Top 10 College Football Wide Receivers for the 2025 Campaign – Ranked by CBS Sports
As we approach the 2025 college football season, the spotlight is already shifting to the next batch of wide receivers expected to shine on the field. With NFL scouts already setting their eyes on potential first-round picks, CBS Sports has compiled a list of the top 10 wide receivers to watch for the upcoming season. These athletes stand out not only for their impressive stats but also for their ability to change the game. From powerhouses in the SEC to emerging stars in lesser-known programs, the wide receiver class of 2025 is filled with potential future NFL stars.
1. Luther Burden III (Missouri)
Luther Burden III stands at the top of CBS Sports’ list for good reason. As a highly touted recruit who has lived up to the hype, Burden has displayed a combination of size, speed, and explosiveness that few can match. At 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds, he possesses a rare blend of physicality and agility, which makes him a nightmare for defensive backs.
In the 2024 season, Burden was one of the most productive receivers in the SEC, racking up over 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns. His ability to stretch the field and make contested catches in tight windows will have scouts eagerly watching his every move in 2025. Burden is expected to be one of the first wide receivers off the board in the 2025 NFL Draft, and his development at Missouri will be one of the season’s most exciting storylines.
2. Tetairoa McMillan (Arizona)
Standing at an imposing 6-foot-5, Tetairoa McMillan is one of the most physically gifted wide receivers in the nation. He’s been a consistent playmaker for Arizona, using his size, strength, and high-point ability to dominate defenders. McMillan is not just big, but he also has excellent speed and sharp route-running, making him a nightmare in jump-ball situations.
The 2024 season saw McMillan gain attention as one of the top wide receivers in the Pac-12. With over 1,100 yards and 12 touchdowns, he proved that he can not only be a physical force but also a complete player who can stretch the field and make defenders miss after the catch. His ability to dominate both in short and deep routes makes him one of the most dynamic wide receivers to watch in 2025.
3. Isaiah Bond (Texas)
A speed demon with an ability to take the top off a defense, Isaiah Bond is a major threat in the Texas Longhorns’ offense. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound junior has impressed since his freshman year and is poised for an even bigger 2025 season. Bond’s ability to accelerate after the catch and turn short passes into long gains is what sets him apart from other receivers on this list.
Texas’ offense is loaded with talent, and Bond is expected to be one of the primary beneficiaries of the team’s potent passing game in 2025. After a 2024 campaign that included over 900 yards and 7 touchdowns, Bond will be looking to increase his production and solidify his spot as one of the top receivers heading into the NFL Draft.
4. Matthew Golden (Texas)
Another receiver from the Texas Longhorns program, Matthew Golden, deserves to be on the radar for 2025. Known for his crisp route running and dependable hands, Golden brings a level of consistency to the field that makes him a reliable target. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound receiver was a standout in his sophomore year, hauling in over 1,000 yards and 9 touchdowns.
Golden’s ability to operate in both the short and long game gives him the versatility to thrive in any offensive system. As the Longhorns’ passing game continues to evolve under head coach Steve Sarkisian, Golden is poised to be one of the top wideouts in the nation.
5. Evan Stewart (Oregon)
Evan Stewart’s electrifying style of play makes him one of the most exciting wide receivers in college football. A 6-foot, 190-pound sophomore, Stewart is known for his incredible speed and ability to make defenders miss in the open field. He excels at getting open on deep routes and is one of the best after-the-catch players in the country.
Stewart had a breakout 2024 season with over 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns for the Oregon Ducks. He has quickly turned into a go-to option for the Ducks’ high-powered offense, and as a result, he’s expected to be a first-round draft pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Stewart’s dynamic playmaking ability will be key for Oregon as they compete in the ever-competitive Pac-12.
6. Tre Harris (Ole Miss)
Tre Harris is a well-rounded receiver who has made a name for himself at Ole Miss. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 205 pounds, Harris possesses a unique combination of size and speed that makes him a dangerous weapon in both the passing and run-blocking game. Known for his exceptional route-running and reliable hands, Harris has become a key piece of the Rebels’ offensive scheme.
In the 2024 season, Harris accumulated over 1,000 yards and 8 touchdowns. His ability to create separation from defenders, both in tight coverage and in the open field, makes him one of the top wideouts in the SEC. As a senior in 2025, Harris has the chance to elevate his draft stock and be one of the top wide receivers in the nation.
7. Brian Thomas Jr. (LSU)
Brian Thomas Jr. is a physical specimen who has the potential to be one of the most dominant receivers in the country. At 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, Thomas combines his size with exceptional athleticism, allowing him to be a nightmare for defenders in both the air and on the ground. His ability to go up and get contested passes, coupled with his speed after the catch, makes him a dual-threat receiver.
After a solid 2024 season where he accumulated over 800 yards and 7 touchdowns, Thomas is expected to have a breakout year in 2025. With LSU’s high-powered offense, Thomas will be a primary target, and scouts will be watching closely to see how he handles the pressure of being the top wideout in Baton Rouge.
8. Ladd McConkey (Georgia)
Ladd McConkey is known for his ability to be a consistent, reliable target in Georgia’s offense. While he might not have the same elite physical tools as some of the other receivers on this list, his route-running precision, toughness, and ability to make critical catches in clutch moments make him invaluable to the Bulldogs’ passing game.
In 2024, McConkey had over 800 yards and 6 touchdowns, playing a crucial role in Georgia’s offense as they made another playoff run. His consistent performances will be key for the Bulldogs in 2025, and he is expected to take on a bigger role as Georgia’s number-one receiver.
9. A.J. Brown (Philadelphia Eagles)
While A.J. Brown is already an established NFL star, his impact in college football still resonates. Brown’s dominance as a physical receiver has translated into a successful professional career, but his rise to prominence began in college, where he showcased his elite route-running and after-the-catch ability.
As a player to watch for the future of the NFL, Brown’s performance in college is a great blueprint for future wide receivers. His ability to shake off defenders and create yards after the catch is what makes him so dangerous, and it’s a trait many college wideouts are trying to replicate as we look ahead to 2025.
10. Drake London (Atlanta Falcons)
Drake London, much like A.J. Brown, made his mark in college before transitioning to the NFL. London’s exceptional size and hands made him a go-to target for USC in the Pac-12, and that success followed him to the Atlanta Falcons. Standing at 6-foot-4, London was a dominant force in college football and is now starting to find his groove at the pro level. His ability to make tough catches and beat defenders in jump-ball situations makes him a versatile weapon in any offensive scheme.
Looking at these top 10 wide receivers for the 2025 college football season, it’s clear that there is no shortage of talent at the position. From physical giants to speedsters with breakaway potential, this list showcases the variety of skills that make wide receivers such a crucial part of the game. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on these playmakers to see who can elevate their game to new heights and solidify their place in the 2025 NFL Draft.