FOX’s Top 10 College Football Catches of 2024
The 2024 college football season has been nothing short of spectacular, showcasing jaw-dropping performances, extraordinary feats of athleticism, and unforgettable moments that fans will remember for years to come. Among the most thrilling highlights of the season are the incredible catches made by wide receivers, tight ends, and even defensive backs across the country. From leaping grabs to one-handed snags, the college football landscape in 2024 has been a showcase of the very best that the sport has to offer.
FOX Sports, renowned for its extensive college football coverage, has compiled a list of the Top 10 College Football Catches of 2024. This list celebrates the most incredible, awe-inspiring, and game-changing catches of the season — showcasing the athleticism, skill, and willpower of these players as they delivered some of the most iconic moments of the year.
This article will take a deep dive into each of these memorable catches, highlighting the context in which they occurred, the players behind them, and the lasting impact these plays had on the season. From game-winning touchdowns to highlight-reel grabs, these catches are a testament to the incredible talent in college football.
10. Marcus Gray (Tennessee) vs. Alabama: A Leap of Faith
In one of the most thrilling matchups of the season, the Tennessee Volunteers faced off against the Alabama Crimson Tide in a late-season showdown. With both teams vying for playoff contention, it was a game that would go down to the wire. One of the most memorable moments came courtesy of Tennessee’s wide receiver Marcus Gray, who made an incredible catch in the back of the end zone.
In the third quarter, with Tennessee trailing by three points, quarterback Joe Milton III dropped back to pass and launched a ball toward the corner of the end zone. As the ball sailed through the air, Gray, with perfect timing, leaped over Alabama’s defender and snatched the ball out of midair with both hands, securing a touchdown that gave Tennessee the lead. The catch was not only remarkable for the athleticism and precision involved but also for the fact that it came in such a high-pressure situation.
This incredible grab helped Tennessee secure a dramatic victory over their rivals, and it will forever be remembered as one of the top catches of the season.
9. Braylon Edwards (Michigan) vs. Ohio State: A Clutch Grab in a Rivalry Game
The Michigan Wolverines and Ohio State Buckeyes met in what was billed as a high-stakes Big Ten rivalry game, with both teams jockeying for playoff positioning. The contest was tied in the final minutes, and Braylon Edwards, Michigan’s standout wide receiver, came up with a crucial catch that would ultimately seal the victory for the Wolverines.
With just seconds left on the clock, Michigan’s quarterback J.J. McCarthy launched a perfectly placed deep ball down the sideline toward Edwards, who was matched up with Ohio State’s top cornerback. Edwards showed off his incredible concentration, tracking the ball in midair while maintaining perfect separation from the defender. He leapt high, extended fully, and snatched the ball just inches from the ground, securing the catch as he fell to the turf.
The reception not only resulted in a game-winning touchdown but also served as a statement moment for Edwards, who solidified his place among the nation’s top receivers with a clutch performance in a rivalry game. It was one of the most electric catches of the 2024 season and a key moment in Michigan’s march toward the College Football Playoff.
8. Javon Williams (USC) vs. Notre Dame: A One-Handed Masterpiece
In a highly anticipated matchup between USC and Notre Dame, Javon Williams, USC’s dynamic wide receiver, made a catch that would go down in history as one of the most impressive one-handed grabs of the season. The game was tied in the second quarter when USC found themselves in a critical third-and-long situation.
Quarterback Caleb Williams, who had been playing at an elite level all season, dropped back to pass and rifled a ball toward the sideline. Williams, tightly covered by a Notre Dame defender, made an incredible one-handed grab, reaching out with his left hand and plucking the ball out of the air before his body came crashing down onto the field. It was a catch that displayed Williams’ incredible hand-eye coordination, concentration, and ability to make plays in the most crucial of moments.
The catch helped USC keep the drive alive and ultimately led to a game-changing touchdown. Williams’ one-handed grab became an instant highlight, cementing his place as one of the best receivers in college football in 2024.
7. Dorian Thompson-Robinson (UCLA) vs. Utah: A Quarterback’s Unexpected Catch
Sometimes the most unexpected catches come from players who aren’t even receivers. In a thrilling Pac-12 clash between UCLA and Utah, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, the UCLA Bruins’ quarterback, made a jaw-dropping play that left fans in disbelief. On a trick play late in the first half, Thompson-Robinson dropped back to pass, but under pressure, he scrambled toward the sideline. In a moment of improvisation, he tossed the ball up toward the end zone — and in a shocking turn of events, Thompson-Robinson leapt up and made an acrobatic catch off of his own throw.
The quarterback turned wide receiver was able to secure the pass mid-air, despite being fully covered by defenders. The catch was a testament to his athleticism and versatility as both a passer and a playmaker. Though unconventional, it was one of the most memorable grabs of the season, showcasing Thompson-Robinson’s ability to think on his feet and make a remarkable catch in a crucial situation.
6. Troy Johnson (Florida State) vs. Clemson: A Grabbing Redemption
During a pivotal ACC showdown between Florida State and Clemson, Troy Johnson, a standout wide receiver for the Seminoles, made a catch that would forever define his college career. Florida State had fallen behind by two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, and they needed a spark to shift the momentum. On a critical third-and-10, quarterback Jordan Travis launched a deep ball down the middle of the field, where Johnson was tightly guarded by two Clemson defenders.
In a move that can only be described as instinctive and athletic, Johnson launched himself into the air and grabbed the ball with one hand while simultaneously managing to shake off both defenders. The catch not only put Florida State within striking distance of a touchdown, but it also electrified the crowd, giving the Seminoles the energy they needed to mount a comeback.
This catch was a moment of redemption for Johnson, who had been criticized for earlier drops in the season. His ability to deliver in the most critical of moments secured his place in Florida State football lore and made this one of the standout grabs of 2024.
5. Jalen Thomas (Georgia) vs. Alabama: The Unstoppable Touchdown
In a high-stakes SEC Championship Game, the Georgia Bulldogs were looking to defend their title against an Alabama team that had proved to be a formidable opponent. With Georgia up by just three points in the final moments of the game, Jalen Thomas, Georgia’s rising star wide receiver, made one of the most impressive touchdown catches of the season.
Quarterback Carson Beck threw a deep ball toward the corner of the end zone. Thomas, who had been a key part of Georgia’s offense all season, faced double coverage as he ran toward the ball. Despite the tight coverage, Thomas leaped into the air and caught the ball at its highest point, fully extending his arms in a perfectly executed jump. What made this play so remarkable was his ability to come down with the ball, keeping both feet in bounds and securing the catch with perfect technique.
The touchdown secured Georgia’s victory and their berth in the College Football Playoff, solidifying Thomas’ place among the nation’s top receivers.
4. Elijah Mitchell (Ohio State) vs. Penn State: A Catch for the Ages
Elijah Mitchell of Ohio State became an instant legend during the regular-season clash with Penn State. With the game tied in the final seconds of regulation, Ohio State was driving down the field in an effort to set up a game-winning field goal. On a crucial third-and-long, quarterback Kyle McCord tossed a pass that Mitchell, despite double coverage, managed to jump for and catch with one hand.
What made the catch even more extraordinary was Mitchell’s ability to secure the ball and maintain possession despite the immense pressure he was under. His one-handed grab helped Ohio State clinch the victory and continue their undefeated run toward the Big Ten Championship.
This catch was one of the most stunning displays of concentration and athleticism of the year, earning Mitchell a well-deserved spot among the top 10 catches of 2024.
3. Xavier Johnson (Texas) vs. Oklahoma: The Rivalry Grab
In one of the most anticipated Red River Rivalry games in recent memory, Xavier Johnson of Texas made a spectacular catch that left fans stunned. With the game tied and less than a minute remaining, Johnson found himself in a one-on-one battle with the Oklahoma cornerback on a post route. Quarterback Quinn Ewers launched a ball that was perfectly placed, and Johnson made an incredible diving catch while falling to the ground — a play that ultimately set up the game-winning touchdown.
This catch was not only a breathtaking display of skill and poise under pressure but also a game-defining moment that would live on in the rivalry’s storied history.
2. Isaiah Jackson (LSU) vs. Alabama: The Walk-Off TD
In a high-stakes SEC West showdown between LSU and Alabama, Isaiah Jackson made the catch that would define LSU’s season. With the game tied and seconds left on the clock, LSU found itself in a do-or-die situation. Quarterback Jayden Daniels launched a 40-yard bomb into the end zone, where Jackson rose above the Alabama defenders to catch the ball in midair. The touchdown, which gave LSU the win, was a walk-off moment that had fans and analysts alike calling it one of the best catches of 2024.
1. Trevon Harris (Texas A&M) vs. Arkansas: The Immaculate Reception
At the top of FOX’s list of Top 10 College Football Catches of 2024 is Trevon Harris of Texas A&M. In a dramatic SEC showdown against Arkansas, Harris made what many have referred to as the Immaculate Reception. With the Aggies trailing by a touchdown and time running out, quarterback Max Johnson launched a deep ball to the corner of the end zone. Harris, surrounded by three defenders, stretched his body and caught the ball in the most improbable fashion, reaching behind his head and securing the game-tying touchdown.
The catch wasn’t just remarkable for its difficulty; it was a testament to Harris’ determination and ability to deliver in a pressure-packed moment. This play capped off a magical season for Texas A&M and secured Harris’ place as the top catch of 2024.
