While the Big 12 lost several top wide receivers to the NFL, 2025 could still be a tremendous year for pass catchers in the conference.
The Big 12 was dominated by NFL-caliber talent last season, with Arizona‘s Tetairoa McMillan and Colorado‘s Travis Hunter leading the charge. However, of the conference’s top ten receivers from last season, seven are now in the NFL. That turnover opens the door for a new wave of familiar faces and new playmakers to emerge and seize the spotlight in 2025.
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Despite losing top receivers, the conference is still returning top quarterbacks. Signal callers such as TCU‘s Josh Hoover and Iowa State‘s Rocco Becht will be looking for new targets in 2025, leaving ample opportunities for new No. 1 receivers across the Big 12.
In addition to the exodus of elite wideouts, the Big 12 also saw many of its top running backs head to the NFL, which could shift offenses even more toward the passing game. With only a few proven bell-cow backs, several teams could lean more heavily on the play of their quarterbacks and receiver corps to move the chains.
Some schools reshaped their wide receiver room through the transfer portal, but some schools are banking on underclassmen from last year to step up.
With the 2025 season getting closer each day, here are our predictions for the Big 12’s receiving leaders. If you’re interested in the passing or rushing leaders, we’ve got you covered with our breakdown of the conference’s top projected quarterbacks and top running backs as well.
Nov 14, 2020; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars cornerback Damarion Williams (6) defends against a pass intended for South Florida Bulls wide receiver Sincere Brown (7) during the third quarter at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
The Buffs hit the transfer portal heavy for wide receivers after losing Travis Hunter, Jimmy Horn Jr., Will Sheppard and LaJohntay Wester. As a four-star transfer, Brown had a breakout season at Campbell, hauling in 61 receptions, 1,028 yards, and 12 touchdowns. If Brown can replicate his success at Campbell, he should be an immediate playmaker for Colorado.
Nov 2, 2024; Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling (1) reaches for a pass over Arizona State Sun Devils defensive back Javan Robinson (12) during the second quarter at Boone Pickens Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
While the Pokes might not have the best year in 2025, Stribling should still find success. The 6-foot-2 wide out tallied 882 yards on 52 receptions in 2024. With his size and speed, he will be a reliable target regardless of how Oklahoma State performs this season.
Nov 16, 2024; Provo, Utah, USA; Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Chase Roberts (2) breaks a tackle by Kansas Jayhawks safety Taylor Davis (bottom) and safety Marvin Grant (4) defends during the fourth quarter at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
Roberts was the standout player for the Cougars last year and should see increased production in 2025. He averaged 16.4 yards per reception in 2024 while racking up 854 yards on 52 receptions. If BYU has another stellar year, Roberts should be a key to that success.
Nov 30, 2024; Waco, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears wide receiver Josh Cameron (34) reacts after a catch against the Kansas Jayhawks during the second half at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images
Baylor should have a big year in 2025, and a big part of that will be a big season from one of their pass catchers. Baylor is returning quarterback Sawyer Robertson’s top receiver from last season in Josh Cameron. The 6-foot-1 wide out racked up 754 yards, but should have more production this season if he takes another step forward.
6. Caleb Douglas, Texas Tech Red Raiders
Aug 31, 2024; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders wide receiver Caleb Douglas (5) celebrates scoring a touchdown against Abilene Christian Wildcats defensive safety Dorian Plumley (3) in the second half at Jones AT&T Stadium and Cody Campbell Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Texas Tech lost their top receiver, Josh Kelly, but they are replacing him with a player of the same caliber. The 6-foot-4 Douglas caught 60 passes for 877 yards, being the No. 2 wide receiver behind Kelly. That is elite production for a No. 2 receiver. Now, as quarterback Behren Morton’s No. 1 option, Douglas should have major success in 2025.
Kansas State Wildcats wide receiver Jayce Brown (1) runs the ball during the third quarter of the game against Arizona at Bill Snyder Family Stadium on Friday, September 13, 2024.
Kansas State is full of speedsters, and Brown is undoubtedly one of them. The 6-foot wide out averaged 17.5 yards per reception in 2024 and should have success for the Big 12 title-contending Wildcats in 2025. If quarterback Avery Johnson makes the jump, Brown should have even more success as the No. 1 target.
Apr 19, 2025; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Joseph Williams (8) during the spring game at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
The Buffs have a steep task of replacing Travis Hunter, and Williams is the guy for the Job. Last season with Tulsa, Williams brought in 30 receptions for 588 yards, good for 19.6 yards per catch. He should make a big jump from his freshman season at Tulsa to his sophomore year at Colorado.
Nov 4, 2023; Greenville, North Carolina, USA; East Carolina Pirates wide receiver Chase Sowell (5) reacts to his catch against the Tulane Green Wave during the first half at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
The Cyclones lost both of their top wide receivers to the NFL. The solution? Bring in one of the top transfer recruits in the nation. Sowell tallied 678 yards on just 34 receptions, good for a gaudy 19.9 yards per reception. His 6-foot-4 frame should fit in nicely with the Iowa State offense and be the top pass catcher for quarterback Rocco Becht.
Sep 7, 2024; Laramie, Wyoming, USA; Idaho Vandals wide receiver Jordan Dwyer (6) stiff arms Wyoming Cowboys nose guard Wrook Brown (2) during the first quarter at Jonah Field at War Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-Imagn Images
TCU also lost its top receiver, but may have upgraded with the four-star transfer. With Idaho, Dwyer was a workhorse, hauling in 78 receptions for 1,192 yards. With TCU returning talented quarterback Josh Hoover, he should have similar production to what he had with the Vandals.
Nov 30, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (0) against the Arizona Wildcats during the Territorial Cup at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
There is no doubt that Tyson can be the Big 12’s best receiver in 2025. With running back Cam Skattebo in the NFL but quarterback Sam Leavitt returning for the Sun Devils, Tyson is set up for a productive season. In 2024, he tallied 1,101 yards on 75 receptions and could receive even more opportunities in 2025.
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This article originally appeared on Buffaloes Wire: Ranking the Big 12’s top wide receivers by receiving yards in 2025
