2023 CFF Wide Receiver Rankings, Profiles and Projections

While I love researching and writing about college fantasy football, I have to call a timeout once in a while because of life and family. Over the past week, I got free tickets to the Orioles-Yankees game in New York and went to the local amusement park with my 13-year-old daughter and her two best friends.

At home, our stove and central air conditioning both broke down, and we had to get them fixed. Of course, a heat wave hit Connecticut, making it difficult to use the computer in a stifling house. Well, after a small delay, I went back to work and finished the College Fantasy Football wide receiver player profiles for the 2023 season albeit a little late.

Currently, I am partaking in my tenth CFF draft this year, and there are so many interesting wide receivers who could become difference-makers in 2023. In my opinion, the best strategy is similar to the one I undertook last year.

I built my CFF teams around a stable of stud running backs and waited until the middle rounds for my receivers. Hitting on Xavier Hutchinson, Antwane Wells, Puka Nacua, and Demario Douglas late in drafts solidified my CFF WR corps. The waiver wire also produced some WR gemstones (Charlie Jones, Jalin Hyatt, and Sam Wiglusz) to bolster my CFF rosters.

With a minor adjustment this year, I have been selecting a top 12 receiver early to anchor my roster and bypass the position until rounds 6 through 12. A couple of times, I plucked four consecutive wideouts seeking to find two weekly starters…It is a deep position in 2023.

I am willing to embrace risk for a high return at the receiver position. For me, it is about uncovering ADP value to acquire one or two golden nuggets. Therefore, build around a Top 12 receiver and find upside options later in drafts to optimize value at the position.

CFF WR Tiers

I have placed the wide receiver profiles in tiers—Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Cum Laude—to provide flexibility for CFF managers based on their league’s scoring format, roster construction and starting lineup requirements. I have also provided fantasy projections for all the players. Current CFF ADP provided by Campus2Canton.com, one of my favorite sites in the industry.

Feel free to jump ahead and look at my CFF wide receiver rankings.

Summa Cum Laude

Marvin Harrison, Jr., Ohio State

Team Offense (Rank): 490.7 ypg. (9)

Passing Yards: 298.3 ypg. (14)

Points Scored: 44.2 ppg. (2)

2022 FPPG (Harrison): 22.3

@campus2canton CFF ADP: 3.2

Coach Brian Hartline might be the top assistant coach in the nation: Since 2018, he has been the wide receivers guru at Ohio State and is now the offensive coordinator for the Buckeyes. Hartline has assisted with the development of receivers Terry McLaurin, Parris Campbell, Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

In 2023, Hartline will oversee the premier dynamic duo in the nation with Marvin Harrison, Jr. and Emeka Egbuka. Both playmakers currently are projected first-round picks in the 2024 NFL Draft and Harrison will likely be a top five-overall selection.

Last year, Harrison was a unanimous All-American—the first unanimous All-American receiver in Columbus, OH. After catching 77 passes for 1,263 yards and 14 touchdowns, the sophomore earned the Big Ten Conference Richter-Howard Wide Receiver of the Year award. His accolades also included First Team All-Big Ten honors and a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award.

A four-star prospect coming out of high school, Harrison has leaped everyone in the 2021 recruiting class, becoming a CFF star and top NFL prospect. He conquers opponents with terrific route running, superb hands, athleticism, physicality, and speed. Arguably, the Buckeyes’ sleek playmaker is the No. 2 selection in CFF drafts after QB Caleb Williams.

Notebook: “Chatting this morning with an NFL scouting friend. (Harrison’s) preseason grade on Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison, Jr. is a perfect score. ‘No weaknesses. Might be the best player in the class,’” ESPN analyst Miller wrote (thespun.com).

Rome Odunze, Washington

Team Offense (Rank): 515.8 ypg. (2)

Passing Yards: 369.8 ypg. (1)

Points Scored: 39.7 ppg. (7)

2022 FPPG (Odunze): 19.8

@campus2canton CFF ADP: 14.4

Who knows the outlook and long-term plan for the Pac-12 after USC and UCLA leave the Conference next year. For now, I am going to enjoy one more campaign from some of the most pass-heavy, and efficient, throwing teams in the nation. The Huskies’ aerial assault is a cornucopia of fantasy points with QB Michael Penix and WRs Rome Odunze and Jalen McMillan.

In high school, Odunze was named the Gatorade Player of the Year for Nevada as a senior and named all-state for track and field in 2019. During his first two years on the Washington campus, he played in only 11 games, logging 47 catches for 487 yards and four scores.

Last year, Odunze bloomed under new coach Kalen DeBoer. He led the team in receiving yards with 1,145 and was second in receptions with 75. In program history, the yards were the fifth-best single-season mark and the receptions were seventh most. The junior earned Third Team All-American, First Team All-Pac-12 and Pac-12 Academic Honor Roll for his efforts on the field and in the classroom.

At 6’3” and 211-pounds, Odunze has caught the attention of NFL scouts, DEVY players and CFF diehards. If East Coast readers acquire the Huskies’ receiver in 2023, be prepared to stay up until midnight watching Washington’s eclectic aerial assault.

Notebook: “Through adversity, through the struggles, I think it’s definitely made me a better person. I think it’s probably made me a better person than a football player because when you’re going through those troubles, it’s hard…that’s football and why I love sports so much in general because it teaches you those lessons,” Odunze reflected (si.com).

Malachi Corley, Western Kentucky

Team Offense (Rank): 497.3 ypg. (7)

Passing Yards: 352.2 ypg. (2)

Points Scored: 36.4 ppg. (14)

2022 FPPG (Corley): 21.8

@campus2canton CFF ADP: 5.2

The Hilltoppers are the favorites to win C-USA and possibly are the best team among the G5 programs in the nation. Over the past two campaigns, there is no denying how spectacular the passing game has been with quarterbacks Bailey Zappe and Austin Reed in command. Over the winter, Reed put a toe in the transfer portal but decided to come back to Western Kentucky.

For my CFF Dynasty teams with Malachi Corley on the roster, I am ecstatic that Reed returned. Last year, Corley logged 101 receptions for 1,295 and 11 touchdowns. The junior wide receiver’s magic number is clearly six: He earned double-digit targets, surpassed 100 yards receiving and produced over 20 fantasy points—including twice over 40—six times. For his performance, he was placed on the Biletnikoff Award watch list and named First Team C-USA.

Looking at the Hilltoppers’ schedule, ten victories is a foregone conclusion and only the Ohio State game will be a speed bump for coach Tyson Helton’s passing attack. Corley has garnered some draft buzz over the offseason and could be a Day 2 selection if he replicates last year’s production, which is a dream outcome. There is a very slim chance that Corley does not repeat his 2022 numbers.

Notebook: “Corley is like Deebo Samuel. I could see him at the end of the year being a damn first-rounder. I don’t know if (NFL scouts) have a player comparison on him or not yet, but I guarantee you that’s what they will all put, Samuel. He catches. He runs. He’s strong…He’s super physical. There may not be a player in college football who’s better with the football in his hands,” a P5 assistant stated (On3.com).

Tory Horton, Colorado State

Team Offense (Rank): 285.8 ypg. (125)

Passing Yards: 196.8 ypg. (105)

Points Scored: 13.2 ppg. (128)

2022 FPPG (Horton): 19.4

@campus2canton CFF ADP: 12.4

Like many CFF diehards last year, I expected the Colorado State offense to take flight under first-year coach Jay Norvell, who had guided Nevada to impressive heights in 2020 and 2021. Sadly, Novell could not reignite the magic in Fort Collins, CO as the Rams finished 3-9 and near the bottom of the nation in total offense.

At 6’2” and 180-pounds, Tory Horton played for Norvell at Nevada and followed his former coach to Colorado State. Despite the circumstances, he outpaced his teammates and became one of the premier G5 playmakers. The Rams’ receiver put up 71 catches for 1,131 yards and eight touchdowns on his resume while earning First Team All-Mountain West.

One of the biggest challenges in the offseason for the Rams was to build an effective O-line after the unit’s poor play last year. With only center Jacob Gardner coming back, Norvell and the coaching staff brought in four new starters. If the offensive line improves, Norvell’s Air Raid offense will take flight, and Horton easily surpasses last year’s statistics.

Notebook: “Tory does a great job. He leads by example in everything he does, whether it’s in the classroom, in the film room, on the field, in the weight room. It’s a big-brother, little-brother relationship and he really paves the path for those guys to be successful,” receivers coach Chad Savage stated (denvergazzette.com).

Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State

Team Offense (Rank): 490.7 ypg. (9)

Passing Yards: 298.3 ypg. (14)

Points Scored: 44.2 ppg. (2)

2022 FPPG (Egbuka): 20.6

@campus2canton CFF ADP: 12.0

Over the past three years, it is simply mind-boggling the receiver talent in Columbus. Is the Harrison-Egbuka duo better than the Wilson-Olave pair in 2021? An interesting debate for sure.

In his second season as a Buckeye last year, Egbuka was named Second Team All-Big Ten and a finalist for the Paul Hornung Award. He tallied 74 catches for 1,151 yards and 10 touchdowns, posting over 20 fantasy points seven times and surpassing 100 yards receiving in six games.

In high school, Egbuka was a five-star prospect—the nation’s top-ranked wide receiver and the No. 8 overall player. In the state of Washington, he pocketed the 2019 Gatorade Player of the Year after securing 83 passes for 1,607 yards and 25 scores.

At 6’1” and 205-pounds, Egbuka is a physical athlete and smooth route runner, who rapidly accelerates and explodes upfield. Despite turnover at quarterback, Egbuka will again conquer opponents and produce a flurry of fantasy points all season.

Notebook: “(Wide receivers) coach (Brian) Hartline gets mad at me sometimes because I ask so many questions. It comes down to me wanting to fully understand something because the more I can grasp the concept, the quicker I can become better at it,” Egbuka joked in a recent interview (TheAthletic).

Twitterverse on Fire!

At their current CFF ADP, who are you targeting at wide receiver in drafts this summer?

• Jerand Bradley, Texas Tech: 25%
• Will Sheppard, Vanderbilt: 12%
• Johnny Wilson, Florida State: 40%
• Jeremiah Hunter, California: 23%

“Will Sheppard should really pop the first three weeks of the season. But the long-term play is Jeremiah Hunter.” @BigWormPerm

“Johnny Wilson with all the weapons the Florida State team is returning, I am expecting big things from the 6’7″ monster receiver.” @justinNottingh6

“Jeremiah Hunter for me. Normally, the Golden Bears’ speedster is the last drafted out of the group and ended the season hotter than fish grease with four of his last five games, eclipsing 96 yards with a total of three scores…wait and select Hunter.” @aceholesrule

“Jerand Bradley for me. Offense has the most upside, and he is a great Best Ball pick.” @CffDfs

“Give me the Red Raider! My co-host, @Leverett_Kt, has been pounding the table for Jerand Bradley. QB Tyler Shough and Bradley flexed in the OU game and gave a preview (eight receptions for 173 yards…21 ypc.) of what is to come this year. Coach Joey McGuire is building a monster.” @NinoBrown_T2T

“The answer probably varies by format: In Best Ball, Jerand Bradley and Johnny Wilson are good options. I like the consistent volume that Will Sheppard’s gonna get in redraft, but the in-season schedule is a concern—though QB play should be better this year.” @volumepigs

Magna Cum Laude

Jacob Cowing, Arizona

Team Offense (Rank): 461 ypg. (20)

Passing Yards: 318.4 ypg. (6)

Points Scored: 30.8 ppg. (47)

2022 FPPG (Cowing): 18.9

@campus2canton CFF ADP: 22.2

The Wildcats significantly improved from 1-11 to 5-7 last year. Arizona jump-started the offense by acquiring QB Jayden de Laura and WR Jacob Cowing in the transfer portal. Both players contributed to an offense that flourished in the air.

Before coming to Arizona, Jacob Cowing played three seasons at UTEP, pacing the Miners in receiving yards in all three campaigns. When the 2021 season ended, he had logged 69 receptions for 1,354 yards and seven scores, earning First Team All-C-USA. In 2020, he garnered Second Team All-C-USA with 41 catches for 691 yards and three touchdowns.

Whenever a player moves up a level of competition, questions abound in regard to his ability to perform versus more skilled opponents. Cowing showed that he belonged among the best in the P5 Conferences, making a catch in all 12 games and stretching his career streak to 44. The Wildcats’ receiver concluded his first season at Arizona with 85 receptions for 1,034 yards and seven scores. In school history, the catches and yards were the third- and seventh-most in a single season respectfully.

At 5’11” and 170-pounds, the fleet-footed playmaker uses tempo and deception to beat opponents. Cowing is on pace to record his third consecutive 1,000-yard crusade and provides a high floor with the potential to reach a higher ceiling in 2023.

Notebook: “It’s been fun changing my position from slot to the outside. I’m having fun connecting with Jayden (de Laura) and just playing ball…When I was learning the slot last year, I was learning outside too, so now that I have the opportunity to go back outside. It’s just like second nature to me…,” Cowing said (arizonarivals.com).

Jalen McMillan, Washington

Team Offense (Rank): 515.8 ypg. (2)

Passing Yards: 369.8 ypg. (1)

Points Scored: 39.7 ppg. (7)

2022 FPPG (McMillan): 18.8

@campus2canton CFF ADP: 18.6

I remember when blue blood programs Clemson, Alabama, and LSU would all place two receivers in the preseason Top 24 CFF WR rankings. This year, Clemson (Antonio Williams) and LSU (Malik Nabers) each have one player and none of the receivers wear a Crimson, Gray and White uniform.

In 2023, Washington and Ohio State are the two programs with a pair of wideouts in the top two dozen receivers. Kalen DeBoer has successfully orchestrated high-octane passing games as offensive coordinator (Fresno State and Indiana) and head coach (Washington) over the past four seasons. Last year, DeBoer’s Huskies finished as the top passing team in the nation and produced a dynamic duo on the outside.

A four-star recruit in 2020, Jalen McMillan was rated the No. 38 overall and No. 8 wide receiver prospect in the nation. A sprinter, he participated in the Junior Olympic track & field in middle school, and as a high schooler, he made it to states in California in the 100- and 200-meter events.

At 6’1” and 189-pounds, McMillan recorded the seventh most productive season in the school’s history with 1,098 yards. His 79 receptions were the fourth most all-time at Washington. He was also named Second Team All-PAC-12 by PFF. The Huskies’ passing game will flourish again, and McMillan easily surpasses 1,000 yards.

Notebook: “We have the best offense in the country for sure. We have so much more in the tank. Last year, we didn’t even scratch the surface. Our potential is unmatched. I feel like nothing can stop us. So, let’s roll,” McMillan vocalized in a PFF interview (247Sports.com).

Malik Nabers, LSU

Team Offense (Rank): 453.1 ypg. (28)

Passing Yards: 269.3 ypg. (29)

Points Scored: 34.5 ppg. (23)

2022 FPPG (Nabers): 13.9

@campus2canton CFF ADP: 36.0

Throughout my CFF tenure, I have been more than happy to acquire coach Brian Kelly’s top game-breaker: Michael Floyd, TJ Jones, Will Fuller, Equanimeous St. Brown, Miles Boykin and Chase Claypool all shined in Kelly’s offense.

Last year, I urged my readers to acquire Kayshon Boutte and drafted him on many of my teams. Unfortunately, it turned out to be one of the worst pieces of advice in my alternative-reality tenure. When grading players, it is imperative to put aside recency bias and make one’s analysis based on a new set of circumstances and facts.

It is a new year, and I cannot ignore the talent and fantasy potential for Malik Nabers as the Tigers’ potential All-American in Kelly’s scheme. A four-star recruit, the sleek playmaker was a three-sport athlete—football, basketball, and track and field—in high school.

Last year, Nabers concluded the campaign with an 18-game streak of catching a pass and led the SEC in receptions with 72. In the SEC, his 1,017 receiving yards were the second-most. To top off his sophomore season, he was named MVP of the Citrus Bowl after catching nine passes for 163 yards, including a 75-yard catch-and-run for a score. Nabers also tossed a TD pass to QB Jayden Daniels.

With massive roster turnover at Georgia and Alabama, LSU appears to be in a position to reach the SEC Championship Game for the second consecutive season. If the TIgers do get there, Nabers will have played an instrumental role for coach Kelly and CFF teams.

Notebook: “Nabers is capable of making plays in the deep passing game, but where he’s at his best is getting the ball in space and making things happen after the catch. He’s elusive and is rarely brought down by the first defender. He’s also athletic enough to go up and make contested catches even when the defender has good coverage,” Chris Lowe noted in his ESPN scouting report (lsutigerswire.usatoday.com).

Troy Franklin, Oregon

Team Offense (Rank): 500.5 ypg. (6)

Passing Yards: 284.8 ypg. (17)

Points Scored: 38.8 ppg. (10)

2022 FPPG (Franklin): 15.7

@campus2canton CFF ADP: 40.6

The Ducks posted one of the best turnarounds in college football last year under first-year coach Dan Lanning. While there is no doubt the impact of QB Bo Nix on the offense, WR Troy Franklin also deserves much credit for the improvement of the aerial assault in 2022.

After a breakout campaign, Franklin was bestowed Second Team All-Pac-12 honors by numerous outlets. As a true sophomore last year, he started every game for Oregon and paced the receiver corps with 61 receptions for 891 yards (14.6 ypc.) and nine scores. He was very consistent from a fantasy perspective: He logged six games with at least five receptions, and at least eight catches three different times. Franklin also had eight games with at least one touchdown catch, including each of the final four to close the season.

At 6’2” and 170-pounds, the sleek speedster was a consensus four-star recruit and top 10 WR prospect in the nation coming out of high school. A California native, he was selected to play in the 2021 All-American Bowl and named to the PrepStar Top 150 Dream Team. A fluid athlete, Franklin wins versus defenders with quick feet, great hands, and terrific balance.

The Oregon playmaker has caught a pass in 17 consecutive games for the Ducks over his first two seasons and will look to extend the streak this year. He is gaining helium as an NFL prospect and could bolster his ranking with another big season. I project a 1,000-yard, double-digit TD crusade in Lanning’s offense for Franklin in 2023.

Notebook: “We dove into his film and tape and we talked about some areas where he can improve. What Troy has done between January and now, he’s working on those things. He’s putting himself in hard situations and difficult situations, and trying to win the routes,” Ducks’ co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach Junior Adams affirmed (registerguard.com).

Joshua Cephus, UTSA

Team Offense (Rank): 476.0 ypg. (12)

Passing Yards: 300.7 ypg. (13)

Points Scored: 36.8 ppg. (13)

2022 FPPG (Cephus): 17.5

@campus2canton CFF ADP: 39.6

I jumped on the UTSA bandwagon in 2020 and have officially adopted the Roadrunners as my favorite AAC team for the foreseeable future. For the past two seasons, Zakhari Franklin decorated many of my CFF rosters. With Franklin no longer on campus, Joshua Cephus now ranks among my preferred targets in drafts this summer.

Playing second fiddle, Cephus has earned C-USA honorable mention in 2021 and 2022. He has played in 27 of 28 games for the Roadrunners and has been targeted 209 times. With his opportunities, the 6’3” and 185-pound Texan has secured 158 passes for 1,804 yards and 12 scores.

In high school, he played baseball and ran track and field. On the diamond, he batted .443 for his team, and on the track, he captured numerous high jump titles, finishing third in the high jump at states.

How many competitors can Cephus out-jump in 2023? I expect a huge campaign from the UTSA aerial assault and Cephus likely establishes new career highs across the board for CFF diehards like myself.

Notebook: “Cephus has been among the best wideouts in C-USA for multiple years. He’s now the best receiver in the AAC. In the past four years combined, he’s caught 224 passes for 2,504 yards and 18 touchdowns. Cephus has already proven how great he can be, and without Zakhari Franklin, that just means more targets for Cephus,” Colton Pool ranked Cephus as the best WR in the AAC in March (herosports.com).

Twitterverse on Fire!

Among G5 teams, Who Ya Got as a reliable CFF pass catcher in the middle rounds of drafts?

• Terrell Vaughn, Utah State: 15%
• Khaleb Hood, Georgia Southern: 51%
• Ashtyn Hawkins, Texas State: 18%
• Ricky White, UNLV: 16%

“Some good names on that list. Georgia Southern was only behind Mississippi State and Western Kentucky in passing attempts last season. I want both Khaleb Hood and Derwin Burgess on teams.” @copieps

“I don’t think you will go wrong with any of these options. There is a strong pattern of usage for WR No. 1s with Utah State’s coach Blake Anderson, and Terrell Vaughn could very well end up being the No. 1, not a lock by any means. And there were years under Anderson where the WR No. 1 wasn’t all that strong in CFF, but a good option nonetheless. Khaleb Hood is the safest, but give me the upside of Ashtyn Hawkins at the current price” @volumepigs

“Khaleb Hood for me! Low floor and a high ceiling. What’s not to like!” @aceholesrule

“Man…gimme the 12.1 ypc. from Ricky White. At UNLV, he had 51 receptions for 619 yards and four scores. First game versus Idaho State, White let people know he arrived with eight catches for 182 yards and two touchdowns. QB Doug Brumfield to White…get used to it in 2023.” @NinoBrown_T2T

“Khaleb Hood for me. But Ricky White may have the clearest path to WR No. 1 upside.” @CffDfs

“Ashtyn Hawkins is criminally underrated in CFF right now. I’ll be surprised if he isn’t on my CFF King’s Classic team, lol.” @ShanePHallam

“I voted for Khaleb Hood, but for Terrell Vaughn to be as low as he is in this poll is absolutely criminal!” @CFF_Jared

“Khaleb Hood is the guy here. I am all in on the Georgia Southern offense with Davis Brin coming in as quarterback…Exciting times.” @JustinNottingh6

“No touchdown upside with Ricky White at UNLV. Utah State runs a lot more than you think, and Terrell Vaughn will go too early for me. Last year, Ashtyn Hawkins had four games over 20 fantasy points (two over 30). A lot of highs and lows with Hawkins. Khaleb Hood had nine games last year of six or more catches. For me, it’s Hood.” @cusumano_sal

Cum Laude

Devontez Walker, North Carolina

Team Offense (Rank):462.8 ypg. (19)

Passing Yards: 309.3 ypg. (11)

Points Scored: 34.4 ppg. (25)

2022 FPPG (Walker): 18.6

@campus2canton CFF ADP: 27.8

Over the past three seasons, the North Carolina passing game has provided many tasty fantasy options at wide receiver with Josh Downs, Dyami Brown, and Dazz Newsome. All are gone and the Tar Heels are seeking a premier pass catcher for the aerial assault to replace Downs from last season. The CFF community clearly believes that Devontez Walker ascends to the top of the pecking order in North Carolina.

As a high schooler, Walker was graded as a three-star recruit and enrolled at NC Central, an FCS program. In 2020, the Eagles never kicked off because of COVID, and Walker transferred to Kent State afterward. Over two seasons as a member of the Golden Flashes, he made 63 receptions for 1,045 yards and 12 touchdowns. In 2022, he started all 12 games and earned First Team All-MAC as a sophomore.

During spring practices at Chapel Hill, the 6’2” and 195-pounder illustrated his athleticism and skills, impressing the coaching staff and teammates. If QB Drake Maye and Walker develop that unique pitch-and-catch relationship, the newest Tar Heel will become fantasy gold in 2023.

Notebook: “…the excitement around Walker’s role with the Tar Heels took on a new level after spring practice. With Josh Downs off to the NFL Draft, there are plenty of receptions available and Walker has made it clear he’s in the mix to be the alpha of the wide receiver room this fall,” wrote Chip Patterson of CBS Sports (tarheelswire.usatoday.com).

Antwane Wells, Jr., South Carolina

Team Offense (Rank): 378.8 ypg. (71)

Passing Yards: 260.0 ypg. (40)

Points Scored: 32.2 ppg. (38)

2022 FPPG (Wells, Jr.): 15.5

@campus2canton CFF ADP: 58.0

In early CFF drafts, I was fortunate enough to draft Antwane Wells, Jr. in the sixth round or later. Over the past three months, Wells’ ADP has slowly risen. I have to select him by the end of the fifth round if I want to guarantee that he is on my roster.

In the fall of 2019, Wells went to Fort Union Military as a prep student. The next year, he attended James Madison and caught 33 passes for 603 yards and six touchdowns. In 2021, he earned FCS Second Team All-America at JMU, catching 83 receptions for 1,250 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also tied the JMU single-season record for receptions and established a new mark for yards in a season.

Ask most college football fans to identify a First Team All-SEC WR from last year and few would be able to name Wells, who became QB Spence Rattler’s top pass-catcher. For his performance, he was awarded the Steve Spurrier Offensive MVP award after making 68 catches for 928 yards and six touchdowns. He recorded four 100-yard games, including three in the last four regular-season contests. I expect to have a heavy rostership of the Gamecocks’ receiver in 2023.

Notebook: “Coming out of high school, I wasn’t highly recruited because of my grades. (But) I wouldn’t change…my story. My story keeps me hungry and humble,” Wells proclaimed last December (richmond.com).

Squirrel White, Tennessee

Team Offense (Rank): 525.5 ypg. (1)

Passing Yards: 326.1 ypg. (5)

Points Scored: 46.1 ppg. (1)

2022 FPPG (White): 8.2

@campus2canton CFF ADP: 33.8

As a CFF diehard, it is difficult not to get excited by coach Josh Heupel’s high-flying passing attack and the fantasy production at Knoxville. Over the past two seasons, Velus Jones and Jalin Hyatt both became rock stars playing the slot position in Heupel’s scheme.

Squirrel White is the next man up for the Volunteers in the slot. At 5’10” and 165 pounds, White flashed as a freshman last year, concluding the year with 30 receptions for 481 yards and two touchdowns. He capped off his campaign with an impressive performance in the Orange Bowl with nine catches for 108 yards and a score.

A speedy home run hitter, White was clocked at 23.4 mph on the Catapult system and led all SEC freshmen in game-breaking plays in 2022. He recorded six catches of 30-plus yards, six over 40, four more than 50, and two beyond 60. How many touchdowns will White score in 2023? Jones and Hyatt scored seven and 15 times respectively from the slot, and White appears poised to score at least 10 in 2023.

Notebook: “Squirrel White did a really good job today. I thought he did a really good job working the middle of the football field. He executed from the whistle to the next snap really well and efficiently,”  coach Heupel stated in early April after spring practices (knoxnews.com).

Sam Wiglusz, Ohio

Team Offense (Rank): 421.2 ypg. (39)

Passing Yards: 278.1 ypg. (23)

Points Scored: 31.8 ppg. (40)

2022 FPPG (Wiglusz): 16.2

@campus2canton CFF ADP: 44.0

Without the opportunity provided by the transfer portal, Sam Wiglusz might not have had the opportunity to display his skills on the field. In 2019, he came to Ohio State and played in only 13 games in three seasons for the Buckeyes. Wiglusz could not move up a depth chart loaded with NFL talent at receiver.

When he placed a Bobcats’ uniform on, Wiglusz became the go-to guy for Ohio last season. He won the pass-catching triple crown, pacing the club in receptions (73), yards (877), and touchdowns (11). He produced over 19 fantasy points five times, including back-to-back outings in which he combined for 71.9 points versus Kent State and Akron.

On the field, he attained First Team All-MAC and in the classroom, named Second Team Academic All-America. Playing against MAC defensive backs, Wiglusz will reproduce last year’s production for CFF managers.

Notebook: “Wiggy’s killing it (at Ohio)…I wouldn’t say we’re too shocked here. We gave him raving reviews when he was trying to figure out his next steps. Obviously, we talk probably every couple weeks or so…We all love Sammy. His family’s great, so can’t be happier for him,” Ohio State WR coach Brian Hartline said last year (rlevenwarriors.com).

Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona

Team Offense (Rank): 461 ypg. (20)

Passing Yards: 318.4 ypg. (6)

Points Scored: 30.8 ppg. (47)

2022 FPPG (McMillan): 13.3

@campus2canton CFF ADP: 45.8

On the recruiting trail, the Oregon staff thought that Tetairoa McMillan would wear a Ducks’ uniform. At the last possible moment, McMillan chose Arizona instead, and he became the highest-rated recruit ever at Tucson, AZ. As a true freshman last year, McMillan exceeded expectations, immediately making an impact on the field.

McMillan’s resume was second to none coming out of high school. Rivals graded him as a five-star recruit and 247Sports awarded him with four stars. He was the No. 4 rated wide receiver and No. 36 overall recruit in the country. In 2022, he was named California State Player of the Year, played in the All-American Bowl, and participated in the Polynesian Bowl. In 2021, the Wildcats’ receiver earned Polynesian High School Football Player of the Year and Gatorade National Football Player of the Year finalist…Wow!

At 6’5” and 203-pounds, McMillan is a smoother athlete than given credit for by the casual fan. He gains separation rapidly with quick feet for a big receiver and attacks secondaries vertically. He averaged 18 ypc. on 39 receptions for 702 yards and eight touchdowns. Among true freshmen, he finished second in yards per game (58.5). A bigger season is a foregone conclusion for McMillan in 2023.

Notebook: “Among the highlights: Star receiver Tetairoa McMillan hauled in a nifty, one-handed, Odell Beckham-style catch down the sideline for a 50-yard gain, then replicated his catch the next play in the corner of the end zone for a touchdown,” observed Justin Spears under the lights scrimmage for the Wildcats (tucson.com).

Xavier Worthy, Texas

Team Offense (Rank): 429.5 ypg. (34)

Passing Yards: 241.4 ypg. (55)

Points Scored: 34.5 ppg. (24)

2022 FPPG (Worthy): 15.0

@campus2canton CFF ADP: 27.8

Looking back at last year’s CFF WR rankings, I touted Xavier Worthy far too much and selected him as often as possible in drafts. He was a 2022 preseason watch list candidate for the Walter Camp Player of the Year, Maxwell Award and Biletnikoff Award. Sadly, the Longhorns’ speedster did not warrant the CFF draft capital, finishing as WR No. 51.

On a positive note, Worthy is a third-year competitor who has started 25 games and scored 21 touchdowns—third all-time in school history. In 2021, he was appointed First Team All-Big 12 honoree, selected Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year, Big 12 Newcomer of the Year (AP) and Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award finalist. He established single-season freshman records in all three pass-catching categories with 62 receptions for 981 yards and 12 touchdowns. The speedster also established single-game freshman records for catches (14), receiving yards (261), and twice with receiving touchdowns (3).

As a sophomore, he did not approach the level of performance as the season before. He tallied only 60 catches for 760 yards and nine scores. Will Worthy live up to the compelling forecasts after his freshman year in 2021? The CFF universe predicts a return to elite CFF status based on current ADP. Nonetheless, I have concerns and have not chosen the Texas ankle breaker in ten drafts.

Notebook: “What I’ve seen out of Xavier Worthy has been phenomenal this offseason. He’s the most engaged I’ve seen him be since he’s been here, and he’s been really good for the first two years,” coach Sarkisian expressed in early July (si.com).

Antonio Williams, Clemson

Team Offense (Rank): 410.3 ypg. (47)

Passing Yards: 232.4 ypg. (65)

Points Scored: 33.2 ppg. (29)

2022 FPPG (Williams): 9.8

@campus2canton CFF ADP: 101.2

I am baffled by Antonio Williams CFF ADP. I am higher on the Tigers’ sophomore than most CFF experts. For Williams to fall outside the top 100 players, seems short-sighted by the CFF community.

Yes, the Clemson offense underperformed last year. Nevertheless, coach Dabo Swinney has a long track record of success, and he hired a new offensive coordinator, Garrett Riley, to ignite the unit and put points on the board. I will draft him on nearly every team if he falls below the 88th selection.

A four-star recruit in 2022, Williams was ranked No. 60 overall, No. 6 WR, and the No. 3 player in South Carolina by 247Sports. In high school, he posted 137 catches for 2,458 yards and 23 touchdowns while running the ball 20 times for 241 yards and a touchdown. Afterward, he was selected for the Under Armour All-America Game.

In his first year on campus, Williams garnered Freshman All-America honors from many outlets. He secured 56 passes for 604 yards and four touchdowns. The Tigers receiver played in all 14 games, started 10, and earned 690 snaps. Williams also returned 15 punts for 129 yards, completed a six-yard pass, and had a 26-yard kick return. In the classroom, he made the All-ACC Academic Team. Williams showed me enough as a freshman to acquire him as often as possible in 2023.

Notebook: “(Antonio) Williams has dominated the scrimmages already. Making plays, playing strong, playing tough, putting his shoulder pads down, and finishing plays north and south. He’s very self-motivated, but we’re challenging him to take another step and not be satisfied. He’s a phenomenal player, and he can be one of the best out there,” wide receivers coach Tyler Grisham affirmed in late March (greenvilleonline.com).

Matthew Golden, Houston

Team Offense (Rank): 458.8 ypg. (25)

Passing Yards: 314.0 ypg. (8)

Points Scored: 36.1 ppg. (15)

2022 FPPG (Golden): 12.6

@campus2canton CFF ADP: 34.8

Coach Dana Holgorsen’s high-scoring offenses at West Virginia and Houston have been good for CFF managers. In 2023, the Cougars move into the Big 12, which is a Power 5 conference. Will Holgorsen’s team still be competitive against tougher opponents?

Losing last year’s starting quarterback Clayton Tune hinders the offense. Fortunately, the Cougars dipped into the transfer portal to acquire QB Donovan Smith, formerly of Texas Tech, to replace Tune and command the offense. If Smith hopes to be successful, he must find Matthew Golden down the field.

A four-star prospect as a high schooler, Golden was a dual-threat wide receiver and kick returner. He was rated as the No. 26 wideout in Texas and the No. 155 overall player in the country. He made an immediate impact as a freshman last year: Golden played in 11 games, finishing with 584 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, setting a freshman record for the Cougars. Golden appears primed for a monster crusade under Holgorsen’s guidance.

Notebook: “Golden gets onto this Big-12 list as Houston enters the conference. He is a real after-the-catch receiver with impressive bursts in his route breaks. The Houston offense is designed to get him touches at different parts of the field, so going into his second full season, his production is likely to climb,” CFB Managing Editor Tony Siracusa penned while identifying the top receivers in the Big-12 (lastwordonsports.com).

Tyrin Smith, UTEP

Team Offense (Rank): 384.8 ypg. (69)

Passing Yards: 217.7 ypg. (85)

Points Scored: 24.4 ppg. (90)

2022 FPPG (Smith): 18.4

@campus2canton CFF ADP: 51.0

It has been an interesting offseason for Tyrin Smith: He entered the transfer portal and enrolled at Texas A&M for the spring ‘23 semester but never participated in spring practices. According to reports, Smith is back at UTEP and going to wear a Miners’ uniform this season.

Prior to UTEP, Smith played at Cisco College, a JUCO program, and caught 13 passes for 267 yards and two scores. In 2021, Smith joined the football team at UTEP. In two seasons, he has corralled 104 passes for 1,609 yards and 11 touchdowns. At 5’7” and 170-pounds, Smith excels in the slot, and he returns to the same position in 2023 for the Miners.

Notebook: “…after (Ainias) Smith returned for a fifth season, it was going to be difficult for (Tyrin) Smith to see the field as the projected third-team slot receiver. Tyrin officially entered the transfer portal (again) as he had changed his mind about playing, per a team source,” Brian Perroni Tweeted in late April (247Sports.com).

Derwin Burgess, Jr., Georgia Southern

Team Offense (Rank): 465.9 ypg. (18)

Passing Yards: 329.2 ypg. (4)

Points Scored: 32.7 ppg. (33)

2022 FPPG (Burgess, Jr.): 17.3

@campus2canton CFF ADP: 44.4

When Georgia Southern hired coach Clay Helton last year, he inherited a roster constructed for an option scheme. The first challenge for Helton centered on the quarterback position: He needed someone to pull the trigger in the Air Raid attack.

In the transfer portal, the Eagles plucked Kyle Vantrease from Buffalo. With a new scheme and quarterback, Helton’s offense increased their scoring by over 12 points per game. Vantrease is no longer with the program, and once again, Helton found an upperclassman, Davis Brin, to call signals.

There is no doubt that Brin is intelligent enough to find Derwin Burgess, Jr. in the passing game. At 5’11” and 190-pounds, he played 715 snaps and recorded 58 receptions for 717 yards and seven scores last season. Helton’s unit finished among the top 5 passing teams in the nation and will once again terrorize Sun Belt opponents.

Notebook: “(Derwin Burgess) loves the game. He’s very serious about it. He’s a guy, you give him an inch, he’s going to make the catch. He has supreme confidence in his abilities. The play is just never over…he has great ball skills and great body control. He’s one of the guys you see in the (football operations) building all the time,” Eagles teammate and cornerback Derrick Canteen proclaimed last fall (savannahnow.com).

Luther Burden, Missouri

Team Offense (Rank): 369.9 ypg. (81)

Passing Yards: 213.7 ypg. (90)

Points Scored: 24.8 ppg. (85)

2022 FPPG (Burden): 10.6

@campus2canton CFF ADP: 52.8

Since joining the SEC in 2012, Missouri has posted two 10-win seasons (2013 & 2014) but has mostly been a .500 team otherwise in the Conference. Eli Drinkwitz took over the program in 2020, and the Tigers have recorded a 17-19 mark. It is not often that Missouri recruits and signs an elite prospect in the nation.

In 2022, Drinkwitz landed Luther Burden, who is only the third five-star recruit at Mizzou. He was graded as the top recruit from Illinois, No. 17 player in the nation and No. 2 WR. Burden was the MaxPreps Player of the Year and was invited to the 2022 Under Armour All-American Game.

Burden ended his freshman campaign with 45 catches for 375 receiving yards and five touchdowns, 88 rushing yards and two scores and took a punt to the house. The eight touchdowns were the most amongst true-freshman receivers nationwide, while finishing second amongst all true-freshman in the SEC behind Quinshon Judkins.

At 5’11” and 208-pounds, Burden is transiting to the slot and Drinkwitz plans on using Burden more often and effectively in 2023. CFF diehards can expect an uptick in targets and opportunities for the sensational sophomore as production sees a nice boost.

Notebook: “I’ve played with and maybe coached slots that are a little bit smaller. You’ll have the quarterback come off the field and be like, ‘Hey man, like, I couldn’t see him.’ I don’t think we’re gonna have that situation because of his ability to win and just being able to have a large-catch radius over the middle,” offensive coordinator Kirby Moore proclaimed (columbiatribune.com).

Jordan Kerley, SMU

Team Offense (Rank): 472.8 ypg. (14)

Passing Yards: 316.7 ypg. (7)

Points Scored: 37.2 ppg. (12)

2022 FPPG (Kerley): 12.9

@campus2canton CFF ADP: 54.0

If readers do not watch G5 teams, they might not realize the college-to-NFL pipeline at SMU over the past 15 years. Emmanuel Sanders, Courtland Sutton, Cole Beasley, James Proche, Reggie Roberson, and Rashee Rice all wore the Ponies’ uniform and impressed scouts and organizations enough to continue playing professionally.

With Rice in Kansas City, the Mustangs expect Jordan Kerly to step into the lead role in the aerial assault in 2023. Last year, the 6’2” and 189-pounder finished second on the team with 37 catches for 588 yards and six scores and ranked third in all-purpose yards with 587 despite missing three games with injury.

A three-star recruit, Kerley played at Arizona State in 2019 and 2020 before moving over to SMU to catch passes. In the spring game this year, the senior corralled a pair of touchdown catches: One a deep pass from new quarterback Preston Stone and a 30-yarder later in the evening. Coach Rhett Lashlee is one of the best coordinators of the passing game in the FBS, and Kerley is in line for a large target share in 2023.

Notebook: “I think Kerley has been far and away one of the best athletes on our team since we got here…and he has made huge strides with his technique, his ball skills. He’s always been the fastest person on the field and now it’s pretty clear that he’s probably the best player on the field whenever he’s out there,” SMU QB Preston Stone said (ponystampede.com).

Alex Adams, Akron

Team Offense (Rank): 372.7 ypg. (79)

Passing Yards: 283.1 ypg. (18)

Points Scored: 21.8 ppg. (106)

2022 FPPG (Adams): 18.4

@campus2canton CFF ADP: 58.4

In 2022, four LSU receivers entered the transfer portal and two made significant impacts on their new teams. Trey Palmer became an NFL draft pick after excelling at Nebraska, and Alex Adams prevailed over MAC defensive backs. At 6’0” and 190 pounds, the former Tiger smashed MAC competitors with 63 receptions for 856 yards and nine touchdowns, earning First Team All-MAC.

Coming out of high school, Adams was a four-star prospect and top 10 recruit in Mississippi. He committed to LSU over offers from Auburn, Tennessee, Mississippi and Mississippi State. As a Tiger, he appeared in 10 games and snagged two passes for 11 yards before entering the portal.

With a second year in coach Joe Morehead’s scheme, the Zips’ offense will lift off with QB DJ Irons and Adams leading the aerial assault. Adams is a preseason All-MAC honoree and could lead the Conference in receptions and yards in 2023.

Notebook: “…we all kind of agreed that the offseason theme heading into ‘23 is going to be finishing (games). We got that point and we understand (how to ) lose small, now we have to find a way to close those games out,” coach Morehead, who signed a contract extension in the offseason, stated (beaconjournal.com).

Elijhah Badger, Arizona State

Team Offense (Rank): 387.1 ypg. (66)

Passing Yards: 251.9 ypg. (46)

Points Scored: 26.1 ppg. (78)

2022 FPPG (Badger): 16.6

@campus2canton CFF ADP: 89.8

When analyzing potential game scripts for the 2023 season, Elijah Badger and the Sun Devils will likely be in many shootouts and playing from behind often (Arizona State is +15,000 to win the conference). It is not beyond the realm of possibilities that Badger leads the Pac-12 in targets—he garnered 100 last year.

A high schooler in 2019, Badger was a unanimous four-star recruit, who was among the Top 150 prospects in the country. 247Sports ranked the Sun Devils’ playmaker as the No. 23 WR and No. 2 athlete in the nation. Over three years on the high school varsity team, he tallied 3,398 receiving yards on 183 catches and 52 receiving touchdowns.

At 6’2” and 190-pounds, the redshirt junior increased his catches by 63 last season. He established career bests in all major receiving categories: 70 catches for 866 yards, averaging 12.4 ypc. and seven scores. At his current CFF ADP, Badger is one of my ideal targets at the position in the middle rounds.

Notebook: “I feel like I’ve just gained so much knowledge. Throughout my years at ASU, I’ve learned more about football. I always try to apply what I’ve been doing into practice into the game. I feel great now,” Badger said last year (statepress.com).

Twitterverse on Fire!

Other than Marvin Harrison, Jr., Who Ya Got for the Biletnikoff Award in 2023?

• Jacob Cowing, Arizona: 7%
• Rome Odunze, Washington: 42%
• Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State: 36%
• Other: 15%

“I will zag on this one and go with Malik Nabors. Big-time WR program brings a little prestige and at seven catches and 100-plus yards per game in his last month, he has a shot!” @aceholesrule

“Rome Odunze: He is in one of the premier offenses with one of the best quarterbacks in Michael Penix, Jr. The only thing holding him back is sharing the load with Jalen McMillan.” @JustinNottingh6

“Troy Franklin is always underrated.” @JGoody77

“Rome Odunze doesn’t get enough credit. Only had two games last year under five catches. One against Colorado where they didn’t need him and the other versus Michigan State—still had three catches for 48 yards. He had 10 games of five or more catches.” @cusumano_sal

“Jalen McMillan outperforms Rome Odunze and Tetairoa McMillan surpasses Jacob Cowing this season. I’ll go on brand for myself and say Troy Franklin. Add in five more playmakers, Jurrion Dickey, Gary Bryant, Jr., Traeshon Holden, and Tez Johnson…and Bo is back! Franklin will get a lot of 1-vs-1 matchups in 2023. His numbers will be on fire.” @NinoBrown_T2T

“I second this opinion of Tetairoa McMillan. I voted for Emeka Egbuka because there is a real chance he statistically outperforms Marvin Harrison, Jr. this year.” @CffDfs

“Gimme the No. 1 in Washington and in our hearts, Rome Odunze for me.” @volumepigs

“If Dorian Singer is the No. 1 WR for USC, he should put up a great season with Caleb Williams.” @Daphud

“Malachi Corley is next on our CFF board but the G5 status and level of competition in the new C-USA keeps him from the award. Rome Odunze is next—has every bit of talent and opportunity to win it.” @CFFLists

“I voted for Rome Odunze, but I think a fun other option is Devontez Walker. If he steps right into that Josh Downs role and gets the same target share from Drake Maye, Walker could be interesting.” @copieps

2023 CFF Wide Receiver Rankings and Projections

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