With college football alignment changing the landscape of the sport, the Group of Five has become a melting pot for an abundance of talent. Several players move to the five conferences looking to reignite their careers, dropping down for the Power Four, while others are looking to move up from the FCS level, looking to make a name for themselves.
It leads to several high-profile matchups featuring notable wide receivers and cornerbacks, providing some of the best entertainment that college football has to offer.
Best WR/CB Matchups in the CUSA in 2025
Kenny Odom, UTEP vs Tyler Hallum, Kennesaw State
Tyler Hallum ranked sixth in the CUSA with six passes deflected in 2024 while recording the second-most tackles on passing plays in the conference (40). If the Kennesaw State Owls are to improve on their 2-10 record from a year ago, then Hallum will be a key factor.
KENNY ODOM 🗣️#PicksUp | #WinTheWest @Kvnny3 https://t.co/LzI8AfjN8O pic.twitter.com/9L62ySe1K7
— UTEP Football (@UTEPFB) April 29, 2025
However, Kenny Odom will be a difficult opponent on Oct. 28. The UTEP Miners’ wide receiver had 741 receiving yards and the second most touchdowns in the CUSA last season (8). He is regarded as the top returning wideout in the conference, averaging 16.1 yards per reception.
Matthew Henry, Western Kentucky vs. Noah Biglow, Louisiana Tech
With 1,211 yards and six touchdowns from 64 catches in 024, Matthew Henry had exceptional production with the Western Illinois Leathernecks in 2024, but now steps up into a prominent role with the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, looking to replicate that success.
Another player looking to make a name for himself in a new conference is Noah Biglow. The Louisiana Tech transfer played limited games with the Pittsburgh Panthers while also contributing on special teams across his four seasons, but in his redshirt senior season, he is out to prove that he is worthy of expanded playing time.
Alex Perry, Florida International vs. Amarian Williams, Liberty
With Eric Rivers and Dean Patterson departing, the FIU Panthers had to do something at the wide receiver position in the transfer portal. Enter Hawaii Rainbow Warrior transfer Alex Perry, who should have a career year in Pitbull Stadium. At 6’5” and 195 pounds, the receiver’s size, speed, and YAC ability should see him become Kenyone Jenkins’ go-to weapon.
Despite the size difference, his matchup against Amarian Williams on Nov. 15 will be fascinating. The 5’10, 175-pound Liberty Flames cornerback has registered 74 tackles and three interceptions over his four-year career. However, his ball skills should see him take a step forward in 2025.
Myles Butler, Middle Tennessee vs. Jalen Emery, Western Kentucky
After spending three seasons with the Central Arkansas Bears, Myles Butler transferred to the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders in 2024 and recorded a modest 30 receptions for 366 yards and three touchdowns. But Butler will be the No. 1 weapon in 2025 with Omari Kelly and Willis Holden departing the program.
A true test of his ability to be the WR1 will come against Western Kentucky on Nov. 15. Jalen Emery hasn’t lived up to his freshman season with the Houston Bearcats and transfers to the Hilltoppers, looking to establish himself as a lockdown perimeter corner. The redshirt senior has played 21 games in his three seasons and tallies nine pass deflections.
Best WR/CB Matchups in the AAC in 2025
Brady Kluse, Memphis vs. LJ Green, Tulane
The Memphis Tigers are going underrated ahead of the 2025 college football season and currently rank No. 39 on CSN’s college football power rankings. 15 players have been signed out of the transfer portal, but it is a returning player who will lead the wide receiver room. Brady Kluse only caught five passes for 90 yards as a freshman in 2024, but he will need to step up if the Tigers are to finish ranked inside the top 25 as they did in 2024.
Memphis’ game against the Tulane Green Wave on Nov. 7 could be pivotal. Kluse will battle against LJ Green, who transfers in from the Troy Trojans after starting 12 games in his redshirt freshman season, registering 27 tackles, six pass breakups, and two interceptions.
Simeon Evans, North Texas, vs. De’Shawn Rucker, USF
Despite being the lead receiver for the Sam Houston State Bearkats in 2024, Simeon Evans moves to the North Texas Green Machine looking to fill the void left by the departures of DT Sheffield and Damon Ward.
De’Shawn Rucker returns to the South Florida Bulls looking to repeat his success from last season. The defensive back had nine pass breakups, ranked second in the AAC, and is the top returner after the departure of Brent Austin.
Anthony Smith, East Carolina vs. Omarion Cooper, Memphis
Anthony Smith is the top returning wide receiver in the AAC with 799 receiving yards in 2024. Jis 19.5 yards per reception ranked fourth in the conference, showcasing his breakaway speed. With Chase Sowell departing the program, Smith is the WR1 for the East Carolina Panthers heading into the new season.
💨 Anthony Smith smokes the defense and Pirate Nation responds – ECU Football up on Temple early.
Join the Pirate Radio US Cellular 5th Quarter Call-In Show after the game!
📻 92.7FM or 104.1FM
💻 https://t.co/Z5O9agM4X7
📺 https://t.co/wQVzNMi14l pic.twitter.com/6qgRh1jFvN— Pirate Radio ☠️ (@PR927FM) October 26, 2024
Omarion Cooper is a fiery corner hoping to have his number. Cooper is now on his fourth career stop. After being recruited by the Florida State Seminoles, he transferred to the Colorado Buffaloes after two seasons in Tallahassee, before returning to Mike Norvell’s side in 2024.
However, after a redshirt season, Cooper is on the move again to Memphis, looking to build on his career stats that read 69 tackles, three interceptions, and 10 pass breakups.
Easton Messer, Florida Atlantic vs. Teagan Wilk, East Carolina
Western Kentucky was one of the most explosive offenses in the Group of Five in 2024, led by QB Caden Veltkamp, who transfers to the FAU Owls. And he brings with him one of his favorite receivers. Easton Messer ate with Veltkamp under center, recording 55 catches for 793 yards and four touchdowns last season.
He will line up against Teagan Wilk on Nov. 29 in the final regular-season game. Wilk, who transferred from the Pirates to Houston and then back again, is looking to finally be healthy. After a season-ending injury in 2023, he missed eight games of the 2024 season. However, with Shavon Revel leaving for the NFL Draft, Wilk can fill the void in the East Carolina secondary.
Best WR/CB Matchups in the Sun Belt in 2025
Ted Hurst, Georgia State vs. Botros Alisandro, Old Dominion
Ted Hurst led the Georgia State Panthers during the 2024 season with 56 catches for 961 yards and nine touchdowns, finishing with CSN All-Sun Belt First-Team honors. He is expected to be the focal point of Dell McGee’s offense.
However, he will go head-to-head with one of the top Sun Belt transfer portal additions. Botros Alisandro was a bright spark in a disappointing Purdue Boilermakers team in 2024, and moves to the Old Dominion Monarchs after recording 25 tackles and three pass breakups in 2024.
KEEP READING: Will EA Sports College Football 26 Include FCS Teams?
Corey Rucker, Arkansas State vs. Josh Moten, Southern Miss
Josh Moten was one of the most productive cornerbacks in the country in 2024, and is even ranked on CSN’s top 100 players for the 2026 NFL Draft. With the Marshall Thundering Herd, the defensive back jointly led the Sun Belt with five interceptions, while ranking ninth with six pass breakups.
He transfers to Southern Miss along with what feels like the entire 2025 Marshall roster, linking up with his former head coach Charles Huff. Moten is expected to be a standout performer again in 2025, but will face one of the conference’s best receivers on Nov. 8.
JOSH MOTEN BABY
— Old Row Marshall (@OldRowHerd) December 8, 2024
Corey Rucker had a program-defining year in 2024. His 69 receptions for 1,053 yards not only led the team but were also the fourth most in school history. His yearly yardage ranked 18th in the country, and the Arkansas State Red Wolves are expected to build on their eight wins, including a bowl game victory.
Isaiah Alston, James Madison vs. Ja’Marion Wayne, Coastal Carolina
Isaiah Alson transfers from the Iowa State Cyclones to the James Madison Dukes in 2025 after spending just one year at Ames, which led to a disappointing 52 receiving yards. The former Army transfer and six-year player had previously spent four seasons with the Army Black Knights and has a career total of 54 receptions for 1,113 yards and six touchdowns. The Dukes’ offense is expected to be more dynamic in 2025 with Matthew Sluka the presumed starting quarterback, which should lead to a career year for Alston.
Another Sun Belt player looking to prove his worth is Ja’Marion Wayne. The former Missouri Tigers cornerback played in 10 games in 2024 but also played safety and wide receiver in his three years in Colombia. He will now lock down the secondary for an attractive Coastal Carolina Chanticleers secondary.
Josh Dallas, Georgia Southern vs. Bernard Causey, Georgia State
Bernard Causey transfers to Georgia State with a tantalizing recruiting profile. The three-star recruit was the 15th-ranked player in Louisiana and is an elite athlete running an 11.63 100-meter dash as a high school junior.
However, the outstanding athlete only served on the scout team with the LSU Tigers, redshirting his freshman season. He has the potential to be a breakout star in the Sun Belt. If he is to prove his worth, Causey will need to keep Josh Dallas quiet on Oct. 18.
The interstate rivalry will see the athletic corner lock horns with one of the most productive returning wide receivers in the conference. The Georgia Southern Eagle recorded 46 catches for 614 yards and six touchdowns in 2024 and ranked 20th in the conference with an average of 13.3 yards per reception.
Best WR/CB Matchups in the MAC in 2025
Junior Vandeross, Toledo vs. Jordon Thomas, Western Michigan
Junior Vandeross was the fourth-ranked receiver in the MAC in 2024 with 957 receiving yards. With Jerjuan Newton no longer with the program, he becomes the de facto WR1 and could see more targets than his 85 from last season.
He will face off against Jordon Thomas, who transfers in after playing one season with the Eastern Kentucky Colonels, where he played 13 games, registering an incredible 14 pass breakups. It is a step up in competition for the former JUCO product, who has the production as a redshirt senior to overwhelm receivers.
Adrian Norton, Akron vs. Avery Smith, Toledo
The Akron Zips won four games for the first time since 2018 last season, a step forward after two consecutive two-win seasons under Joe Moorhead. One reason was the success of Adrian Norton, who recorded 831 yards and seven touchdowns, while ranking second in the conference, averaging 19.3 yards per catch.
His matchup against the Toledo Rockets’ lockdown corner Avery Smith on Sept. 27 could be theatre. Smith ranked third in the conference with eight pass breakups in 2024 on 480 coverage snaps, and he will be all over the productive Zips receiver.
Trayvon Rudolph, Toledo vs. Tate Hallock, Western Michigan
A transfer from the Northern Illinois Huskies, Trayvon Rudolph has recorded 2,047 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns over his four-year career in DeKalb County. He will complement Vandeross in a revamped receiver room after the departures of Newton and Anthony Torres.
This is the second matchup between Toledo and Western Michigan on our Group of Five WR-CB top battles, making the matchup on Sept. 20 in Kalamazoo a must-watch. Tate Hallock is predominantly a safety, with 46.9% of his snaps coming from deep. However, he may need to drop down to cover the speed and physicality of Rudolph more prominently than his 13.6% suggests.
Victor Snow, Buffalo vs. Silas Walters, Miami (OH)
Silas Walters plays all over the secondary for the Miami (OH) RedHawks, with over 40% of his snaps coming as a corner. Meanwhile, Victor Snow recorded 651 receiving yards and six touchdowns, with 27.6% of his targets coming from the slot.
Best WR/CB Matchups in the Mountain West in 2025
Latrell Caples, Boise State vs. Denver Harris, UNLV
Latrell Caples figures to he the Boise State Broncos’ WR1 in 2024 as they look to retain the Mountain West championship and push for another College Football Playoff birth. He recorded 473 yards and five touchdowns last season, third on the team behind Cam Camper and Matt Lauter, who are no longer on Spencer Danielson’s roster.
The Broncos have created a rivalry with the UNLV Rebels in recent seasons as the cream of the crop of the Mountain West. Denver Harris moves to Nevada in his senior year to play on his fourth team. A former five-star recruit, Harris has had stops at Texas A&M, LSU, and UTSA, and he is looking to realize his potential under Dan Mullen.
Nick Cenacle, Hawaii vs. Alzillion Hamilton, Fresno State
Nick Cenacle is the lead receiver for Hawaii after catching 63 passes for 629 yards and six touchdowns in 2024. Now with Micah Alejado the projected starting quarterback, Cenacle will be looking to elevate his game again.
Meanwhile, Alzillion Hamilton ranked fifth in the Mountain West with nine pass deflections in 2024, recording two interceptions. The Fresno State Bulldog started all 13 games and is on an upward trajectory entering his senior year.
Leland Smith, San Jose State vs. Caleb Brown, Hawaii
The San Jose State Spartans need to replace one of the most productive receivers in the nation in 2025. Nick Nash led the conference with 1,382 yards and 16 touchdowns, meaning others will need to fill the void with him moving to the NFL. Leland Smith transfers over from Purdue with a lot of expectations despite his lack of production.
On the other hand, Virdel Edwards II is an experienced, productive senior and a team captain. The Iowa State transfer moved to Hawaii in 2022 and had nine pass breakups in 2023 before missing the 2024 season entirely with a foot injury.
Armani Winfield, Colorado St vs. A’Marion McCoy, Boise State
A’Marion McCoy is the top returning defensive back with 11 pass breakups in 2024, whilst also recording three interceptions and leading the Mountain West with 19 forced incompletions.
KEEP READING: 2025 Way-Too-Early College Football Top 25 Power Rankings
He will be one of the toughest defensive backs that Colorado State Rams receiver Armani Winfield will come up against. Winfield recorded 341 yards and two touchdowns in 2024, starting 11 games, but will look to increase his production in his second season under Jay Norvell.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
