Big 12 football power rankings: Is TCU’s Eric McAlister top returning receiver?
The 2025 college football season could be a banner year for receivers across the Big 12.
The league returns several of its 11 passers from a year ago including Arizona State’s Sam Leavitt, TCU’s Josh Hoover and Baylor’s Sawyer Robertson.
With the experience of the quarterbacks, plus the departure of many of the league’s best running backs, there should be ample touches and opportunities for No. 1 receivers across the league.
The Star-Telegram’s Big 12 power rankings continue with a look at the top-10 No. 1 options at wide receiver entering next season:
1. Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
Breakdown: No player returning has more production than Tyson did a season ago. Tyson finished fifth in the league with over 1,100 receiving yards and he put up those numbers despite missing Arizona State’s Big 12 championship win and their playoff matchup against Texas. Tyson could easily top his numbers this season.
2. Caleb Douglas, Texas Tech
Breakdown: The Florida transfer had a breakout season in his first season in Lubbock with 877 yards and six touchdowns as he finished second on the team in both categories. But with 1,000-yard receiver Josh Kelly and leading rusher Tahj Brooks gone, Douglas could be Tech’s No. 1 option on offense.
3. Jayce Brown, Kansas State
Breakdown: Despite a heavy run focused offense and a new starting quarterback, Brown produced the best receiving season in 10 years at Kansas State in 2024. He led the team with 47 receptions for 823 yards and five touchdowns in a breakout year. More than half of his receptions went for at least 20 yards as he provided a big play threat on the outside that fit perfectly with K-State’s physical rushing attack.
4. Eric McAlister, TCU
Breakdown: The Boise State transfer served as TCU’s ‘sixth man’ at receiver behind three future NFL players. Despite playing behind Jack Bech and Savion Williams, McAlister still produced 762 yards and five touchdowns. McAlister was especially effective attacking defenses on deep crossing routes and making plays after the catch.
5. Josh Cameron, Baylor
Breakdown: The Bears needed a receiver to step up badly last season and Cameron provided the spark with 754 yards and 10 touchdowns, all career-highs for the junior. Cameron had four games with over 100 yards receiving and was also a dynamic punt return with an average of 20.7 yards per return. Cameron was voted an All-Big 12 selection by multiple outlets.
6. Chase Roberts, BYU
Breakdown: The veteran receiver was a big reason why BYU was one of the biggest surprises last season as he produced a career-high 854 yards and added four touchdowns. Roberts isn’t as explosive as some of the other receivers ahead of him, but he has great size at 6-foot-4 and gives BYU a true No. 1 option.
7. Xzavier Henderson, Cincinnati
Breakdown: Henderson has been the model of consistency for the Bearcats despite the question marks that have persisted at quarterback. Henderson had over 700 yards for the second straight season and grabbed a career-high four touchdowns. The 23-year-old senior is one of the most experienced players on the list.
8. Chase Sowell, Iowa State
Breakdown: Sowell was one of the most sought out transfer receivers during the off-season after producing a second straight season with more than 600 yards at East Carolina. The Cyclones were able to outlast a number of SEC teams to land Sowell, who will have plenty of opportunity to reach 1,000 yards with Iowa State needing to replace two NFL receivers.
9. Sincere Brown, Colorado
Breakdown: After sending multiple receivers to the NFL including Travis Hunter, the Buffaloes had a massive need for proven receivers and Deion Sanders brought in Brown to make an immediate impact. The 6’5 Brown had 1,028 yards and five touchdowns last season at Campbell. He was rated a four-star transfer by 247Sports.
10. Tanner Koziol, Houston
Breakdown: The lone tight end to make the list, Koziol originally signed with Wisconsin in December, but transferred to Houston after spring practice. With his arrival, the Cougars have the ultimate matchup nightmare as the 6’7 Koziol had over 800 yards and eight touchdowns at Ball State last season. He could be the perfect security blanket for quarterback Conner Weigman.
