The state of Texas producers more skill players (wide receivers and tight ends) than any other state given our penchant for 7 on 7 and the style of offenses preferred at the larger classification levels across the Lone Star State. That means most of the FBS programs in Texas are well supplied on the outside.
The 2023 season should be no different. Texas and Texas A&M are in an arms race heading into the 2024 SEC clash. Other programs such as UTSA, Houston, TCU, and SMU also sport talented, and deep, skill position rooms. We continue our look around the state with a ranking of the best skill groups in Texas.
TOP FIVE
1. TEXAS LONGHORNS
The players: WR Xavier Worthy, TE Ja’Tavion Sanders, WR Jordan Whittington, WR AD Mitchell
Only Ohio State can argue with Texas about the quality of its wide receiver room. The Longhorns return Worthy, Whittington, and add Georgia transfer Mitchell alongside a healthy Isaiah Neyor, who missed 2022 with an injury after transferring from Wyoming. Add in Sanders – maybe the best tight end in football not named Brock Bowers – and Steve Sarkisian doesn’t lack options on the outside. Tight end Gunnar Helm and true freshman wide receiver Johntay Cook might surprise in 2023.
2. TEXAS A&M AGGIES
The players: WR Evan Stewart, WR Ainias Smith, WR Moose Muhammad III, WR Noah Thomas, TE Donovan Green
Placing the Aggies above the Longhorns on this list was tempting. In my mind, it is 1A and 1B. The quality of weapons at new offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino’s disposal is an embarrassment of riches. Smith can do it all, and he’s back to prove to NFL scouts that he’s worthy of a high draft pick. Stewart might end the year as the best wide receiver in Texas if he improves on a stellar freshman campaign. Muhammad and Thomas, who was the offensive MVP in the spring, provide even more depth. And Green at tight end is dangerous. Fellow tight end Jake Johnson could be a breakout player.
3. UTSA ROADRUNNERS
The players: WR Joshua Cephus, WR De’Corian Clark, TE Oscar Cardenas
The loss of wide receiver Zakhari Franklin keeps the Roadrunners from challenging the top dogs for best skill position unit in the state, but the returning players kept UTSA up in the top five. Cephus and Clark are all-conference players, as is Cardenas at tight end. Cephus caught 87 passes for 985 yards and six scores last season. Clark, despite playing in eight full games, registered 51 catches for 741 yards and eight scores a year ago. Cardenas is the go-to weapon in clutch time.
4. TEXAS TECH RED RAIDERS
The players: WR Jerand Bradley, WR Drae McCray, WR Myles Price, WR Xavier White, TE Baylor Cupp
We all know a Zach Kittley-led offense won’t lack for receiving targets. That’s been true back to his days at Houston Baptist, now called Houston Christian. Bradley emerged in 2022 as a no. 1 receiver on the outside who likely draws double teams in 2023. That should open up more space for players such as McCray, an Austin Peay transfer, and slot receivers like Price and White. J.J. Sparkman and Loic Fouonji could also become consistent factors at wide receiver. Cupp leads a tight end room that includes Mason Tharp and Henry Teeter.
5. SMU MUSTANGS
The players: WR Jordan Kerley, WR Jake Bailey, TE RJ Maryland, WR Moochie Dixon, WR Jordan Hudson
Don’t let the loss of Rashee Rice fool you – this SMU skill position unit might be the best and deepest in memory, and that’s saying something considering the number of former Mustangs are playing wide receiver in the NFL. Kerley figures to become the No. 1 target. Bailey, who led the Mustangs in receiving before an early-season injury against TCU, is back to dominate in the slot. Hudson, a TCU transfer originally committed to the Ponies, is back in the fold and looks the part. Maryland is an excellent receiving option at tight end. And that doesn’t include Miami transfers Key’Shawn Smith and Romello Brinson.
BEST OF THE REST
6. TCU HORNED FROGS
7. HOUSTON COUGARS
8. BAYLOR BEARS
9. UTEP MINERS
10. SAM HOUSTON BEARKATS
11. RICE OWLS
12. NORTH TEXAS MEAN GREEN
13. TEXAS STATE BOBCATS
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