mississippi State will kickoff the 2024 season on Aug. 31 when the Bulldogs host Eastern Kentucky. Kickoff for the season-opener is set for 5 p.m. Fans can still purchase tickets for the upcoming season by clicking HERE.
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For the most up-to-date information on the Bulldogs, follow MSU football on Twitter, like them on Facebook and join them on Instagram by searching for "HailStateFB."
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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 award.
Â
Akharaiyi comes to Starkville after two impressive seasons at UTEP. In 2023, Akharaiyi began to turn heads with an outstanding junior campaign. He started all 12 games for the Miners and was one of just two C-USA players to tally over 1,000 receiving yards (1,033). On 48 receptions, he averaged 86.1 yards per game while hauling in seven touchdowns.
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The senior, born in Nigeria, led C-USA and ranked fifth in the FBS in yards per catch (21.5) and 17th in college football in total receiving yards and yards per game. He was a big play threat all season, earning a pair of 80+ yard touchdown receptions, the most 80+ yard receptions for a UTEP receiver since 1999. Akharaiyi was named to the 2024 Athlon Sports Preseason All-SEC Fourth Team after earning First Team All-Conference USA last season.
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During the 2024 preseason, College Football Network named Akharaiy a preseason honorable mention All-SEC performer and was also named to the Shrine Bowl 1,000 Watchlist.
Â
Mississippi State will kickoff the 2024 season on Aug. 31 when the Bulldogs host Eastern Kentucky. Kickoff for the season-opener is set for 5 p.m. Fans can still purchase tickets for the upcoming season by clicking HERE.
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For the most up-to-date information on the Bulldogs, follow MSU football on Twitter, like them on Facebook and join them on Instagram by searching for "HailStateFB."
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– HailState.com –
Players Mentioned
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