2025 NCAAF Top WR Rankings: Breaking Down the Elite Receivers Beyond Jeremiah Smith

A deep dive into college football's elite receivers for 2025, featuring Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith, Alabama's Ryan Williams, and other rising stars reshaping the game.

The Unanimous #1: Jeremiah Smith's Dominance Continues

The Ohio State phenom wasn't just the consensus top receiver in our poll - he was the only unanimous selection across all our 2025 preseason position rankings. Smith's freshman campaign (76 rec, 1,315 yds, 16 TDs) exceeded unprecedented hype, earning him:

  • Big Ten Freshman of the Year
  • Conference Receiver of the Year
  • Early Heisman Trophy buzz

At 6'3", 215 lbs with elite body control, Smith represents the prototype modern WR. His 12 games with touchdowns included eight multi-score performances, terrorizing defenses with his:

✅ Elite route-running ✅ Contested-catch ability ✅ Yards-after-catch burst

The SEC's Answer: Ryan Williams' Explosive Potential

Alabama's freshman sensation showed why he was the No. 2 overall recruit in 2024:

  • 18.0 yards per reception (5th nationally)
  • 5 catches of 50+ yards (T-4th)
  • Game-winning TD vs Georgia

With new OC Ryan Grubb importing Washington's explosive passing concepts, Williams could see his 2024 numbers (865 yds, 10 TDs) skyrocket.

Transfer Portal Gems Making Noise

Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State)

  • FCS → FBS success story
  • 1,101 yards after missing 2023 with injury
  • Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year

Elijah Sarratt (Indiana)

  • Saint Francis (FCS) → JMU → Hoosiers
  • 18.1 yards per catch (Top 10 nationally)
  • Key piece in Indiana's playoff run

Speedsters Changing Games

Player School 100m Time 2024 Stats
Eric Singleton Jr. Auburn 10.32 754 yds, 3 TDs
Evan Stewart Oregon 10.45 5 scores
Bryant Wesco Clemson -- 17.3 yds/catch

Teams With Multiple Standouts

  1. Ohio State: Smith + Carnell Tate (733 yds)
  2. Clemson: Antonio Williams (12 TDs) + Wesco
  3. Auburn: Singleton + Cam Coleman (#3 recruit)

2025 Breakout Candidates

  • Cam Coleman (Auburn): 5-star freshman
  • Zachariah Branch (Georgia): USC transfer
  • Dakorien Moore (Oregon): Top 2025 recruit

"The receiver position has never been deeper in college football" - ESPN Analyst

Complete Rankings Breakdown

  1. Jeremiah Smith (OSU) - 100 pts
  2. Ryan Williams (BAMA) - 82
  3. Jordyn Tyson (ASU) - 68
  4. Elijah Sarratt (IU) - 46
  5. Eric Singleton (AUB) - 40
  6. Antonio Williams (CLEM) - 30
  7. Evan Stewart (ORE) - 29
  8. Bryant Wesco (CLEM) - 21
  9. Carnell Tate (OSU) - 19
  10. Kevin Concepcion (TAMU) - 19

Also receiving votes: LSU's Nic Anderson, Georgia's Zach Branch, Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq

Bottom Line

The 2025 season showcases:

  • Historic freshman classes
  • Portal success stories
  • Speed revolutionizing offenses With NFL teams increasingly valuing WRs early in drafts, these playmakers will dominate both college and draft discourse.

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