By Stephen Vilardo, SuperWest Sports
A lot can happen between now and the opening weekend.
We have already seen Oregon’s Evan Stewart go down with an injury. As one of the nation’s top receivers, Stewart surely would have been at the top of this list with ASU’s Jordyn Tyson.
But we move on with this Best in the West list, just as the Ducks have, and they appear to have some players ready to step up.
Today, we continue our preseason look at the region’s best players with the Top 12 WRs.
1. Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
Tyson had a breakout season for Arizona State in 2024 with 75 receptions for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns.
He came on very strong in the back half of the season, catching 50 passes for 7032 yards and six scores in his final six games. Unfortunately, his season ended prematurely with an injury in the Arizona game.
Tyson should be in line for an All-American type of season in 2025.
2. Makai Lemon, USC
The USC WR depth chart took a huge hit in the transfer portal in the offseason. Lemon, the top returner for the men of Troy, had a breakout season in 2024 and is poised for another productive year.
In the last two games of the season, against Notre Dame and Texas A&M, he caught 15 passes for 222 yards as the chemistry between him and Jayden Maiava was apparent.
The Trojans had a bunch of upheaval, but one sure thing should be Lemon on the outside.
3. Denzel Boston, Washington
Boston will be the No. 1 target in the Huskies’ passing attack in 2025, and the good news is that his quarterback could be a star.
The 6-foot-4 pass-catcher caught nine touchdown passes in the first seven games last fall and ended the season with 834 yards on 63 receptions.
Look for a big junior season out of Boston who could become an All-Big Ten performer.
4. Chase Roberts, BYU
Roberts is a big receiver with excellent hands who has just gotten better each season with the Cougars.
Last year, he tallied 854 yards on 52 receptions for BYU.
This season should be even more productive as he will be the top target in the BYU passing game and should be more of a threat in the red zone than he was in 2024.
5. Ja’Kobi Lane, USC
A real red-zone weapon for the Trojans, Lane is a tall, lanky receiver with a ton of upside physically.
Last season, he caught 43 passes for 525 yards and 12 TDs. In 20 games played over his two-year career, Lane has caught 14 TD passes; 28% of his career receptions have netted a touchdown.
Look for Lane to be a playmaker in the SC offense in 2025.
6. Dakorien Moore, Oregon
Evan Stewart would have been among my top two on this list if not at the top.
A knee injury will set him back, and he could miss all of 2025. That will push the true freshman Moore into a much larger role, and I think he will thrive.
The top WR prospect from last season has track star speed and will make plays. He had a solid spring with the Ducks and was set to make an immediate impact if Stewart were healthy. Now his impact figures to be even larger.
7. Malik McClain, Arizona State
The Sun Devil passing attack could be lethal this season with Malik McClain lining up opposite Jordyn Tyson, as Sam Leavitt will have not one, but two top targets.
The injury to Tyson got McLain more action against Iowa State and Texas, and he delivered with a pair of 40-plus-yard TD catches.
As a starter this season, Arizona State will have a dynamic duo stretching the field on the outside.
8. Malik Benson, Oregon
Benson comes to Oregon from Florida State after opening his career at Alabama.
The Seminoles had one of the worst—if not the worst—quarterback performances among Power 4 schools in 2024. But Benson still managed to haul in 25 passes for 311 yards. Not stellar numbers, but in that offense, those figures are good.
Benson has a ton of talent and will need to showcase something in the absence of Evan Stewart.
9. Hykeem Williams, Colorado
Given the players the Buffs need to replace at WR from last season, Williams has the size and strength to step in.
Look for the Florida State transfer to be a top target for whoever earns the starting QB spot.
As noted earlier, FSU had some really bad play at the QB spot in 2024. Williams could end up with a big season in Boulder.
10. Kwazi Gilmer, UCLA
JMichael Sturdivant is gone, and someone will need to step up at WR for the Bruins.
That someone could be Titus Mokiao-Atimalala, but I think I like the upward progression of Gilmer a little bit better. Gilmer came on and started the final five games last season for UCLA and performed well.
He ended his freshman campaign with 31 receptions for 345 yards. At 6-2, he has the size to go get the ball and could be a big target for Nico Iamaleava.
11. Nick Cenacle, Hawai’i
Similar to the situation at UCLA, it could be close between Cenacle or Pofele Ashlock for who leads the ‘Bows in receiving this season.
I am giving the edge to Cenacle, a shifty wideout who can get open over the middle. He has the size to bring the ball down.
The senior should thrive in Timmy Chang’s system this season with Micah Alejado slinging it at quarterback.
12. Otto Tia, Utah
Last season was Tia’s best performance with Utah State. Now, moving from Logan to Salt Lake City, he should emerge as the top target for Devon Dampier.
A big-bodied wideout at 6-4 and 220 pounds, he should be a productive red-zone force for the Utes.
He also has the size to make plays over the middle and win the 50/50 balls.
Other Notables
• Titus Mokiao-Atimalala, UCLA
• Pofele Ashlock, Hawai’i
• Josiah Freeman, Fresno State
writes about various topics for SuperWest sports, including stats and records, college sports, and motorsports. He also founded and runs the Sports and Entertainment Research Center (SERC).
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