The six-foot-three, 203-pounder had four games of eight catches or more, including 10 in the rematch against the Sooners. The 6-foot-5 target led all receivers in the Pac-12 with 11 receptions of 20-plus yards and averaged at least 15 yards per catch in five of USCs six contests in 2020. Jalen Nailor, Michigan State Michigan States quarterback play was up-and-down throughout the abbreviated 2020 season, but that didnt stop Nailor from showcasing his potential. The former four-star prospect had two touchdowns apiece against Texas A&M and Auburn. Eskridge is now in the NFL, but with Eleby coming back, Western Michigan wont have any trouble lighting up the scoreboard once again. Bell averaged 104.2 receiving yards per game last season, which ranked first in the conference and 11th in the FBS. And I'd be remiss if I didn't give some love to another group of receivers. Intriguing freshmen Troy Franklin and Donte Thornton will provide depth. 16. Burks racked up 820 receiving yards in nine games last season and earned second-team All-SEC. Robinson was a big loss for the Nebraska offense,. Pro Football Network, LLC. College Football's 20 best wide receivers of 2021 2 years ago Lynn Harrington Texas wide receiver Joshua Moore. Through five weeks, the USC receiver has been the most dominant player at his position. Oklahoma (22 commits). As a true sophomore Burks finished fifth in the SEC in receiving yards per game. 9. 17. Redshirt freshman wide receiver Markus Allen raised some eyebrows earlier this year by entering the transfer portal after Paul Chryst left and then proceeding to commit to Minnesota and P.J. He went over 100 yards receiving in three different Big Ten matchups. Heck, we just watched the first wide receiver in decades win the Heisman Trophy after DeVonta Smith proved to be unstoppable for even SEC or College Football Playoff opponents with Alabama. 3 spot open for Jaxon Smith-Njigba, while fellow touted 2020 recruit Julian Fleming will also see a bigger role. Erik Ezukanma is an underrated threat who led the nation in receiving yards before suffering a concussion. The Arizona transfer accomplished this accolade with the UTEP Miners, where he established himself as a deep threat. Nixon (Colorado) and Tahj Washington (Memphis) will help right away, especially with Bru McCoy suspended indefinitely due to an off-field incident and subsequent arrest. Not to mention the Florida native had three touchdown receptions in the win over Pittsburgh and two in the season finale against Virginia. Depth, overall talent, production, level of competition and projected output in 2021 all factored into the rankings for the receiving corps. Jones' Falcons teammate, Calvin Ridley, is coming off a 1,374-yard season, the fifth-largest . Jameson Williams decision to transfer to Alabama leaves the No. Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) gets by Auburn wide receiver Matthew Hill (19) as Waddle scores a touchdown on a kick return in first half action in the Iron Bowl at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, November 30, 2019. 100. A look at some playmakers on the edge to know heading into 2021. Drummond and Mingo were next behind Moore with 25 and 27 catches, respectively, last season. Heiligh tied for seventh in the FBS with 10 touchdown catches. 1 option for quarterback Nick Starkel this year. The Buckeyes added extra depth in the 21 class with the arrival of Emeka Egbuka and Marvin Harrison Jr. 2021. CHRIS OLAVE, OHIO STATE The response was enormous. Tolbert hasnt found the end zone yet this season, but he hasnt been targeted there often. Hall may not start right away, but as the freshman showed in the spring game (four catches for 72 yards) that hes too talented to leave off the field. In an homage to "This is Spinal Tap" we. George Pickens, Georgia (injury)Chris Autman-Bell, MinnesotaMakai Polk, Mississippi StateEmeka Emezie, NC State, Romeo Doubs, NevadaDontario Drummond, Ole MissBraylon Sanders, Ole MissBo Melton, RutgersJordan Whittington, TexasXavier Worthy, TexasKaylon Geiger, Texas TechJaylon Robinson, UCFKyle Philips, UCLAZakhari Franklin, UTSA, Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois | NFL Draft Scouting Report, 2023 NFL Mock Draft: Bryce Young in Pole Position for the No. Brennan Presley, Oklahoma State Oklahoma State has to reload at receiver following the departures of Tylan Wallace and Dillon Stoner, but this position is usually restocked without much of a blip under coach Mike Gundy. As a recruit Gibbs was a late riser . To put his production into perspective, South Alabama quarterback Jake Bentley has thrown for just 927 yards. Treylon Burks Arkansas Grade: 174 Style: BSLT 3. Alabama Yes, DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle are big losses for Alabamas offense. Tight end Charlie Kolar (44 catches in 2020) is one of the best in college football at his position. He also racked up 998 receiving yards, which ranked 12th in the FBS. The Texas native caught two passes in the opener versus Iowa State and closed the year by posting 114 yards versus Oklahoma State and 133 against Louisiana Tech. Wilson, in particular, has been a consistent target for his new quarterbacks. The Kentucky native is back in the Bluegrass State after spending two seasons at Nebraska. Two zero. Which receivers can be counted on to make game-changing plays? In seven games, Nailor averaged 19.8 yards per catch on 26 receptions for 515 yards and four touchdowns. 4. The six-foot-one, 182-pounder went over 100 yards receiving in five different games, including the Demon Deacons final four. Fryfogle passed up on the NFL Draft at the last minute, and now hes arguably the best returning deep threat in the country. 1. Cropper accounted for four carries, nine kickoff returns and caught 37 passes for 520 yards and five scores. GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 28: Chris Olave #17 of the Ohio State Buckeyes is congratulated by his teammates after his touchdown reception against the Clemson Tigers in the second half during the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. He also averaged 18.5 yards per kickoff return and returned a punt 81 yards for a touchdown. George Pickens Georgia Grade: 174 Style: HWS 5. Shakir has made that his trademark five weeks into the college football season. Due in no small part to the passing boom in football at large, we have seen an inordinate number of elite wide receivers grace college football with their presence in recent years. Some players like Zay Flowers (Boston College), Jaquarii Roberson (Wake Forest), Calvin Austin III (Memphis) and Xavier Hutchinson (Iowa State), among others, just missed the cut, but weve ranked the 10 best wide receivers coming into the 2021 college football season. But locked within that perfectly average frame is an unyielding propensity for otherworldly catches. Ole Miss The Rebels lost Elijah Moore and tight end Kenny Yeboah, but dont expect quarterback Matt Corral to lack for options on the outside. By AUNerd @AUSportsNerd Jun 2, 2021, 10:00am CDT. 15) Treylon Burks, Arkansas. Its almost gone unnoticed simply because we expected it how good both Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave have been this season. Not to mention Wilson had two receiving scores against Indiana. The California native also got better as the year progressed, torching San Jose State with nine receptions for 110 yards and posting 144 yards on 10 catches versus Hawaii. A 19-year old Freddy B. award-winner with all the refined elements to his game that we look for certainly should pass the film grinder test. 12. Wide receiver rankings analysis for 2021 best ball drafts for WRs in the top tiers. The six-foot, 195-pounder looked like a man among boys in the National Championship, when he caught eight passes. After recording just one reception for seven yards prior to the. Dontario Drummond, Jonathan Mingo and Braylon Sanders are proven and ready for more targets in 2021. The six-foot-two, 205-pounder earned first-team All-Big Ten in 2020, and hes poised for his first 1,000-yard season this fall. Tolbert had 169 yards through the air and two scores against Southern Miss. He caught seven passes for 119 yards and three touchdowns last season, with four of those catches coming in the Orange Bowl against Texas A&M. Defenses usually hone in on those kinds of receivers, but Tolbert simply keeps dominating the production. The former three-star prospect went over 100 yards receiving against Central Florida, Temple, Cincinnati, South Florida, S.F. 8. 20. Chris Olave, Ohio State. Assuming the Rebels can get more consistency out of their quarterbacks, Williams has a chance to place on the All-Mountain West team in 2021. Look for Downs to be one of those options. Ross missed all of 2020 due to a neck injury but was clearly one of the nations top receivers in 19 after catching 66 passes for 865 yards and eight scores. With Whittington unlikely to return and not many proven pieces behind him, Texas needs to find some playmakers in the portal. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. Brent Venables boasts six top-100 recruits in the Sooners' 2023 haul, highlighted by 5-star quarterback Jackson Arnold, the No. When it comes to the projections and predicted new schools, they're based on the best fits for the players to go . Boutte earned Freshman All-SEC honors and will be one of the most explosive receivers in the league this fall. The 11-15 wide receivers are the ones I very much wanted to fit into the top 10 but couldnt. AP Final #1: Georgia. Its a testament to his skill. Not to mention Austin returned a 64-yard punt for a touchdown against the Lumberjacks. 1. In 2021 we were treated to unbelievable performances from players who were under the radar before the season, such as Jerreth Sterns, Jameson Williams, Deven Thompkins and more. The former caught 27 passes for 404 yards and three scores as a true freshman last fall, while Smith grabbed two receptions after being limited to just four games due to injury. Now he has momentum approaching the fall and poised for another 1,000-yard campaign. 1 target for quarterback Dustin Crum. That, hes done very well. LSU 14. Watkins saw time on special teams and caught eight passes for 57 yards last season and should be in line for a bigger role in 2021. Through six games, Cropper already has 44 catches for 528 yards and 9 touchdowns. The Oklahoma Sooners offense is rarely if ever short on big-time playmakers, including beyond the . Terrace Marshall Jr., LSU. Elijhah Badger, Arizona State Badger is mentioned here, but Arizona State has a talented group of youngsters ready to emerge on the outside for quarterback Jayden Daniels. Uiagalelei. Dotson also earned third-team All-Big Ten in 2020. If its within Shakirs reach, hell rise and contort to catch it be it with one hand or two. Erik Ezukanma, Texas Tech: The former four-star prospect finished third in the Big 12, with 748 receiving yards last season. The California native averaged 104.1 receiving yards per game, which ranked second in the Big Ten and 12th in the FBS. Garrett Wilson, Ohio State: The former five-star prospect is one half of a deadly two-headed monster at receiver for the Buckeyes. Ezukanma had at least two catches in every game and earned first-team All-Big 12 in 2020. Corey Rucker, Arkansas State Explosive is the easiest way to sum up Ruckers debut last season. Austin caught a touchdown pass in nine of the Tigers 11 games. When we first ranked the Top 25 Wide Receivers in college football before the season, we set the criteria for what defines such a player. Ajou Ajou/Joseph Ngata, Clemson Justyn Ross is back as the No. 5. He'll be . 15. 4. However, Rucker capped the 2020 season with a breakout performance, catching nine passes for 310 yards (most by an FBS freshman in a single game) and four scores versus ULM. But no team in college football has done a better job of landing talent on the recruiting trail, so the next wave of stars is primed to emerge in 2021. In just five games, Austin already has 35 catches for 637 yards and 7 touchdowns 590 of those yards coming over the last four weeks. As of this writing, Downs is fourth in the NCAA in receiving yards. 7. In the NFL, has earned four Pro Bowl selections in six seasons,and had five 1,000-yard seasons and 38 total touchdowns. The guy claiming the top spot, however, is the exact opposite. Moore and Hall combined for 37 receptions for 711 yards and 11 scores last year. Here's a look at the five best wide receivers in college football right now: #1. Transfers Jalen Knox (Missouri) and Jahcour Pearson (WKU) will also push for time. High-powered passing games, big-play receivers and prolific quarterbacks are essential to winning a national title right now in college football. This fall hell be Brock Purdys No. At 510, 180 pounds, Downs isnt going to wow anyone with his size. Robinson is a weapon with the ball in his hands, plain and simple. He went over 100 yards receiving in five different games. Hes had at least 9 catches and 130 yards in four of five contests and has been consistent no matter whos in at quarterback. 1. Receiving yards: 625 yards. Tight end Cole Turner (49 grabs last year) is among the best in college football. Olave hauled in seven touchdown passes in the seven games he played in. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. Braden Galloway (27 catches for 369 yards last season) is a steady option at tight end. In a three-game stretch that included Oklahoma, Baylor and Oklahoma State, Moore combined for 11 receptions, 143 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Bell was a First Team All-Big Ten . Georgia Injuries have taken a toll on this unit this offseason, and the status of LSU transfer Arik Gilbert is uncertain going into the opener versus Clemson. Cropper is an all-purpose weapon for DeBoer to deploy, and his all-around versatility was on display in last years limited season. (Lynn Harrington/stayaliveinpower5) It's all about making the catches in the clutch and keeping the chains moving. He also averaged 98.2 receiving yards per game, which ranked third in the league. With Elijah Moore and tight end Kenny Yeboah departing, the Rebels have a need for a new go-to target (or two) for quarterback Matt Corral. Top Five SEC Wide Receivers in 2021 Jaden Walley, Mississippi State. Even if you discount his supreme vertical athleticism and coordination in midair, the Penn State wideout still has the stickiest hands in the nation. Nothings changed in 2021. The six-foot-one, 169-pounder caught two touchdowns in the bowl win over Colorado. His deadly lateral suddenness and explosive capacity are reminiscent of Kadarius Toney from a year prior. Dyami Brown and Dazz Newsome both left for the NFL this past spring, leaving the role of primary pass catcher open in the North Carolina offense. Nathaniel Dell, Houston Transfers Jaylen Erwin (UCLA) and KeSean Carter (Texas Tech) have added needed depth to Houstons receiving corps, but Dell (29 catches for 428 yards last season) could still deliver a big season as the No. Elijah Canion, Auburn Canion had a promising performance (three catches for 80 yards and a score) in the Citrus Bowl, but due to the depth ahead of him, only recorded snaps in one other contest last year. By now, youve probably heard an announcer, at some point, inflect his voice while shouting KHALIL SHAKIR on an assortment of gravity-defying plays. Oregon All of last years key weapons in the passing game are back for coach Mario Cristobal, and a full offseason to learn under play-caller Joe Moorhead should certainly help the Ducks progress on offense this fall. For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. Marvin Mims is back after a terrific freshman season (37 receptions for 610 yards and nine scores), with Theo Wease (37 grabs), Drake Stoops (15), Jadon Haselwood (four) and tight ends/h-backs Jeremiah Hall (18) and Austin Stogner (26) also back in the mix. For a moment, it looked like Howell was going to be without a premier receiver. Who are the top 20 wide receivers in the transfer portal? Xavier Worthy, Texas Worthy signed with Michigan out of high school for the 2021 class but was granted his release and eventually ended up at Texas in April. Fans outside of South Carolina may have forgotten about Justyn Ross as the Clemson wide receiver was forced to miss the entire 2020 season due to a spinal injury that required serious surgery. 6-1 / 185. Among the Top 10 receivers in college football the previous fall, three of the first-rounders finished among the campus leaders in the nation: Amari Cooper, Alabama, Kevin White, West Virginia, and Nelson Agholor, USC. Ohio State The Buckeyes are an easy pick at the No. 4. Texas A&M 12. Slade Bolden caught 24 passes last season and will be a key cog on the outside once again, while Javon Baker (two catches) is also back fighting for snaps. Hutchinson led the Cyclones in receptions and receiving yards, plus he caught a pass in every game. Rounding out the list of the best available we have Oklahoma's Marvin Mims and the big . 2. Jordan Watkins, Louisville The departures of Tutu Atwell and Dez Fitzpatrick leave a void in the passing game for coach Scott Satterfield. Burks went over 100 yards receiving against Georgia, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M. His 37 catches and 610 receiving yards earned him second-team All-Big 12 in 2020. LSU's Kayshon Boutte, USC's Drake London, Oklahoma's Marvin Mims and North Carolina's Josh Downs are just a few of the names we expect to have a breakout year this fall. Historically good wide receivers have seemingly become commonplace in college football recently, so who are the best in the country for the 2021 season? The same goes for Kayshon Boutte, who has another year to wait before hes eligible. Now that were a few weeks into the 2021 season, lets revisit the question. Roberson caught three touchdowns against Wisconsin, two against the Tar Heels, plus one apiece against NC State, Syracuse and Louisville. But the Memphis wideout is much more than that. Note: This ranking also takes into account tight ends. Find out who the leaders are in standard scoring formats and see which players are available in your fantasy football league. 22) Jameson Williams, Alabama While its difficult to label breakout players, the new stars of any season can have a huge impact on conference championship or national title races. Bill Connelly of ESPN (subscription required) put together the list of the top 50 . Hes poised to be the No. Ranking the top NFL 2021 Wide Receiver contracts and salaries in the NFL. He went over 100 receiving yards in three different ACC clashes. If were ranking the top wide receivers in college football based on how much they mean to their teams, then Fresno State wideout Jalen Cropper has to be high on the list. He used his elite size at six-foot-three, 220 pounds, to catch touchdowns against Oklahoma State, Houston Baptist, Texas, Iowa State and TCU. In almost every one of them, the receiver on the other end has been Cropper. 6. In the Group of 5 ranks, Arkansas State's Corey Rucker, Kent State's JaShaun Poke and Western Michigan's Jaylen Hall and Skyy Moore are just a few of the players projected to have big seasons of their own. 18. Dotson had eight receiving scores in nine games, which tied for first in the Big Ten. 12. The South Carolina native wasnt afforded many opportunities last fall but still posted a strong freshman season (20 catches for 276 yards and two scores). 3. Who are the Top 25 Wide Receivers in college football right now? E.J. Marshall caught 46 passes for 671 yards and 13 touchdowns as LSU's third option of their wide receivers last year, so just imagine what he can do with more touches. On 40 catches, he has 620 yards and 6 touchdowns in just five games. 8. This group does well to exemplify the sheer depth of college football playmakers. 1. Related: College Football's Top 25 Breakout RBs for 2021. Metchie also went over 100 yards receiving in two different games. Wilsons big-play ability didnt go unnoticed, and he earned first-team All-Big Ten honors. 1 target for quarterback Connor Bazelak. But how the breakdown in receptions and playing time looks is uncertain with the personnel turnover, and even more so after the addition of Ohio State transfer Jameson Williams. Malik McClain, Florida State Second-year coach Mike Norvell is likely to turn to a couple of newcomers on offense to help spark an offense that managed only 25.8 points a game last season. Jaquarii Roberson, Wake Forest: The former three-star prospect finished sixth in the Power Five and second in the ACC in receiving yards last season. His ability to rise, contort, and gather imprecise throws has made him a highlight factory through five weeks. Not to mention he had two touchdown catches at Missouri. College football rankings: 10 best wide receivers this season 10. Let us know who we missed and who you'll be watching this season! However, he certainly made the most of those opportunities. 25) Dontayvion Wicks, Virginia. However, the five-star prospect is too talented to be on the sidelines for long in College Station. Heading into 2021, one of the biggest questions was who would step in to be Sam Howells top receiver. Chris Olave remains one of the top wide receivers in college football. Robinson can attack and destroy tackling angles with one quick motion. Here are our rankings of the top 25 WRs in fantasy heading into the season. Although Metchie played alongside a Heisman Trophy winner as a true sophomore, he still finished with 916 receiving yards. Related: Ranking the Big Ten QBs for 2021. The former three-star prospect had a touchdown catch in each of Nevadas first five games. Can anyone other than Drake London be WR1 in college football right now? but with huge questions surrounding the 2020 college football . Related: Ranking the SEC Quarterbacks for 2021. Bell went over 100 yards receiving against Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota and Nebraska. Hill tied a career-high with 87 receptions last season, while setting a new personal best with 15 receiving touchdowns. 1 target. 4. Trea Shropshire, UAB The Blazers have to replace their top two receivers from last season, but Shropshire (five catches for 180 yards and one touchdown) shined in the Conference USA title game and could be a sign of things to come in 2021. Tyreek Hill, Kansas City Chiefs (Bye Week: 12) It's hard to go against Patrick Mahomes' top wideout. If he comes back as the player he was prior to his injury, hes a top-five player at the position in the country. Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy runs for a first down after making a catch against Iowa State Saturday November 6, 2021 at Jack Trice Stadium. Not to mention he had two touchdown catches in the win over UCLA. Theres a player on this list whos going to win the Biletnikoff this fall. The six-foot-three, 195-pounder caught 10 balls for 252 yards and three touchdowns. He can also take routine dump-offs to the house. Related: Ranking the ACC Quarterbacks for 2021. Presley figures to be one of the new stars for Gundy in 2021 after a strong performance against Miami in the Cheez-It Bowl. However, a bigger workload in 2021 should help Hamilton perform closer to the level that saw him catch 43 balls for 718 yards and four scores in 19. He caught seven passes in three different Big 12 tilts, including an 183-yard, two-touchdown performance against the Cowboys. Reading corners and safeties is always beneficial on key possessions. As a true sophomore Flowers led the Eagles in both categories, and scored nine touchdowns in 11 games. Related: Ranking All 130 College Football Teams for 2021. 3. This is a list of the projected best college wide receivers of the 2021-22 college football season. However, with Quinn Ewers under center that could all change. In an offense suited for his skill set, look for Hyatt to deliver a breakout season and a push for All-SEC honors should be within reach. For the year, Mims posted 37 receptions for 610 yards and nine scores. He finished 2020 strong after he went over 100 yards receiving against Alabama and Florida. Iowa State A healthy Tarique Milton adds another big-time playmaker to Iowa States deep receiving corps. . 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