Four wide receivers surpassed 1,000 receiving yards last season. All four return this season. Not only did the top pass catchers in the conference return, but there was also an infusion of talent from the transfer portal and recruiting landscape. The top of the 2024 Mountain West WR Rankings might be the best in the Group of Five.
Mountain West 2024 WR Rankings
Spring practices have just begun, and many programs have yet to update their rosters. There will be depth chart movement, but the top WRs in the Mountain West have earned their spots.
10) Justus Ross-Simmons, Colorado State Rams
At 6’3″ with skyscraping leaping ability, Justus Ross-Simmons’ ceiling surpasses most in the conference. In two seasons, he’s recorded 71 receptions, 1,148 yards, and six touchdowns alongside target-hog Tory Horton.
Although Ross-Simmons’ size might be the first thing you notice on film, his movement skills are what really pop, as he’s one of the top YAC threats in the Mountain West.
9) Micah Davis, Utah State Aggies
After stints at Air Force and Iowa Western Community College, Micah Davis has found a home at Utah State. He formed a vaunted trio with Jalen Royals and Terrell Vaughn last season, serving as the primary deep threat with six TDs and 22 first downs on just 36 receptions.
With Vaughn’s 122 targets vacated entering 2024, Davis is in line for a significant uptick in production.
8) Jacob De Jesus, UNLV Rebels
Offensive coordinator Brennan Marion got the most out of his talented WR duo last season. While Ricky White III receives the most attention, rightfully so, Jacob De Jesus is a worthy Robin to his Batman.
Primarily a slot weapon, De Jesus has sure hands, can make defenders miss in the open field, and knows how to create separation. Oh, and he’s Mountain West’s top kick and punt returner to boot.
7) Nick Nash, San Jose State Spartans
Nick Nash began his collegiate career as a QB, but after three seasons at the position, he switched to WR in 2022. The result? A second-team All-Mountain West selection last season, as he snatched 48 passes for 728 yards and eight TDs.
MORE: 2024 Mountain West QB Rankings
With another offseason to hone his craft, Nash could be even more dangerous in 2024. There is some uncertainty under center for the Spartans, but new head coach Ken Niumatalolo runs a tight ship, so they should remain competitive.
6) Pofele Ashlock, Hawaii Rainbow Warriors
Pofele Ashlock is a safety blanket from the slot, seeing the fourth-most targets in the conference last season (121). It’s worth mentioning that was his first collegiate action after redshirting his true freshman season.
He can clean up the drops (nine in 2023), and it’s hard to rank slot WRs over boundary stars. Nevertheless, Ashlock will benefit from his undeniable connection with QB Brayden Schrager.
5) Jalen Moss, Fresno State Bulldogs
With the top QB in the conference throwing him the rock and top target-earner Erik Brooks gone, Jalen Moss is primed for an all-conference campaign. He’ll see more reps inside in 2024, allowing him to get open quicker with two-way go’s.
With a penchant for making the initial defender miss and coming down with contested catches, Moss should emerge as an elite pass catcher for the Bulldogs.
4) Steven McBride, Hawaii Rainbow Warriors
Some prefer Ashlock to Steven McBride, but his presence on the outside stretched the field for the Rainbow Warriors. His 17.0 average depth of target was a top-three mark in the conference and resulted in 1,010 yards and nine TDs.
He obviously has the speed to torch defenses, but his body control and ball tracking are what allow him to capitalize downfield.
3) Jalen Royals, Utah State Aggies
The biggest question for Jalen Royals is who will throw him the ball, Bryson Barnes, Spencer Petras, Cooper Legas, or McCae Hillstead?
In reality, it doesn’t matter. He came down with 17 of 23 contested catches and had a 142.0 passer rating when targeted last season. Another 1,000+ yard and 15-TD season would cement his place in the national consciousness.
2) Tory Horton, Colorado State Rams
Tory Horton gave Colorado State fans a transfer portal scare but ultimately returned to the Rams. Were it not for the player at No. 1 obliterating every opponent who stepped across from him, Horton would’ve kept his crown as the conference’s top receiver.
Regardless, there are few holes in his game, as he can win before the catch, at the catch point, and after the catch. Prepare for a third straight 1,000+ yard season for the Rams star in 2024.
1) Ricky White III, UNLV Rebels
Losing Jayden Maiava stings, but Matthew Sluka is a prolific passer in his own right. After starting slow against Bryant and Michigan, Ricky White III exploded for 12 receptions and 165 yards vs. Vanderbilt and never looked back.
KEEP READING: 2024 Mountain West Power Rankings
On eight fewer catches than Horton, White finished with 343 more yards. He can take any play to the house, hitting a top speed of 21.2 mph in Week 12 against Air Force last season. But the UNLV WR simply knows how to win on his routes, creating separation at an impressive rate.
2024 Mountain West WR Rankings | 11-20
11) Chris Marshall, Boise State
12) Mac Dalena, Fresno State
13) Cam Camper, Boise State
14) Dalevon Campbell, Nevada
15) Ayir Asante, Wyoming
16) Louis Brown IV, San Diego State
17) Caleb Medford, New Mexico
18) Justin Lockhart, San Jose State
19) Nate Burleson II, Nevada
20) Jordan Ross, Colorado State
Miss any action from the top college QB Rankings during the 2023 football season? Want to track all the movement with the college football transfer portal? College Football Network has you covered with that and more!