College Football: Who Has The Most Single-Season TD Receptions in College Football History?
Updated Aug. 1, 2025, 4:44 p.m. ET
Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith made waves in the college football scene as a true freshman in 2024, showcasing a stellar season from start to finish and helping the Buckeyes clinch the national championship. However, despite his impressive performance, Smith’s tally of 15 receiving touchdowns fell five short of the 10th-best mark for touchdown catches in a single season, highlighting just how difficult it is to break these records. Additionally, Smith played in 16 games due to the new 12-team College Football Playoff format introduced in 2024, which has resulted in teams having longer seasons than ever before.
The extension of the season could provide opportunities for Smith and other elite receivers to make their marks in the record books. So, let’s take a closer look at who holds the record for the most touchdown receptions in a single season.
Players With The Most Single-Season TD Receptions in CFB History
T-10. Jarett Dillard: 20 (2008)
Rice’s Jarett Dillard had a remarkable college career. As a first-team All-American, Dillard accumulated 1,310 receiving yards and 20 touchdown receptions, leading Rice to a 10-3 record in 2008. He was also the first player from Rice to be named a first-team All-Conference USA three times. Dillard set NCAA career records with 60 career touchdown receptions and 38 games with at least one touchdown catch, as well as the single-season record for most games with a touchdown reception and consecutive games with a touchdown reception (13) in 2006. Dillard is on the 2026 ballot for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame after leading the Owls to their first bowl appearance and victory in nearly fifty years in 2006 survival game offline. one fighting championship
T-10. Justin Blackmon: 20 (2010)
Justin Blackmon emerged as one of the top receivers in college football during the early 2010s. He recorded back-to-back seasons with at least 110 receptions and 1,500 receiving yards. Blackmon secured the Biletnikoff Award (best wide receiver in college football) and the Warfield Trophy (top collegiate wide receiver) twice consecutively in 2010-11. He became the fifth overall selection in the 2012 NFL Draft after earning unanimous All-American honors with Oklahoma State and being named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year in 2010.
T-10. Patrick Edwards: 20 (2011)
With Case Keenum having a record-setting year at quarterback in 2011, Patrick Edwards greatly benefited from the opportunity. Logging 1,752 receiving yards and 20 touchdown catches that year, Edwards signed with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2012.
T-10. Corey Coleman: 20 (2015)
Baylor’s Corey Coleman played a significant role during the team’s successful run in the mid-2010s. He achieved 74 receptions for 1,363 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2015, earning him All-American honors. Coleman was a two-time first-team All-Big 12 selection and took home the 2015 Biletnikoff Award, subsequently becoming the 15th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.
T-10. Ja’Marr Chase: 20 (2019)
Ja’Marr Chase was one of many stars on LSU’s offense in 2019. He thrived during quarterback Joe Burrow’s iconic season, becoming a first-team All-SEC selection, unanimous All-American, and Biletnikoff Award winner for leading LSU in receiving touchdowns that year. Chase and Burrow led the Tigers to a national championship that season before he was drafted fifth overall in 2021.
9. Jarett Dillard: 21 (2006)
Jarett Dillard makes his second appearance on this list, leading the nation in receiving touchdowns twice in three years and posting at least 20 scores on two occasions. He remains the NCAA’s all-time leader in receiving touchdowns with 60.
T-6. Manny Hazard: 22 (1989)
Houston quarterback Andre Ware secured the Heisman Trophy in 1989, aided by Hazard’s contributions. The 5-foot-8 wide receiver recorded a then-record 142 receptions and 22 touchdowns that year, earning first-team All-American honors and two-time first-team All-Southwest Conference selection.
T-6. Larry Fitzgerald: 22 (2003)
Before his illustrious NFL career, Fitzgerald had an outstanding season at Pitt in 2003, coming close to winning the Heisman Trophy. He led the nation in receiving yards (1,672) and receiving touchdowns (22) that year how tall is kobe bryant. A unanimous All-American, he received multiple accolades including the Biletnikoff Award and Walter Camp Award.
T-6. Michael Crabtree: 22 (2007)
Michael Crabtree was instrumental in Texas Tech’s near national championship run during his tenure at Lubbock. He led the nation in receptions (134), receiving yards (1,962), and touchdown receptions (22) in 2007, earning numerous honors and becoming the 10th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft.
5. DeVonta Smith: 23 (2020)
DeVonta Smith’s 20 touchdown receptions helped him claim the Heisman Trophy in 2020, making him just the fourth wide receiver to achieve such recognition. He recorded these touchdowns in just 13 games for Alabama, securing the Walter Camp, Maxwell, Biletnikoff, and Paul Hornung Awards, among others.
4. Davante Adams: 24 (2013)
Davante Adams shined at Fresno State before making his mark in the NFL. In the 2013 season, he registered 131 receptions for 1,719 yards and 24 touchdowns, securing his second consecutive first-team All-Mountain West selection and the Warfield Trophy. samboy lim cause of death
T-2 university of perpetual help courses and tuition fees. Stedman Bailey: 25 (2012)
Stedman Bailey formed a formidable duo with Tavon Austin at West Virginia University in the early 2010s. His 2012 season was extraordinary, as he recorded 1,622 receiving yards and 25 touchdown receptions.
T-2. Randy Moss: 25 (1997)
Randy Moss was a Heisman finalist due to his spectacular performance at Marshall in 1997. With 90 receptions for 1,647 yards and 25 touchdowns, he played a significant role in Marshall’s 10-3 record that year and became a prominent figure in the Heisman race.
1. Troy Edwards: 27 (1998)
Troy Edwards had one of the most remarkable seasons ever for a wide receiver in 1998. Following Moss’s incredible stats at Marshall, Edwards surpassed him with 140 receptions for 1,996 yards and 27 touchdowns, presenting what many consider the greatest statistical season for a wide receiver in college football history.
