Best wide receivers in college football for 2016

Smith-Schuster had an incredible 2015 season, with 89 receptions for 1,454 yard and 10 touchdowns. The loss of quarterback Cody Kessler could be a setback in the upcoming season, but Smith-Schuster remains arguably the top wideout in the country. 

Davis has accumulated 1,400-plus receiving yards in consecutive seasons as he looks to cap off his career in his senior year. The Western Michigan wideout has averaged more than 16 yards per reception during his career with 33 touchdowns.

Sperbeck quickly became Brett Rypien's favorite receiver last season, with 88 receptions for 1,412 yards and eight touchdowns. Another year of development for Rypien could help Sperbeck progress even more.

James teamed with fellow wideout Ed'Marques Batties to make one of the most dynamic receiving duos in the country last season. James led the way with 107 receptions for 1,334 yards and eight scores.

Taylor put up enormous numbers in his breakout junior season, with 86 receptions for 1,460 yards and 17 scores. His play helped the Hilltoppers to a 12-2 record.

Chesson is known as one of the most talented wideouts in the country, though his contribution was somewhat limited by a Michigan offense that threw for just over 3,000 yards in 2015. He will try to build on last season after catching 50 passes for 764 yards and nine scores.

Williams suffered a neck injury in Week 1 that ended his season in 2015, but he's a prime first-round prospect if he can regain his old form. He had 57 receptions for 1,030 yard and six scores in his sophomore season.

Virginia returns some solid talent, including Ford. He had 75 receptions for 1,164 yard and 11 scores during his sophomore season.

Perhaps the best freshman wideout in the country last season, Ridley had 89 receptions for 1,045 yards and seven scores. He should be able to build on those numbers if the Crimson Tide can get strong quarterback play.

It's not difficult to put up big receiving numbers in Mike Leach's offense, and Marks did just that in his junior season. He had 104 receptions for 1,192 yards and 15 scores in 2015.

Kirk had a terrific freshman season for the Aggies, with 80 receptions for 1,009 yards and seven touchdowns. He also served as a kick returner.

Taylor was Jeff Driskel's top receiver last season catching 99 passes for 1,282 yards and nine touchdowns. He will adjust without Driskel in his senior season.

Godwin made a huge jump in his sophomore season, with 69 receptions for 1,101 yard and five touchdowns. He's on the NFL's radar after his strong season.

Rudolph will be catching passes from his third regular starting quarterback in three years. Last season he finished with 59 receptions for 916 yards and seven scores.

Washington is one of college football's top deep threats. He averaged 20.5 yards per reception in his sophomore season, catching 53 passes for 1,087 yards and 10 touchdowns.

A North Dakota transfer, Golladay had a monster performance in his first year with Northern Illinois. He caught 73 passes for 1,129 yards and 10 touchdowns in his junior season.

Atkinson had a breakout year in the Tulsa offense, catching 76 passes for 1,071 yards and five scores. He helped quarterback Dave Evans put up near elite stats.

Cannon becomes Baylor's top wideout following the departure of first-round draft pick Corey Coleman. Over the last two seasons, Cannon has 108 receptions for 1,898 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Cobbs became a great deep threat in his sophomore season, with 60 receptions for 1,035 yards and four touchdowns. He's an excellent NFL prospect standing at 6-4.

Ross became quarterback Dak Prescott's favorite receiver last season, with 88 receptions for 1,007 yards and five touchdowns. He will give the Bulldogs' new quarterback a very capable target.

Hollins got limited work last season with only 30 receptions but led college football in yards per reception (24.8). Eight of his 30 receptions went for touchdowns.

One of the top recruits in the 2015 class, Cain had 34 receptions for 582 yards and five touchdowns in his first season. He's capable of making huge progress alongside Mike Williams.

Dupre's talent sometimes goes unnoticed as a result of LSU's mediocre quarterback play. He still had a strong season in 2015 as one of the country's top deep threats, with 43 receptions for 698 yards and six touchdowns.

Dural played only nine games last season, with 28 receptions for 533 yards. He's still been an elite deep threat and a top NFL prospect, with 19.9 yards per reception over his career.

Smith was one of the country's top JUCO prospects before signing with the Buckeyes in 2014, and he was granted a sixth year after suffering a leg injury last season. He becomes Ohio State's top wideout despite only 25 receptions over 16 games for the team.