TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – WR Griffin Wilde was named to the 2026 Biletnikoff Award Preseason Watch List, the Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation, Inc. announced today.
Wilde earns the honor after a standout first season with the Wildcats in 2025, which saw him finish in the top 10 in total receptions (71, 3rd), receiving yards (880, 6th), yards per game (67.7, 7th), and touchdowns (8, 7th) in the conference, and ranking in the top 50 in all categories nationally. His 880 receiving yards last season are the most by a player in the HC David Braun era (since 2023) and most by a Northwestern player since Austin Carr in 2016. Both his yards total and his 71 receptions last season rank ninth in a season in program history.
The Sioux Falls, S.D., native was named the GameAbove Sports Bowl MVP for his efforts in NU’s 34-7 win over Central Michigan. Wilde’s 10 receptions for 97 yards and two touchdowns were the most by a Northwestern player in a bowl game since 2010.
Wilde is the fourth Wildcat to earn preseason honors ahead of the 2026 campaign. K Jackson Kleather (Lou Groza Award Watchlist), C Jackson Carsello (Rimington Trophy Watchlist) and RB Caleb Komolafe (Maxwell Award Watchlist) all received recognition ahead of NU’s season opener against South Dakota State at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium on Sept. 5.
According to the TQC Foundation, “The Biletnikoff Award annually recognizes the college football season’s outstanding FBS receiver. Any player, regardless of position, who catches a pass is eligible for the award.”