From game-breaking speedsters to unstoppable red zone threats, wide receivers have played a huge role in shaping college football history.
Some dazzled with their athleticism, others rewrote the record books, but all of them left a lasting legacy. As we go through the offseason, let’s take a look back at the greatest pass-catchers that have graced the gridiron.
Top 10 Wide Receivers in College Football History
10. Braylon Edwards, Michigan (2001-04)
Braylon Edwards was a receiver who only got better over time, increasing his stats each season as a Wolverine. After a tough freshman year, where he only reeled in three receptions, Edwards’ game took off.
The following three seasons, he would rack up 249 receptions for 3,503 yards and 39 touchdowns. His best season in Ann Arbor was easily his senior year when he averaged 110.8 receiving yards per game.
9. Desmond Howard, Michigan (1988-91)
Another Wolverine finds his place on the list. Desmond Howard is remembered for being a guy who could play multiple positions. As an elusive speedster, Howard was constantly involved, whether it was receiving, rushing, or special teams.
In his junior season, Howard tallied 1,115 scrimmage yards paired with a conference-leading 21 touchdowns. His play earned him the Heisman, becoming the second receiver to earn the honor.
8. Calvin Johnson, Georgia Tech (2004-06)
We all know Calvin Johnson — also known as “Megatron” — for tearing up defenses in Detroit, but before that, he was making a mockery out of defenses on Saturdays in Atlanta.
Johnson made an impact in his freshman year and never looked back, improving every season. His best year was his junior year, when he went for 76 catches, 1,202 receiving yards, and 15 touchdowns. He was a true deep ball threat, averaging 16.4 yards per catch in 2006.
7. Peter Warrick, Florida State (1995-99)
Peter Warrick came into Florida State and instantly became a quarterback’s best friend, averaging 21.2 yards per catch his freshman season, which led the ACC.
He would stay consistent the rest of his tenure, finishing with at least 850 receiving yards in his final three seasons, while remaining a deep threat. After he was done in Tallahassee, he had 207 receptions for 3,517 yards and 32 touchdowns.
6. Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech (2006-08)
Michael Crabtree might have had the best freshman season of any wide receiver to play college football.
He ended his first year in Lubbock leading the FBS with 134 receptions, 1,962 yards, and 22 touchdowns, averaging 150 yards per game. Although his stats decreased in his sophomore season, mostly because he was the main priority for a defense, he was still able to catch 19 touchdowns.
5. Larry Fitzgerald, Pittsburgh (2002-03)
The former Panthers receiver only played two college seasons, but made a huge impact both years. He caught 161 balls for 2,677 yards and 34 touchdowns during his tenure. His second, and last, year in college was especially memorable as he led the FBS in reception yards, 1,672, and touchdowns, 22.
4. Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State (2008-11)
If Justin Blackmon didn’t have his off-the-field issues, he might be higher up on this list. However, he was still a force, and his sophomore and junior seasons in Stillwater were a thing of beauty.
He was always open, totalling 233 receptions, 3,304 yards, and 38 touchdowns. During the sophomore season, he led the FBS in touchdowns, 20, while averaging 148.5 receiving yards per game.
3. Corey Davis, Western Michigan (2013-16)
Although many diminish what Corey Davis achieved in college due to the competition he faced, the numbers are too astonishing to leave him off this list. Davis finished his college career with 332 receptions, 5,285 receiving yards, and 52 touchdowns. His 5,285 yards are the most ever in FBS history.
During his four years at Western Michigan, he finished with an average of 105.7 receiving yards per game.
2. DeVonta Smith, Alabama (2017-20)
The two-time national champion bolstered one of the best collegiate careers college football fans have ever seen. He was a threat every year, but his senior season was something else. He led the FBS in receptions, 117, receiving yards, 1,856, and touchdowns, 23, while averaging 142.8 yards per game.
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This incredible season earned him a Heisman Trophy, not to mention catching the game-winning touchdown in the national championship.
1. Randy Moss, Marshall (1996-97)
Arguably, the two best seasons by any college football player at any position. In just a mere two seasons at Marshall, Randy Moss put up mind-boggling stats. He totalled 174 receptions, 3,467 receiving yards, and 54 touchdowns, on 20.3 yards per catch.
Moss was seemingly unstoppable, making defenses look like they were high school caliber; there might never be a receiver like him at the college level again.
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