Terrance Carter Jr. Lands Biletnikoff Watch List Spot for Texas Tech

Texas Tech tight end Terrance Carter Jr. is making a pretty loud case that he’s one of the most dangerous pass-catchers in college football.

Carter was named Wednesday to the 2026 Biletnikoff Award watch list, joining a 45-player group that includes 43 wide receivers and only one other tight end, Oregon’s Jamari Johnson.

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The Biletnikoff goes to the nation’s top receiver, regardless of position, and Carter’s inclusion is another sign that his profile is growing well beyond Lubbock.

It’s also his third major preseason watch-list honor.

Carter was already named to the Mackey Award watch list, which recognizes the nation’s top tight end, and the Lombardi Trophy watch list.

Add the Biletnikoff nomination and it’s clear national voters view him as more than just another productive Big 12 player.

The numbers back up the attention.

Carter enters 2026 as the nation’s leading returning tight end in receiving yards after posting 624 yards last season.

He was also selected to the preseason All-Big 12 team, giving quarterback Will Hammond one of the best matchup weapons at the position.

That could be especially important for Texas Tech this season.

The Red Raiders have only one returning starting wide receiver, which means someone has to become the stabilizing force in the passing game. Carter already looks like the obvious candidate.

His size, hands and ability to attack the middle of the field can create problems for linebackers who can’t run with him and defensive backs who may struggle with his physicality.

Texas Tech has also seen this award become a pretty good predictor of NFL potential.

Caleb Douglas and Reggie Virgil both made the Biletnikoff watch list last season before hearing their names called in the NFL Draft.

Douglas went to Miami in the third round, while Arizona selected Virgil in the fifth.

Now Carter gets his turn.

The Red Raiders don’t need him to simply be productive. They may need him to become the centerpiece of the passing attack.

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And if Carter builds on those 624 receiving yards while Texas Tech stays in the Big 12 title picture, this probably won’t be the last national award conversation involving his name.

At this point, he’s already got everyone’s attention.