Golden Tate YAC GOAT

Golden Tate’s junior season at Notre Dame in 2009 was one of the best by a college wide receiver, but where it ranks all-time depends on the criteria used—statistics, dominance, impact, or NFL translation.

Golden Tate’s 2009 Season Stats (Best Season)

• 93 receptions

• 1,496 receiving yards

• 15 receiving touchdowns

• 17.5 yards per reception

• 1 rushing touchdown

• Biletnikoff Award winner (best WR in college football)

How It Ranks Among the Best College WR Seasons

Tate’s 2009 campaign is elite, but not quite at the very top when compared to some historic seasons. Here’s how it stacks up against some of the greatest:

Top College WR Seasons

1. Troy Edwards (1998, Louisiana Tech)

• 140 receptions, 1,996 yards, 27 TDs

• FBS record for receiving yards in a season at the time

2. Larry Fitzgerald (2003, Pittsburgh)

• 92 receptions, 1,672 yards, 22 TDs

• Heisman finalist, dominant every game

3. Justin Blackmon (2010, Oklahoma State)

• 111 receptions, 1,782 yards, 20 TDs

• Biletnikoff winner, dominant in every game

4. Ja’Marr Chase (2019, LSU)

• 84 receptions, 1,780 yards, 20 TDs

• Helped LSU win a national title, set SEC records

5. DeVonta Smith (2020, Alabama)

• 117 receptions, 1,856 yards, 23 TDs

• Heisman Trophy winner, led Bama to a national title

6. Michael Crabtree (2007, Texas Tech)

• 134 receptions, 1,962 yards, 22 TDs

• Biletnikoff winner, insane production

7. Randy Moss (1997, Marshall)

• 96 receptions, 1,820 yards, 26 TDs

• Most explosive WR ever in college football

Golden Tate’s All-Time Rank

• Tate’s 2009 season is likely a Top 15 top based on stats and impact.

• He was dominant in an elite program, but his stats were slightly behind some of the most legendary seasons