The Best Wide Outs coming from the college football this year

With the 2024 college football season officially in the books, it’s time to turn our attention to the 2025 NFL Draft! This isn’t just another event—it’s the stage where teams lay the foundation for their future, selecting players who have the potential to become game-changers for years to come. The draft is a pivotal moment for franchises to address key needs, fill gaps, and build a championship-calibre roster. Who knows? Some of these players could be the ones to propel their teams to the Super Bowl next season.

Fans and teams alike are eagerly scouting the class of prospects, as these athletes have the potential to reshape the dynamics of the league. This year’s draft features a deep pool of skilled wide receivers, ranging from speedsters who can stretch the field to physical targets excelling in contested catches.

As the below list compiled by Content Manager, Kevin Kewell of AussieBonuses shows, the depth of talent in this year’s draft is unparalleled, making it one of the most intriguing classes in recent memory. Names like Isaiah Bond, known for his dynamic route-running, and Matthew Golden, a consistent game-changer, highlight the elite talent available. With so much potential on display, the 2025 wide receiver draft class is undoubtedly one to watch.

From big-time playmakers to reliable route runners, let’s take a look at the wide receivers generating the most buzz.

Travis Hunter

Travis Hunter is undoubtedly one of the most exciting prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. Hailing from Colorado, he’s doing something rarely seen in the world of college football—excelling on both offence and defence. While plenty of players have dabbled in dual roles, Hunter takes it to a whole new level. Before a midseason injury against Kansas State, he was averaging an astonishing 120 snaps per game, playing nearly every single down. That kind of workload and versatility is almost unheard of.

As a wide receiver, Hunter’s hand-eye coordination and knack for making tough catches truly set him apart. He’s quick, physical, and knows how to create space, making him a nightmare for defenders. On the defensive side, his instincts and ability to anticipate plays allow him to frustrate opposing offences consistently.

Antwane Wells Jr., Ole Miss

Antwane Wells Jr., affectionately known as "Juice," has showcased immense potential throughout his college career, even though the road hasn’t always been smooth. Wells has faced his fair share of challenges, from being underutilized at South Carolina and Ole Miss to battling a foot injury in 2023. Despite these setbacks, his talent remains undeniable. Standing at 5’11” and weighing 215 pounds, Wells blends the agility of a running back with the playmaking skills of an elite wide receiver.

His twitchy, elusive movements and outstanding body control allow him to shake off defenders in tight spaces with ease. A true YAC (yards after catch) specialist, Wells has a knack for turning short gains into explosive plays. His physicality and ability to make defenders miss make him a dangerous weapon whenever he gets the ball in his hands.

Luther Burden III

Another must-watch talent heading into the 2025 NFL Draft is Luther Burden III. Known for his explosive playmaking ability, Burden has a knack for turning routine catches into highlight-reel moments. Once the ball is in his hands, defenders dread seeing him in the open field—he’s a constant threat to break loose and rack up extra yards.

But Burden isn’t just a short-game specialist—he’s also a legitimate deep threat. He tracks vertical throws with precision, regularly making big plays downfield. Whether it’s outpacing defenders for a long gain or weaving through traffic for crucial yardage, Burden has all the tools to be a game-changer at the next level.

Tetairoa McMillan

For teams looking to add a reliable, big-bodied wide receiver, Tetairoa McMillan is their guy. Standing tall with a solid frame, McMillan creates instant mismatches against smaller defenders. His size, combined with exceptional body control, concentration, and reliable hands, makes him a dominant force in contested catch situations. Whether it’s high-pointing the ball or snatching it out of the air with ease, McMillan excels in scenarios where others might struggle.

While he’s not known for blazing speed, McMillan more than compensates with his physicality and ability to create late separation, giving him just enough space to make plays. His timing and precision allow him to consistently get open, even against tight coverage. Impressively, he ranked third in the nation in receiving yards, further solidifying his place as one of college football’s most productive pass catchers.

Nick Nash

Nick Nash might not be the most talked-about name in draft circles just yet, but he’s undoubtedly one of the best wide receivers to watch heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. In 2024, Nash dominated the college football landscape, leading the FBS with an impressive 16 receiving touchdowns. His standout season earned him CFN’s Wide Receiver of the Year award, a spot as a CFN First-Team All-American, and a jaw-dropping stat line of 104 receptions for 1,382 yards.

What makes Nash’s rise even more impressive is his unconventional journey to becoming a top-tier receiver. Originally a two-star dual-threat quarterback recruit, he started six games under center for San Jose State in 2021 before transitioning to wide receiver in 2022. Since then, he has flourished, becoming one of college football’s most versatile and heavily relied-on offensive weapons.