Addison wins Biletnikoff Award, first Panther since 2003

The Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation named Pitt sophomore wide receiver Jordan Addison the winner of the 2021 Biletnikoff Award on Thursday evening. Addison joins Antonio Bryant in 2000 and Larry Fitzgerald in 2003 as the only Panthers to win the award.

Addison finished ahead of Purdue’s junior receiver David Bell and Alabama’s junior receiver Jameson Williams.

Addison was redshirt senior quarterback and Heisman finalist Kenny Pickett’s favorite target this season. The sophomore hauled in 93 receptions for 1,479 yards and 17 receiving touchdowns, a national best. In the process, Addison also garnered ESPN First-Team All-American Honors.

Addison had a season-best performance in Pitt’s victory over Virginia, which clinched the Coastal Division. He pulled in 14 catches for 202 yards and four touchdowns — including the late fourth-quarter game sealing touchdown.

Previous winners of the award include Alabama’s DeVonta Smith, LSU’s Ja’Marr Chase and Alabama’s Jerry Jeudy — who are current NFL standouts. Addison is the first winner to come from the ACC since NFL Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson won in 2006 while playing for Georgia Tech.

The sophomore still has two years of eligibility left and will return to Pitt next season. Addison will be eligible for the NFL Draft after next season.

The Panthers’ next game is against No. 10 Michigan State in the Chick-Fil-a Peach Bowl on Dec. 30. This game will kick off at 7 p.m. and air on ESPN.