Denzel Boston named to Biletnikoff Award Watch List

Denzel Boston earned some recognition for his breakout season on Wednesday.

In 2023, Denzel Boston could only watch as Rome Odunze had one of the greatest seasons for a wide receiver in Washington Huskies history while on his way to being named a finalist for the coveted Biletnikoff Award, which is given out annually to the best wide receiver in college football.

Now, Boston is on his way to carving out his own legacy under coach Jedd Fisch in his first year as a starter. The sophomore from Emerald Ridge High School in Puyallup, Washington, hasn’t needed long to establish himself as one of the best wide receivers in the Big Ten.

Through seven games, he’s pulled in 40 receptions for 540 yards and 9 touchdowns, displaying an impressive combination of size and speed and the ability to make plays after the catch. His nine touchdown catches don’t just lead the conference and rank No. 2 in the nation, but he’s also closing in on a spot in Washington’s record book.

Boston’s nine scores have tied him for No. 8 in Husky history for receiving touchdowns in a single season, placing him alongside his former teammates Jalen McMillan and Ja’Lynn Polk, who achieved the feat in 2022 and 2023 respectively, among others.

Washington’s previous and current coaching staff have always been quick to bring up Boston’s name, especially after his spectacular workouts throughout spring and fall camp, and his emergence has been arguably the brightest spot in Fisch’s tumultuous first campaign.