Two underrated Notre Dame pass catchers named to the watchlist for the Biletnikoff Award

The watchlist for the Biletnikoff Award was announced on Wednesday, which is given to the most outstanding college football receiver each year, regardless of position. While most think of just wide receivers for the award, tight ends are also included.

Among the watch list, Notre Dame wide receiver Kris Mitchell and tight end Mitchell Evans were both included. Those were the two members of the revamped pass catcher room who were highlighted. They were each very interesting selections when you really think about it.

Mitchell, who is projected to start at the Z receiver position this fall for the team, transferred from FIU this offseason via the portal. During his stellar 2023 campaign, the 6-1, 175-pound pass catcher hauled in 64 receptions for 1,118 yards and six interceptions. He brings dynamic speed to the table that the Irish staff will try to utilize this fall.

It wasn’t overly surprising to see Mitchell included in the list due to his production in 2023. It’s still interesting to see that he was the only Notre Dame wide receiver included, with both Jaden Greathouse and Beaux Collins not included.

With the inclusion of tight end, it makes complete sense that Evans was also included on the list. He was the team’s most consistent pass catcher this past season when healthy. Evans would haul in 29 receptions for 422 yards and one touchdown. He accomplished that in just eight contests.

If healthy, Evans has a chance to be the top tight end in college football in 2024. He is a part of a deep tight end room, including Eli Raridon and Cooper Flanagan. Forget about awards for a second. There’s a good chance that the Irish could have the best overall tight end room this fall anywhere.

Notre Dame hasn’t had a Biletnikoff Award winner since 2009 when Golden Tate won it. During that campaign, Tate hauled in an insane 93 receptions for 1,496 yards and 15 touchdowns. Tate was actually the only Irish player who has ever won the award, with Jeff Samardzija (2005, 2006) and Michael Floyd (2010, 2011) being named finalists in multiple seasons.