Jackson Added to Biletnikoff Award Watch List
10/14/2026 12:05:00 PM | Football
An outstanding start to the first half of the 2026 season has caught national attention for Liberty's wide receiver Makai Jackson.
Today, the fifth-year player was one of four new additions to the 2026 Biletnikoff Award watch list. Annually, the award recognizes the college football season's outstanding FBS receiver, regardless of position.
Joining Jackson as additions to the list were Indiana wide receiver Nick Marsh, Virginia Tech tight end Luke Reynolds and Utah State wide receiver Eli Wood.
Jackson has had an immediate impact on Liberty's program. He leads the Flames in all receiving statistical categories, including receptions (22), receiving yards (515), receiving touchdowns (5) and receiving yards per game (85.8).
The native of Levittown, Pa., also leads Conference USA in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. He is also tied for the conference lead in total touchdowns scored at the start of Week 7 of the college football season.
On the national scene, Jackson ranks No. 3 in the country in yards per reception (23.41), No. 15 in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns and. No. 24 in receiving yards per game.
Jackson opened the season with a touchdown reception in each of the Flames' first four games of 2026. The multiple-school transfer became the first player in program history to record a touchdown in his first four games at Liberty.
The addition of the four names added to this year's Biletnikoff Award watch list marked the second in-season updated to the listing.
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. As such, the Biletnikoff Award recognizes college football's outstanding receiver, not merely college football's outstanding wide receiver.
The semifinalist for this year's Biletnikoff Award will be announced on November 16 and three finalists will be selected by November 24. The winner of the 2026 Biletnikoff Award will be announced as part of The Home Depot College Football Awards show on December 11.
What's Next:
After a bye week, the Flames will wrap up Weekday CUSA action when they travel to Kennesaw, Ga., for their matchup against Kennesaw State on Thursday, October 22. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network and LFSN Radio.
The Flames are 1-1 when visiting Walens Family Field at Fifth Third Stadium. But, Liberty has not won at game at Kennesaw State since a 36-21 victory on October 15, 2016, when both teams were members of the Big South Conference at the FCS level.
Date: Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026
Location: Kennesaw, Ga. (Walens Family Field at Fifth Third Stadium)
TV: CBS Sports Network
Radio: LFSN Radio (Flagship Station: The Journey 88.3 FM Lynchburg)
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. (EST)
Today, the fifth-year player was one of four new additions to the 2026 Biletnikoff Award watch list. Annually, the award recognizes the college football season's outstanding FBS receiver, regardless of position.
Joining Jackson as additions to the list were Indiana wide receiver Nick Marsh, Virginia Tech tight end Luke Reynolds and Utah State wide receiver Eli Wood.
Jackson has had an immediate impact on Liberty's program. He leads the Flames in all receiving statistical categories, including receptions (22), receiving yards (515), receiving touchdowns (5) and receiving yards per game (85.8).
The native of Levittown, Pa., also leads Conference USA in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. He is also tied for the conference lead in total touchdowns scored at the start of Week 7 of the college football season.
On the national scene, Jackson ranks No. 3 in the country in yards per reception (23.41), No. 15 in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns and. No. 24 in receiving yards per game.
Jackson opened the season with a touchdown reception in each of the Flames' first four games of 2026. The multiple-school transfer became the first player in program history to record a touchdown in his first four games at Liberty.
The addition of the four names added to this year's Biletnikoff Award watch list marked the second in-season updated to the listing.
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. As such, the Biletnikoff Award recognizes college football's outstanding receiver, not merely college football's outstanding wide receiver.
The semifinalist for this year's Biletnikoff Award will be announced on November 16 and three finalists will be selected by November 24. The winner of the 2026 Biletnikoff Award will be announced as part of The Home Depot College Football Awards show on December 11.
What's Next:
After a bye week, the Flames will wrap up Weekday CUSA action when they travel to Kennesaw, Ga., for their matchup against Kennesaw State on Thursday, October 22. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network and LFSN Radio.
The Flames are 1-1 when visiting Walens Family Field at Fifth Third Stadium. But, Liberty has not won at game at Kennesaw State since a 36-21 victory on October 15, 2016, when both teams were members of the Big South Conference at the FCS level.
Date: Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026
Location: Kennesaw, Ga. (Walens Family Field at Fifth Third Stadium)
TV: CBS Sports Network
Radio: LFSN Radio (Flagship Station: The Journey 88.3 FM Lynchburg)
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. (EST)
Players Mentioned
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