Sports360AZ
Entering the 2025 college football season, the upcoming 2026 receiver class had significant question marks surrounding it. At least for me, Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson was my No. 1 receiver coming into the season. It’s no surprise he’s asserted himself as the top wideout in his class; the real surprises are the guys underneath him. Here are who you should pay attention to this weekend, in case your NFL team needs to make improvements within the receiving room this upcoming offseason.
Chris Bell, Louisville (vs. Miami): The first thing standing out for Bell is his versatility as a receiver. He is 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds, a YAC threat, and a real threat in contested catch situations. Bell has two straight 100-yard receiving games for the Cardinals, and he’s easily a top 5 wide receiver for me at the receiver position. He matches up against the No. 2 Miami Hurricanes, and a big game against them can boost his stock in the minds of fans all across the nation.
Denzel Boston, Washington (vs. Michigan) The Huskies have a top 25 passing offense in the country, and Boston is a significant factor for it. His game screams strong hands when catching the ball, so it makes sense that he has zero drops on the season. Boston has five touchdown receptions on the year, with two coming last week against Rutgers. Watching those two catches, the strength in his hands is evident. He has a real NFL frame, standing at 6-foot-4, 210 pounds, and with consistent play the rest of the way; Boston can very easily hear his name called in round one come April.
Michael Trigg, Baylor (vs. TCU) Trigg is a tight end, but in this day and age in football, a tight end is basically a receiver, and my lord, is Trigg a good one. He is a big guy on the field, being 6-foot-4, 240 pounds, but when you watch him play, it doesn’t look like it at all. His 155-yard game against Kansas State is a fun watch (he had an impressive one-handed catch in the matchup) and just screams explosive play threat in an NFL offense. Elijah Sarratt, Indiana (vs. Michigan State) Two straight 120-plus yard games will definitely get you on the radars of fans and scouts alike. Sarratt has been money for the Hoosiers’ offense in the past three weeks, and his game against Oregon last week showcased all of his main traits as a receiver. He’s intelligent, crafty as a route runner and just shows up when he’s needed most. His touchdown catch late in the fourth quarter showcases the real “feel” he has to get open and abuse leverage to make the game easy for his quarterback.
Makai Lemon, USC (vs. Notre Dame) Easily the biggest “riser” at the receiver position for me this season is Lemon. His YAC ability is special to watch; he makes guys miss with the ball in his hands, and he just seems to catch everything. He won’t “wow” you with his size at 5-foot-11, 195 pounds, but somehow, someway, he will get open every game and cause damage to any defense trying to defend him. His touchdown catch against Michigan last week showcased his elite ball tracking skills.
