Spring football begins in earnest across the country following Spring Break. The state of Texas is primed for another memorable yar at the FBS level in 2024 with the Longhorns joining the SEC and new coaching staffs at Texas A&M, Houston and UTEP. UTSA begins a new chapter without long-time quarterback Frank Harris as rival Texas State appears set for a Sun Belt title run. The Lone Star State is home to 13 FBS programs. 

Dave Campbell’s Texas Football will rank the 10 best players at each position continuing with WIDE RECEIVERS. 

Previous rankings: QB | RB | EDGE | DT 

1. ISAIAH BOND, TEXAS

2023 production: 48 catches, 668 yards, 4 TD

The former four-star from Georgia was considered the top wide receiver transfer in the portal when he joined the Longhorns following Nick Saban’s retirement. A better thrower at quarterback and more dynamic play caller at offensive coordinator (Sark) equals better numbers for Bond in the 2024 season. He takes over as Texas’ No. 1 receiver as Quinn Ewers enters his third season as a starter. The SEC experience also helps. 

2. JOSH KELLY, TEXAS TECH

2023 production: 61 catches, 923 yards, 8 TD

Lubbock is Kelly’s third stop as a collegiate wide receiver with experience at Fresno State and Washington State. He’ll use his final year of eligibility to play Big 12 football with a Red Raiders program amid a line change at wide receiver. Kelly is one of the new faces expected to help quarterback Behren Morton evolve into an all-conference performer. 

3. JOEY HOBERT, TEXAS STATE

2023 production: 76 catches, 895 yards, 8 TD

Hobert made a huge impression in his first year in San Marcos after transferring to Texas State from Utah State, leading the Bobcats in most receiving categories and earning second-team All-Sun Belt honors. The 5-11, 180-pound Hobert is as consistent as they come and should link up nicely with new quarterback Jordan McCloud.  

4. SAMUEL BROWN, HOUSTON 

2023 production: 62 catches, 815 yards, 3 TD

It wasn’t Texas transfer Matthew Golden who became the No. 1 receiver in the Houston Cougars’ offense last season. That distinction fell to Brown, who was fifth in the Big 12 in receptions per game with 5.2. He eclipsed 100 yards receiving three times and he’s running it back with quarterback Donovan Smith, though the offense should look different with Dana Holgorsen out as head coach. 

5. NOAH THOMAS, TEXAS A&M 

2023 production: 29 catches, 359 yards, 5 TD

The 6-6 junior from Pearland is a mismatch nightmare who became a go-to option for the Aggies when healthy in 2023. The return of quarterback Conner Weigman and a better scheme under Collin Klein should only help offensive weapons such as Thomas flourish in 2024. Aggies like Jahdae Walker were also in the running for this spot. 

6. JAKE BAILEY, SMU 

2023 production: 42 catches, 528 yards 

The former Rice standout led the Mustangs in receptions and receiving yards during a healthy 2023 campaign. He only played four games in 2022 – his first season on the Hilltop – before an injury ended his season. Bailey is a super senior who leads a crowded Ponies wide receiver room. A reliable pass catcher who runs great routes, Bailey is a solid No. 1 option for quarterback Preston Stone.  

7. MATTHEW GOLDEN, TEXAS

2023 production: 38 catches, 404 yards, 6 TD

The Longhorns watched Golden’s talents up close and personal when they held on to beat his Houston Cougars last year. Golden, a former four-star from the Klein area, is now in burnt orange. He was one of three high-profile additions out wide with Bond and Oregon State slot receiver Silas Bolden. Golden played in nine games as a sophomore in 2023. He’s also an electric kickoff returner.

8. SAVION WILLIAMS, TCU 

2023 production: 41 catches, 573 yards, 4 TD 

Go create a wide receiver in a lab or in the upcoming EA College Football 25 video game and he’ll look a lot like the 6-5, 225-pound Williams. Don’t be surprised to see his name on a few “Freak” lists before the 2024 season. He led the Frogs in receiving yards, was second in receiving touchdowns, and was third on the team in receptions last season. Williams was an honorable mention All-Big 12 selection and has a full offseason to build chemistry with expected starting quarterback Josh Hoover. 

9. MOOSE MUHAMMAD III, TEXAS A&M

2023 production: 27 catches, 345 yards, 2 TD 

We’re surprised no one made “Free Moose Muhammad” shirts last season when the talented wide receiver was relegated to a reserve role. In 2022, Muhammad was a budding star who was named to the PFF All-SEC second team after catching 38 passes for 610 yards and four touchdowns. A blank slate and his undeniable talent earn him a spot on the list. 

10. MONARAY BALDWIN, BAYLOR

2023 production: 38 catches, 623 yards, 4 TD 

One of the wide receivers leaping highest for joy when Jake Spavital was hired to replace Jeff Grimes as offensive coordinator of the Bears was Baldwin, and not only because of the slot receiver’s sheer athleticism. He’s primed for a breakout season because of Spav’s quick passing game. He’ll work well on the inside with fellow receivers such as Texas State transfer Ashtyn Hawkins.