Upcoming Event: Football at Florida on September 5, 2026 at 7:45 p.m.
7:45 p.m.
Football
at Florida
Florida Atlantic University Athletics
Messer on Biletnikoff Watch List
8/19/2026 8:57:00 AM | Football
BOCA RATON, Fla. – Florida Atlantic football's fifth-year WR Easton Messer was named to the Biletnikoff Award Watch List, announced by the Tallahassee Quarterback Club (TQC) Foundation, Inc. on Wednesday.
The annual award honors college football's top pass-catcher, regardless of position. Messer earns a spot on the preseason watch list after the 2025 season in which he led the nation in receptions per game (8.67).
Messer hauled in 104 catches (second most in a single FAU season) for 1,052 yards (third most) and six touchdowns. The All-Conference second-teamer has recorded a reception in 30 consecutive games dating back to 2023, a streak that only nine other players currently hold. He had four games with 100+ yards and tied the single-game program record in receptions with 15 against Maryland.
Now, he becomes the first Owl since '23 to make the watch list, where LaJohntay Wester was a midseason addition. Former Florida Atlantic wideout William Dukes was previously selected to the preseason list in 2013.
Among the several preseason honors, Messer has also been named to the preseason All-Conference first teams for Phil Steele and Athlon Magazine, selected to the East-West Bowl 1,000, made the preseason Paul Hornung Award Watch List for the most versatile player in college football, and was tabbed a G6 All-American by HERO Sports.
With high expectations for the Owls offense, Florida Atlantic continues to work through fall camp with the opening day of the '26 campaign set for Saturday, Sept. 5 at Florida.
ABOUT THE BILETNIKOFF AWARD
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.
The Biletnikoff Award's semifinalists, three finalists, and award recipient are selected by the highly distinguished Biletnikoff Award National Selection Committee, a group of 625 prominent college football journalists, commentators, announcers, Biletnikoff Award winners, and other former receivers. Foundation trustees do not vote and have never voted. For a list of voters, please see BiletnikoffAward.com/voters.
2026 FANFEST
Duffy's Fan Fest Set for Aug. 22 at Flagler Credit Union Stadium
Florida Atlantic Athletics will host the second annual Duffy's Sports Grill Fan Fest at Flagler Credit Union Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 22. The free event begins at 5 p.m. and is headlined by a live concert outside the stadium and a drone show. Complete details HERE.
2026 COMPLETE SCHEDULE
Click HERE.
2026 SUMMER PROSPECTUS
Click HERE.
2026 ROSTER, COACHES AND SUPPORT STAFF
Click HERE.
PURCHASE YOUR 2026 SEASON TICKETS NOW
2026 Florida Atlantic Football season tickets are now sale. Tickets start at $75 plus a $5 processing charge per seat, along with various premium seating options. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit HERE, email tickets@fau.edu, or call 1-866-FAU-OWLS during normal business hours to order tickets or speak with a ticket sales representative.
FOLLOW THE TEAM
Stay informed by reading FAUSports.com or through football's Twitter and Instagram accounts @FAUFootball.
The annual award honors college football's top pass-catcher, regardless of position. Messer earns a spot on the preseason watch list after the 2025 season in which he led the nation in receptions per game (8.67).
Messer hauled in 104 catches (second most in a single FAU season) for 1,052 yards (third most) and six touchdowns. The All-Conference second-teamer has recorded a reception in 30 consecutive games dating back to 2023, a streak that only nine other players currently hold. He had four games with 100+ yards and tied the single-game program record in receptions with 15 against Maryland.
Now, he becomes the first Owl since '23 to make the watch list, where LaJohntay Wester was a midseason addition. Former Florida Atlantic wideout William Dukes was previously selected to the preseason list in 2013.
Among the several preseason honors, Messer has also been named to the preseason All-Conference first teams for Phil Steele and Athlon Magazine, selected to the East-West Bowl 1,000, made the preseason Paul Hornung Award Watch List for the most versatile player in college football, and was tabbed a G6 All-American by HERO Sports.
With high expectations for the Owls offense, Florida Atlantic continues to work through fall camp with the opening day of the '26 campaign set for Saturday, Sept. 5 at Florida.
ABOUT THE BILETNIKOFF AWARD
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.
The Biletnikoff Award's semifinalists, three finalists, and award recipient are selected by the highly distinguished Biletnikoff Award National Selection Committee, a group of 625 prominent college football journalists, commentators, announcers, Biletnikoff Award winners, and other former receivers. Foundation trustees do not vote and have never voted. For a list of voters, please see BiletnikoffAward.com/voters.
2026 FANFEST
Duffy's Fan Fest Set for Aug. 22 at Flagler Credit Union Stadium
Florida Atlantic Athletics will host the second annual Duffy's Sports Grill Fan Fest at Flagler Credit Union Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 22. The free event begins at 5 p.m. and is headlined by a live concert outside the stadium and a drone show. Complete details HERE.
2026 COMPLETE SCHEDULE
Click HERE.
2026 SUMMER PROSPECTUS
Click HERE.
2026 ROSTER, COACHES AND SUPPORT STAFF
Click HERE.
PURCHASE YOUR 2026 SEASON TICKETS NOW
2026 Florida Atlantic Football season tickets are now sale. Tickets start at $75 plus a $5 processing charge per seat, along with various premium seating options. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit HERE, email tickets@fau.edu, or call 1-866-FAU-OWLS during normal business hours to order tickets or speak with a ticket sales representative.
FOLLOW THE TEAM
Stay informed by reading FAUSports.com or through football's Twitter and Instagram accounts @FAUFootball.
Players Mentioned
WR
/ FootballTuesday, August 18
Tuesday, August 18
Thursday, August 13
Wednesday, August 12