The transfer portal is in full swing right now, with every team trying to take advantage of the madhouse by pulling talented players to give them a boost going into next season. With all of the talent available, it’s hard to keep track of the best players in the portal with so many names flying in.
Enter CFN’s very own transfer portal rankings.
Transfer Portal WR Rankings: Top 10 Playmakers
Who are the best wide receivers currently available in the transfer portal?
10) Tyrin Smith, UTEP
Just a year after finishing third in the CUSA in receiving yards, Tyrin Smith spent most of 2023 injured. Last year, Smith transferred to Texas A&M but returned to UTEP quickly. Now, Smith will put himself back in the portal.
The 5’7″ receiver has 1,747 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns in his career.
9) Will Sheppard, Vanderbilt
The lone bright spot over the last few years on a struggling Vanderbilt offense, Will Sheppard threw his name into the portal to put himself on a bigger stage with NFL opportunities ahead of him. Sheppard is an excellent route runner and a big play threat waiting to happen.
Sheppard racked up 2,060 receiving yards in four years with the Commodores and 21 touchdowns.
8) Eric McAlister, Boise State
After the drama surrounding the Boise State coaching staff, Eric McAlister announced his intention to hit the portal midseason, and is official. McAlister was one of the best wide receivers in the Mountain West this season, a superb contested catch target with the speed to hit the big play routinely.
The Texas native will look to be a top option for a Power Five program.
7) Kelly Akaharaiyi, UTEP
The other dynamic UTEP wide receiver, Kelly Akaharaiyi, finished second in the CUSA in yards this season, generating explosive plays with relative ease. Akharaiyi caught 47 passes for 1,021 yards and seven touchdowns, and his 21.7 yards per catch finished fifth in the country this season.
He has a drop problem but makes up for it with his ability as a deep threat.
MORE: CFN’s All-Conference USA Awards
6) Ja’Mori Maclin, North Texas
The cousin of Jeremy Maclin, Ja’Mori Maclin was an All-CUSA Freshman in 2022 and followed that up with an even better 2023. Maclin finished third in the American conference with 1,006 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. An excellent deep threat, Maclin’s 15 aDOT led all AAC WRs with 50+ targets.
Maclin’s burst should shine on the Power Five stage.
5) Chris Brazzell II, Tulane
Maybe the most underrated wide receiver in the portal, Chris Brazzell has been the top target for Tulane’s passing game this season. At 6’5″and 195, Brazzell moves well for his size and is phenomenal in contested catch situations with his massive catch radius and great hands (1.8% drop rate).
He won’t do much damage after the catch, but he can win downfield with the best of them.
MORE: Chris Brazzell Transfer Portal Landing Spots
4) Juice Wells, South Carolina
As the name implies, Antwane “Juice” Wells has the, well, juice. Wells missed most of 2023 with a foot injury, but his 2022 season was stellar. Wells led the SEC in yards after the catch and finished second in the conference in receiving yards with 911.
Wells was a weapon in the open field for the Gamecocks and will look to be part of a more functional offense.
3) Kris Mitchell, FIU
The best wide receiver in the CUSA this season, Kris Mitchell led the conference in yards in 2023. A talented athlete, Mitchell won downfield and after the catch and had just three drops on over 100 targets this season.
Mitchell separated routinely and was the sole focus of FIU’s passing attack. He can be a major threat in the Power Five and should be a top threat for the team he lands on.
UPDATE: Mitchell committed to transfer to Notre Dame on December 5.
2) Deion Burks, Purdue
One of the most underrated receivers in the country, Deion Burks was a phenomenal player for Purdue’s offense, lapping the rest of the Boilermakers’ receivers in yards and touchdowns this season. A dynamic athlete, Burks is a phenomenal route runner and gets open with ease, no matter the competition.
Burks gashed defenses in 2023 despite playing in a poor offense. Burks’ dynamite playmaking should thrive in a better offense and put him on the national radar.
1) Caullin Lacy, South Alabama
The best wide receiver in a talented Group of Five haul, Lacy led all Group of Five wide receivers in yards in 2023. Lacy does it all on the football field and already had plenty of NFL interest. Lacy’s route-running, speed, hands, and elusiveness in space make him a top-flight wide receiver prospect despite playing in a less-than-stellar passing game.
Lacy should put himself on the national radar in the P5 in 2024 and could contend for a Biletnikoff with the right program.