2025 Fantasy Football: Top Wide Receiver Prospects

Travis Hunter, Colorado

Hunter began his college career at Jackson State University under Deion Sanders, playing both wide receiver (18 receptions, 188 yards, and 4 TDs) and cornerback (15 tackles, 2 INTs, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 TD). After transferring to Colorado, he increased his offensive output (57 receptions, 721 yards, and 5 TDs) despite missing three games due to a liver injury. Defensively, he recorded 22 tackles and 3 interceptions. In 2024, Hunter’s dual-threat ability led to a Heisman Trophy, with 96 receptions, 1,263 yards, 16 TDs, 25 tackles, 4 INTs, and 11 passes defended over 13 games.

Hunter started the 2024 season with five strong performances (7/132/3, 10/110, 13/100/2, 7/130, and 9/89/1) but struggled against Kansas State and Arizona (3/26, 2/17). He rebounded with a 9/153/2 showing and finished with three impactful games (8/125/2, 10/116/2, 4/106/1).

His vision, anticipation, and quickness make him a playmaker, though he needs to improve his release against physical NFL defenders. His route-running has room to grow, but his ball skills and spacing suggest a high-volume receiver like Antonio Brown. His defensive role in the NFL is uncertain, but a team could maximize his impact by playing him on passing downs.

Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona

McMillan has been a key part of Arizona’s passing game, with 90 receptions for 1,402 yards and 10 TDs in 2023, followed by 84 receptions for 1,319 yards and 8 TDs in 2024, averaging 16.1 yards per catch. He had three 200+ yard games (11/266/1, 10/304/4, 10/202/1) and nine other 100+ yard performances. McMillan maintained at least six catches in 13 of his final 16 starts.

At 6’4” and 220 lbs., with a 4.50 40-yard dash, McMillan compares to Mike Evans. His size, speed, and rhythmic routes create mismatches at deeper levels. He excels as a hands-catcher with a wide wingspan, winning on jump balls and fades. His floor resembles Michael Pittman, but his big-play ability suggests a higher ceiling. Likely the second wide receiver drafted in 2025, McMillan should be active as a rookie, with his fantasy value tied to his new NFL team.

Luther Burden, Missouri

Burden shined in 2023 at Missouri (86 receptions, 1,243 yards, and 10 TDs) but regressed in 2024 (61 receptions, 676 yards, and 6 TDs, plus 9 rushes for 115 yards and 2 TDs). He had one 100+ yard game in 2024 (6/117/1), down from five the prior year. His yards per catch dropped from 14.1 to 11.1, despite playing with the same quarterback.

At 5’11” and 208 lbs., with a 4.41 40-yard dash time, Burden excels on crossing patterns and deep routes, using his change-of-direction speed and open-field vision. However, his focus wanes when not targeted, and his route-running needs refinement. Projected as a late first-round pick, he profiles as a WR2 until his skills mature, with his NFL success hinging on landing with a strong quarterback and lead receiver.

Matthew Golden, Texas

Golden had modest production at Houston (38/584/7 and 38/404/6) before transferring to Texas, where he posted career highs in 2024 (58 receptions, 987 yards, 9 TDs, and 17.0 yards per catch). He also returned 28 kickoffs for 722 yards and 2 TDs in college. His 4.29 40-yard dash highlights his speed, but his route-running lacks polish, and his hands can be inconsistent.

Golden’s deep speed makes him an outside threat, but he struggles to create yards after the catch due to limited vision. Texas often targeted him downfield, though quarterback accuracy forced tough catches. Likely a Day 2 draft pick, Golden’s development will focus on refining his routes and release to become a versatile NFL receiver.

Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State

Emeka Egbuka was a top receiver for Ohio State, with 74 receptions for 1,151 yards and 10 TDs in 2022 and 81 receptions for 1,011 yards and 10 TDs in 2024. An ankle injury in 2023 limited him to 41 receptions for 515 yards and 4 TDs. He had six 100+ yard games in 2022 but only one in 2024.

At 6’1” and 205 lbs., with an estimated 4.5 40-yard dash, Egbuka projects as a chain-moving slot receiver with reliable hands and a feel for traffic. Press coverage may challenge him, and his deep opportunities will be limited. Projected as a late first-round pick, he offers a 5/50 floor with 3-5 TDs, fitting as a complementary NFL receiver.

Jack Bech, TCU

Bech had a solid freshman year at LSU (43 receptions, 489 yards, and 3 TDs) but saw limited action in the next two seasons before breaking out at TCU in 2024 (62 receptions, 1,034 yards, 9 TDs, 16.7 yards per catch). His best games came early in 2024 (6/139/1, 9/200/1, 6/166/2, and 10/131/2).

At 6’1” and 215 lbs., with about a 4.55 40-yard dash, Bech relies on strength and hands to win short-area battles. His release and deep speed need work, but he excels in zone coverage and high-points the ball. Comparable to Cooper Kupp but with a less refined skill set, Bech projects as a mid-round pick who could outperform expectations.

Jayden Higgins, Iowa State

Higgins progressed from Eastern Kentucky (29/394/3, 58/757/10) to Iowa State, where he posted 53 receptions for 983 yards and 6 TDs in 2023 and 87 receptions for 1,183 yards and 9 TDs in 2024. He had eight 100+ yard games and consistent production (5+ catches in 11 of 13 games in 2024).

At 6’4” and 215 lbs., with a 4.47 40-yard dash, Higgins works the short areas of the field and wins on back-shoulder throws. His route-running lacks fluidity, but his size and hands create mismatches. Comparable to Michael Pittman, he projects as a second-round pick with a high floor as a possession receiver.

Isaiah Bond, Texas

Bond had limited production at Alabama (17/220/1 and 48/668/4) before transferring to Texas, where he regressed in 2024 (34 receptions, 540 yards, and 5 TDs, plus 4 rushes for 98 yards and 1 TD). He had one 100+ yard game in college.

At 5’11” and 180 lbs., with a 4.39 40-yard dash, Bond’s speed and elusiveness shine on crossing patterns and deep routes. Physical defenders can disrupt him, and he struggles in tight coverage. A Day 2 pick, Bond fits as a complementary receiver for teams like Detroit or Kansas City needing explosive depth.

Jalen Royals, Utah State

Jalen Royals was a standout in 2023 at Utah State (71 receptions, 1,080 yards, and 15 TDs), with a strong three-game stretch (7/185/3, 6/140/2, and 7/125/2). A leg injury in 2024 limited him to four high-impact games (10/112/1, 9/211/2, 10/155/1, and 11/188/1), finishing with 15.2 yards per catch.

At 6’0” and 195 lbs., with a 4.42 40-yard dash, Royals offers fluid route-running and open-field ability, though he needs to improve against elite cornerbacks. His hands and shimmy evoke CeeDee Lamb, projecting him as a second-round pick with WR2 potential in the NFL.

Tre Harris, Ole Miss

Harris improved each season, finishing with 220 receptions for 3,532 yards and 29 TDs across Louisiana Tech and Ole Miss. In 2024, he posted 65 receptions for 1,030 yards and 6 TDs, despite missing five games. He had five 100+ yard games in 2023 and a strong seven-game start in 2024 (8/179/2, 9/130, 10/94, 11/225/2, 11/176/1, 3/81, and 7/102/1).

At 6’2” and 205 lbs., with a 4.54 40-yard dash, Harris excels on deep catches and chain-moving routes but faces challenges in tight coverage. Comparable to Nico Collins, he projects as a mid-round pick with fantasy upside if paired with a quarterback who targets him deep.

Jaylin Noel, Iowa State

Jaylin Noel’s role grew yearly at Iowa State, culminating in 80 receptions for 1,232 yards and 8 TDs in 2024, with 14.9 yards per catch. He ran a 4.39 40-yard dash and excelled as a returner (53 punts for 466 yards and 37 kickoffs for 821 yards).

At 5’10” and 195 lbs., Noel’s quickness and speed shine on slants and crossing patterns, though his route-running needs work. Think Tyler Lockett, he projects as a late-round pick, with potential as a WR3 in offenses like Cincinnati or Pittsburgh.

Dominic Lovett, Georgia

Dominic Lovett caught 84 passes for 1,023 yards and 3 TDs at Missouri before transferring to Georgia, where he had 54 receptions for 613 yards and 4 TDs in 2023 and 56 receptions for 571 yards and 6 TDs in 2024. He ran a 4.40 40-yard dash.

At 5’10” and 185 lbs., Lovett’s quickness suits short-area routes, but physical defenders and press coverage challenge him. His high route-running foundation needs more creativity. As a late-round pick, he could thrive in a pass-heavy NFL offense.

Nick Nash, San Jose State

Nick Nash transitioned from quarterback to wide receiver at San Jose State, exploding in 2024 with 104 receptions for 1,382 yards and 16 TDs. He had five 100+ yard games (9/126/1, 6/161/1, 16/152/2, 17/225/3, and 10/170/2) and scored in all but one game.

At 6’2” and 205 lbs., with a 4.57 40-yard dash, Nash wins jump balls but needs to refine his release and route-running. At age 26, his window is short, but his size evokes Mike Evans. A late-round pick, Nash is a high-risk, high-reward prospect.

Kyle Williams, Washington State

Kyle Williams emerged in 2024 at Washington State with 70 receptions for 1,198 yards and 14 TDs, averaging 17.1 yards per catch. He ran a 4.4 40-yard dash at 5’11” and 190 lbs.

Williams’ speed and release create deep opportunities, but his hands are inconsistent, and his route-running is limited. His open-field vision shines, though many catches came on open releases. A late-round pick, he compares to Jameson Williams as an explosive gamble.

Elic Ayomanor, Stanford

Elic Ayomanor posted 62 receptions for 1,013 yards and 6 TDs in 2023 and 63 receptions for 831 yards and 6 TDs in 2024 at Stanford, averaging 13.2 yards per catch in his final year. He had three 100+ yard games (7/102, 4/108/1, and 10/109).

At 6’2” and 205 lbs., with a 4.44 40-yard dash, Ayomanor creates space but lacks quickness and has questionable hands. His work ethic and versatility suit slot or outside roles. A third- to fourth-round pick, he carries injury risk but offers developmental upside.