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Pro, cons of five intriguing 2025 college football WRs

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Aug 15, 2025 4:20 PM ET

Zero Week is Aug. 23, the official kickoff of the 2025 major college football season.

We've looked at some of the more dynamic quarterbacks and running backs for this season. Here are snapshots of five of the more intriguing wide receivers in college football and their pros and cons.

Nyck Harbor | South Carolina Gamecocks

The junior (6-foot-5, 236 pounds) is one of the biggest and fastest receivers the country. His exceptional speed translated to the field last season, when Harbor reeled in 26 catches for 376 yards and three touchdowns.

"He’s not just your everyday ‘I’m gonna go run on the track team and have a good college career.’ " South Carolina coach Shane Beamer said, per Daniel Hager of On3. "No, he could have run in the Olympics.”

Pro: For the first time in three seasons, Harbor spent spring practice with the football team rather than focusing on track, so he should be fully ready to go for the season. | Con: Battles cases of the "dropsies."

Carnell Tate | Ohio State Buckeyes

Tate (6-foot-3, 192 pounds) had 52 catches for 722 yards and four touchdowns last season. He could see increased production this season with all eyes on star receiver Jeremiah Smith. The Athletic ranked Tate the 10th-best offensive player heading into the season.

Pro: Tate thrives in one-on-one situations, which he will get aplenty this season because of attention paid to Smith. | Con: He doesn't have exceptional speed.

Bryant Wesco Jr | Clemson Tigers

Wesco (6-foot-2, 185 pounds) was a freshman All-American last season, finishing with 41 catches for 708 yards and five touchdowns. Another season with Heisman contender quarterback Cade Klubnik, an NFL prospect, could raise his profile and production.

"[T]remendous speed, burner, really gifted tracking the ball downfield, really gifted when it comes to getting behind the defense, threatening the defense deep," said ESPN analyst Greg McElroy, a former Alabama QB.

Pro: Elite speed makes him a huge downfield threat. | Con: Injuries (ankle) hampered Wesco a bit last season.

Dane Key | Nebraska Cornhuskers

Key (6-foot-3, 209 pounds), who spent his first three seasons at Kentucky, was a huge addition in the transfer portal. Overall, the senior has 126 receptions for 1,870 yards and 14 touchdown catches. His receiving yards have increased every season (519, 636, 715).

"Key wins with his brain first and foremost, understanding the leverage of the defender across from him and how he should attack," wrote Daniel Harms of Draft Network.

Added Harms: "Key will hurt defenses over the middle and intermediate parts of the field with his IQ and movement skills, but he needs to develop better hand usage and more nuance in his route stem to be a more complete receiver."

Pro: He is the most experienced receiver on the list. | Con: Nebraska is a run-centric team, aiming to pound the ball rather than pass frequently, so that could mean a decrease in Key's production and perhaps a source of frustration for him.

Dane Key Mid-Season Highlights:

• 31 REC (T-5th in SEC)
• 452 REC YDS (T-6th in SEC)
• 2 REC TD (T-18th in SEC)
• 14.6 AVG pic.twitter.com/7kEKGKwQI6
— Daniel Hager (@DanielHagerOn3) October 14, 2024

Jordan Dwyer | TCU Horned Frogs

Dwyer (6-foot, 194 pounds) is the least-known receiver on the list, as the junior comes to TCU after spending the first three seasons with the Idaho Vandals.

He was one of the best FCS receivers in 2024, catching 78 passes for 1,192 yards and 12 touchdowns. He is expected to be a big-time playmaker in the Big 12 this season.

"Dwyer has game-changing speed and also showed he has strong hands," wrote Steven Johnson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

Pro: Excels at contested catches. | Con: He has never played above the FCS level.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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