Badgers' Will Pauling recognized on Biletnikoff Award watch list

The award is given to the most outstanding wide receiver in the FBS.

Wisconsin wide receiver Will Pauling (6) during spring football practice Thursday, April 25, 2024, in Madison, Wis. The Wisconsin Badgers football team plays their season opener against Western Michigan on Aug. 31. / Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK

Badgers wide receiver Will Pauling on Wednesday was named to the preseason watch list for the Biletnikoff Award, which is given to the most outstanding wide receiver in the FBS. 

Pauling was among 50 wide receivers named to the preseason watch list. 

Last season was Pauling’s first in Madison as he followed Luke Fickell after two years at Cincinnati. Pauling turned in a breakout season in which he recorded 74 receptions for 837 yards and six touchdowns. He had just 13 catches for 128 yards in his two seasons at Cincinnati. 

Pauling, a 5-foot-10, 190-pound slot receiver, has been garnering more and more attention as the Badgers season draws closer. He was also recently named to The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman’s annual “Freaks List” and is the clear headliner in a relatively weak receivers room. 

The Badgers begin their season with a home game against Western Michigan at 8 p.m. on Aug. 30.