The passing game continues to evolve as a cornerstone of modern college football offenses. While the sport is diverse and expansive in its vast array of approaches, few things ignite fan excitement quite like a dynamic wide receiver making spectacular plays. But who are the top wide receivers to watch in 2025?
Using the PFSN College WR+ metric, we’ve identified the top 25 returning college football wide receivers heading into the upcoming season.
PFSN’s College WR+ assigns a letter grade to an individual wide receiver’s performance. The grade factors in a receiver’s efficiency and share of his team’s targets, but also incorporates proprietary yards after catch over expected and receptions over expected metrics. Those both adjust a receiver’s average YAC and reception percentage based on target depth.
Each player’s game and season grades are also adjusted for opponent strength. A receiver must run at least 50% of his team’s routes in games played to qualify for the season leaderboard and receive at least five targets to qualify for the games leaderboard.
25) Jacob de Jesus, California
2024 PFSN College WR+ Grade: 78.86 (C+)
The California Golden Bears face significant roster turnover after losing key contributors like Fernando Mendoza and Jaydn Ott to the transfer portal.
However, they’ve secured a gem in Jacob de Jesus, a two-year JUCO standout who made his mark in the Mountain West with the UNLV Rebels before returning to his home state.
The versatile 5’7”, 170-pound playmaker recorded 512 receiving yards and three touchdowns in 2024, but he also emerged as one of the nation’s most dangerous punt returners, registering 252 yards from 25 returns.
72.2% of the shifty wide receivers’ receptions ended in a first down or touchdown, while he also ranked sixth amongst his peers, averaging 8.7 yards after the catch. It means de Jesus should be the favored target in 2025 for whoever emerges as the winner in Cal’s quarterback battle.
24) Eric Singleton Jr., Auburn
2024 PFSN College WR+ Grade: 78.98 (C+)
Eric Singleton Jr. transfers from the ACC to the SEC in 2025, opting to apply his trade with the Auburn Tigers.
The 5’10”, 178-pound receiver is a natural explosive athlete. He was a star track athlete in high school, becoming a state champion running a 10.68 100-meter dash as a junior and becoming the first receiver in his school’s history to eclipse 1,000 yards in a single season.
That sharp movement allows the former Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets’ receiver to create instant separation, leading to 714 yards and six touchdowns in 2024 while also adding 131 yards and one touchdown rushing.
23) Jacory Barney Jr., Nebraska
2024 PFSN College WR+ Grade: 79.0 (C+)
Jacory Barney impressed as a true freshman with the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Under Matt Rhule, the four-star recruit recorded 55 receptions for 447 yards, tying the school freshman record for catches while remarkably avoiding a single drop throughout his debut campaign.
The 6’0”, 170-pound receiver already led the Cornhuskers in receptions during 2024, and his versatility to impact the game as a kick returner and a rusher helps cement his place as one of the top returning college football wide receivers.
22) Josh Cameron, Baylor
2024 PFSN College WR+ Grade: 79.13 (C+)
Josh Cameron established himself as one of college football’s most explosive receiving threats in 2024, accumulating 754 yards and 10 touchdowns for the Baylor Bears.
The receiver recorded an EPA of 0.78 per target last season, while averaging 6.3 yards after contact. Additionally, Cameron led the FBS, averaging 20.7 yards per punt return, displaying elite vision and mobility skills.
The Bears narrowly missed a Big 12 Championship Game appearance in 2024 and are expected to challenge again in 2025. Cameron will be a key part of their championship push in an offense that ranked 19th in the country, averaging 440.1 yards per game in 2024.
21) De’Zhaun Stribling, Ole Miss
2024 PFSN College WR+ Grade: 79.26 (C+)
De’Zhaun Stribling’s 2024 production may have been overshadowed by Oklahoma State Cowboys’ struggles in a 3-9 season that featured a winless Big 12 campaign. However, his individual performance impressed, posting 882 receiving yards and six touchdowns while averaging 17.0 yards per reception.
The two-time transfer (previously with the Washington State Cougars) now joins Lane Kiffin’s high-powered Ole Miss Rebels offense, which ranked second nationally in 2024 with 526.5 yards per game.
20) Antonio Williams, Clemson
2024 PFSN College WR+ Grade: 79.58 (C+)
There is a lot of expectation on Antonio Williams’ shoulders entering 2025. The Clemson Tigers are strong contenders to win the national championship in 2025, according to PFSN’s 2025 College Football Playoff predictions, and Antonio Williams’ telepathic connection with quarterback Cade Klubnik is expected to be dominant again.
The standout 5’11”, 190-pound receiver delivered 904 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns, adding 101 rushing yards and one touchdown to be an All-ACC selection. Williams also offers significant pro potential and is the current WR1 in PFSN’s early 2026 NFL Draft wide receiver rankings.
19) DT Sheffield, Rutgers
2024 PFSN College WR+ Grade: 79.6 (C+)
DT Sheffield embarks on his third collegiate stop after transferring to the Rutgers Scarlet Knights this offseason. The two-year JUCO product excelled with the North Texas Mean Green in 2024, where the 5’10”, 175-pound senior recorded 822 yards and led the AAC with 11 touchdowns.
2025 will represent a significant increase in competition as he transitions to Big Ten play. However, Sheffield has the speed and elusive movement with the ball in hand (averaged 8.5 yards after the catch per reception last season) to be a substantial threat in the upcoming season.
18) Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana
2024 PFSN College WR+ Grade: 79.63 (C+)
Omar Cooper Jr. was an impressively reliable threat for the Indiana Hoosiers in 2024 as Kurt Cignetti led the program to the College Football Playoff in his first season at the helm.
In his sophomore season, Cooper registered 594 yards and seven touchdowns while impressively averaging 21.2 yards per reception. The Indiana native only recorded one drop on the season, with 89.3% of his receptions going for a first down or touchdown.
17) Trebor Pena, Penn State
2024 PFSN College WR+ Grade: 79.63 (C+)
Trebor Pena has linked up with the Penn State Nittany Lions this offseason, after a breakout season in 2024. The 6’0”, 184-pound receiver helped the Syracuse Orange record the most passing yards of any FBS team in 2024, catching 84 passes for 941 yards and nine touchdowns.
Entering his sixth season of college football Pena will be looking to repeat his substantial influence in the passing game for a Penn State program that have their eyes set on a national title run, returning star players on offense including quarterback Drew Allar and Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton, who both landed in the top five of PFSN’s top returning running backs.
16) O’Mega Blake, Arkansas
2024 PFSN College WR+ Grade: 79.88 (C+)
O’Mega Blake’s 24.8 average yards per reception was the second most amongst eligible receivers in 2024 and is the most of any returning player in 2025. A redshirt senior, Blake led the Charlotte 49ers with 795 yards and nine touchdowns last season, putting his elite athletic traits and multisport background to use.
A former South Carolina Gamecock, Blake was a star basketball and track athlete in high school, winning regional high jump titles and helping the basketball program to a championship victory. 2024 was a breakout for the 6’2”, 182-pound redshirt senior who has transferred this offseason to the SEC and the Arkansas Razorbacks.
15) Devonte Ross, Penn State
2024 PFSN College WR+ Grade: 80.08 (B-)
Devonte Ross represents another key Penn State transfer addition following his exceptional 2024 campaign with the Troy Trojans. The 5’10”, 170-pound senior accumulated 1,043 yards (fourth-most in school history) and became the first Troy receiver since 2012 to reach 1,000 yards in a season.
Ross’s 11 touchdowns ranked fifth nationally, while his creativity was evident in 481 yards after catch (14th in FBS), despite the Trojans finishing the season with a disappointing 4-8 record.
14) Germie Bernard, Alabama
2024 PFSN College WR+ Grade: 80.15 (B-)
Germie Bernard averaged 15.9 yards per reception in 2024, catching a team high 50 passes for 794 yards and two touchdowns.
The 6’1”, 209-pound receiver made an immediate impact on the Alabama Crimson Tide after transferring from the Washington Huskies, and the junior should see increased production as Kalen DeBoer’s offense evolves from its 50th-ranked showing (3,073 passing yards) in 2024.
13) Junior Vandeross III, Toledo
2024 PFSN College WR+ Grade: 80.52 (B-)
Junior Vandeross III established himself as one of 2024’s most elusive threats after the catch, accumulating 579 yards after catch (sixth nationally). The Toledo Rockets’ receiver also ranked 32nd in the country with 957 receiving yards, adding five touchdowns.
The versatile weapon can be lined up from various alignments, with 27.7% of his snaps coming from the slot. Vandeross had a significant impact on the Rockets’ ending the season 8-5, as he averaged 73.6 yards per game, including 194 yards in Toledo’s 48-46 overtime victory over the Pittsburgh Panthers in the GameAbove Sports Bowl.
12) Elijah Sarratt, Indiana
2024 PFSN College WR+ Grade: 80.58 (B-)
Elijah Sarratt returns as one of the nation’s most productive receivers after posting 957 yards and eight touchdowns in 2024 while averaging 18.1 yards per reception. Transferring in from the James Madison Dukes, Sarratt has 2,148 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns in the last two seasons while putting up an EPA per target of 0.71 in 2024.
11) Ryan Williams, Alabama
2024 PFSN College WR+ Grade: 80.6 (B-)
Ryan Williams was a revelation as a freshman at Alabama in 2024. So much so, he was made one of the cover athletes of EA Sports College Football 26. The Crimson Tide receiver averaged 18 yards per reception last season (eighth in the SEC), while compiling 865 yards and eight touchdowns in his rookie campaign, gathering unanimous All-Freshman honors.
The five-star recruit was critical to an Alabama offense that stuttered in parts in 2024. However, whenever Williams was targeted, he made things happen. In addition to his prolific receiving numbers as a freshman, he also contributed 48 yards and two touchdown rushing, on top of 120 punt return yards.
10) Vinny Anthony II, Wisconsin
2024 PFSN College WR+ Grade: 81.01 (B-)
With Luke Fickell facing pressure and the Wisconsin Badgers confronting a challenging schedule, the outlook for the Big Ten program is uncertain. However, the return of Vinny Anthony II to Madison is a big boost for the program.
Anthony enjoyed a breakout year as a junior in 2024, catching 39 passes for 672 yards and four touchdowns. The receiver showcased his ability to be a creative spark, averaging 7.5 yards after the catch and having an EPA per target of 0.65.
9) Carnell Tate, Ohio State
2024 PFSN College WR+ Grade: 81.07 (B-)
The Ohio State Buckeyes can make a strong argument to be named Wide Receiver U. The program has consistently produced elite wide receiver talent, and its 2025 roster features two pass catchers ranked among the top 10 returning college football wide receivers.
Throw in Emeka Egbuka, who was drafted in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, and it is easy to see why Ryan Day’s side was able to win it all last season.
Carnell Tate will play a larger role in the upcoming season and build on his 733 yards and four touchdowns. The 6’3”, 191-pound receiver is both physical and explosive off the line, allowing him to create separation and make plays in the air.
8) Eric Rivers, Georgia Tech
2024 PFSN College WR+ Grade: 81.15 (B-)
Georgia Tech has replaced one Eric with another. Out goes Singleton and in comes Eric Rivers, who had an almighty season with the FIU Panthers in 2024. The athletic 5’11”, 174-pound receiver’s 1,172 yards ranked eighth in FBS while his 12 touchdowns placed fourth nationally.
The former walk-on led CUSA in yards and touchdowns, while also averaging 18.9 yards per reception. Get the ball in Rivers’ hands, and he is a threat, averaging 6.8 yards after the catch and putting up 0.64 EPA per target.
7) Cayden Lee, Ole Miss
2024 PFSN College WR+ Grade: 81.51 (B-)
With an EPA per target of 0.87, Cayden Lee was one of the most effective receivers in the SEC in 2024, registering 874 yards and two touchdowns on 57 catches. With Tre Harris departing for the NFL, Lee may shoulder increased responsibility in Ole Miss’s explosive offense.
New QB Austin Simmons should be happy, as Lee didn’t record a single drop in 2024 and was effective, allowing the Ole Miss offense to push the ball downfield, recording 20 catches for 20+ yards.
6) Jaden Greathouse, Notre Dame
2024 PFSN College WR+ Grade: 81.66 (B-)
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish’s championship aspirations rest partly on their passing attack and the continued development of WR Jaden Greathouse. The versatile receiver contributed 42 catches for 592 yards and four touchdowns while posting a 0.80 EPA per target and recording just one drop.
Greathouse will need to be at his equal best to support CJ Carr in his first year as a starter in South Bend if Notre Dame is to accomplish their ultimate aim of winning a national title.
5) Malik Rutherford, Georgia Tech
2024 PFSN College WR+ Grade: 81.91 (B-)
Georgia Tech’s retention of Malik Rutherford proves as valuable as their addition of Rivers. In a transfer portal-obsessed era, keeping proven talent often gets overlooked, but Rutherford’s 702 yards and three touchdowns on a team-leading 62 receptions (sixth most in school history) demonstrate his importance.
MORE: Project the Entire 2025-2026 Season With the Free PFSN College Football Playoff Predictor
Rutherford’s natural creativity to generate 469 yards after the catch means the Yellow Jackets could be poised to make some real noise in the ACC with its dynamic receiving tandem.
4) Aaron Anderson, LSU
2024 PFSN College WR+ Grade: 82.49 (B-)
With Garrett Nussmeier returning, the LSU Tigers’ offense is expected to put up impressive numbers in 2025.
The already recorded 4,093 passing yards a year ago, and Aaron Anderson leads an exciting receiving corps after his breakout season produced 884 yards and five touchdowns on a team-leading 61 catches (third in the SEC).
It marked an outstanding season for Anderson, who won LSU’s Most Improved Player Award. His athleticism and smooth movement are expected to be further unlocked in the upcoming season.
3) Kevin Coleman Jr., Missouri
2024 PFSN College WR+ Grade: 82.81 (B-)
While Eli Drinkwitz’s Missouri Tigers lost Luther Burden to the 2025 NFL Draft, they landed one of the portal’s premier college football wide receivers in Kevin Coleman Jr.
The productive pass catcher now embarks on his fourth collegiate stop after compiling 932 yards and six touchdowns at Mississippi State in 2024, after stops with Jackson State and Louisville.
Coleman’s field-stretching ability (80-yard season-long, 12.6 yards per reception average) should thrive in Missouri’s offensive system, which has also added QB Beau Pribula to its ranks, as he seeks to continue his upward trajectory.
2) Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
2024 PFSN College WR+ Grade: 84.71 (B)
The Arizona State Sun Devils were the surprise package of the 2024 college football season. Predicted to finish last in the Big 12, they defied all expectations to win the conference and make the College Football Playoff.
Key to their momentum was wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, who returns to Tempe looking to repeat his phenomenal 2024 season.
With 1,101 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in 12 games, Tyson is one of the top returning receivers in the nation. His chemistry with quarterback Sam Leavitt should produce again for the upcoming season and is one reason why the Sun Devils sit at the top of PFSN’s Big 12 power rankings.
1) Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State
2024 PFSN College WR+ Grade: 89.42 (B+)
Many terms have been used to describe the talent of Jeremiah Smith. Elite. Generational. None are enough to describe his impact on the sport as a freshman. His 1,215 yards were the third most in the FBS and the most of any returning college football wide receiver, while he also recorded eight touchdowns, averaging 15.7 yards per reception.
There is simply nothing the Ohio State receiver cannot do. He averaged 6.5 yards after the catch, only had one drop his entire freshman campaign, and had an EPA per target of 0.79. These are elite numbers for an elite talent who is unequivocally the best receiver in college football right now.
