By Daniel “The Draftnick” Rios
The 2027 draft class is filled with exciting players at every position. One position stood out in the first week of college football action, and it was the receivers. We saw great performances from players we expect to go early in the draft, but also some who surprised and could rise into first-round conversations as the year goes on.
If your NFL team needs a wide receiver, then this is the perfect season for that to happen. College football is filled with receiver talent, and this list highlights some of them who shined in Week 1. (Malachi Toney isn’t on this list because he isn’t draft-eligible in 2027).
Jeremiah Smith – Ohio State
Week 1 stat line: 8 Rec, 151 Yards, 2 TDs
We all knew who Jeremiah Smith was coming into this year. Smith doesn’t have to do much to convince the consensus that he’s the best receiver in this class, but he still showed out anyway against Ball State.
One of my favorite things about watching Smith is how effortless he makes everything look. In one of his eight receptions in Week 1, he was running a deep curl route against off-coverage. His ability to sell going vertical is special, but unique at the same time. He makes every route look the same. Strides, pad height and speed they’re all the same whether it’s a go route or a slant route. The pure speed pressured the defensive back to turn his hips, and Smith cut, sinking his hips to create separation.
All his movements are fluid and well thought out. It was a good start for Smith in his 2026 campaign.
Cam Coleman – Texas
Week 1 stat line: 3 Rec, 70 Yards, 2 TDs
Cam Coleman didn’t have the same yardage as some receivers on this list, but he did grab two touchdowns that looked effortless against Texas State. Coleman’s basketball background shows in his game as a receiver, especially in how he can high-point balls and make catches in the air look easy.
The duo of Arch Manning and Coleman is the best receiver/quarterback duo in all of college football. The ceiling of both can be the best in this class, so pairing the two up is a match made in heaven. Texas fans just got a glimpse of what Coleman can bring into this offense. Just wait until the competition ramps up (this Saturday against Ohio State), and Coleman will show how he can take over a game.
Charlie Becker – Indiana
Week 1 stat line: 4 Rec, 64 Yards, 2 TDs
Charlie Becker has started just single-digit games in his college career, but it doesn’t look like it when you watch him. His 6-foot-4, 200-pound frame is special, but the speed he has with it sets him apart. It was a gamble to have him as my WR4 going into the year, but his game at North Texas reassured me.
His first touchdown grab of the day showed where he thrives — tracking and high-pointing the ball. He read the coverage perfectly and put himself in a position where Indiana quarterback Josh Hoover could find him, and he did. Then his second grab just looked effortless down the sideline, showing his speed and ability to make grabs over defenders.
Nick Marsh – Indiana
Week 1 stat line: 2 Rec, 17 Yards, 1 TD
It wasn’t the loudest day for Nick Marsh in terms of production, but he showed out with his touchdown grab. The concentration to pull in a back shoulder throw with one hand isn’t easy, but Marsh made it look easy. Not only was the grab impressive, but his willingness as a run blocker also stood out. Something that gets overlooked a lot, but Marsh seems bought into the Indiana culture early.
The Michigan State transfer should see more production as the year goes on and the opponents get tougher. He has a good build at 6-foot-3 and 213 pounds. He and Becker are the best receiver duo in the entire country and are the reason this Indian offense can be one of the best again this season. Excited to see Marsh get more comfortable with this system and show his route-running ability.
Omarion Miller – Arizona State
Week 1 stat line: 8 Rec, 102 Yards, 1 TD
Something Arizona State did that Colorado struggled to do consistently last season was feed Omarion Miller the ball. That’s what the Sun Devils did, and every time Miller had the ball in his hands, he showed his elusiveness and burst as a runner.
Miller was my WR3 going into the year because of that explosive burst. His touchdown grab showed the type of playmaker he is with the ball in his hands, and he showed the contact balance to get into the end zone. It was a promising first game for Miller, but he still needs to show he can be a better route runner downfield. Those opportunities should come against Texas A&M on Saturday.
Reed Harris – Arizona State
Week 1 stat line: 6 Rec, 137 Yards, 2 TDs
Reed Harris transferred from Boston College and immediately showed Arizona State fans his size. At 6-foot-5 and 220 pounds, Harris showed some quickness in his route running, especially on the slant he caught for a touchdown.
It’s hard to judge performances against lesser teams, but you have to give credit where it’s due. Harris looked better than he did last season, and he should be a big piece in this offense. Not only that, but his blocking stood out as well against Morgan State, especially down the field. He and Miller can etch themselves as the best receiving duo in the country if they keep stacking impressive performances.
Deuce Alexander – Ole Miss
Week 1 stat line: 5 Rec, 159 Yards, 2 TDs
Perhaps the biggest riser for many after Week 1, but Deuce Alexander absolutely showed out against Louisville. He’s a lengthy receiver on the outside, but has special straight-line speed and acceleration that showcased itself on both of his touchdowns.
Alexander isn’t just pure speed; he can run quality routes as well. He showed great hip sink and burst out of his breaks, which is rare for his length. He’s entered first-round conversations early and should stay there throughout the season after this performance.
Jordan Faison – Notre Dame
Week 1 stat line: 4 Rec, 81 Yards
Jordan Faison is more of a mid-round player for me at the moment, but the more I watch, the more I like him. He’s battled through injuries throughout his career and hopes that in 2026 he can stay fully healthy for the entire season.
Faison didn’t have a touchdown grab in the win over Wisconsin, but when he had the ball in his hands, he showed the elusiveness he has as a runner. His ball tracking and hands also stand out. He knows how to fully stretch out his 5-foot-11 and 185-pound frame to make tough grabs over the middle. Notre Dame needs a No. 1 receiver to step up with Malachi Fields leaving for the NFL, and Faison can be just that.
KJ Duff – Rutgers
Week 1 stat line: 9 Rec, 196 Yards, 3 TDs
I’m sure Rutgers fans don’t want to revisit Week 1, but we have to highlight the one positive from that game: KJ Duff.
Duff is a hard prospect to watch because he’s 6-foot-6 and 225 pounds, but struggles to separate naturally as a route runner. He makes up for that with his size and ability to make contested catches downfield. Duff had to adjust to off-target throws to make most of his catches, showing his ability to track the ball.
Even against what should’ve been an inferior opponent, Duff showed out, and that’s what you want from your No. 1 receiver. If Duff can keep stacking up games and show off his route-running ability, he can enter Round 1 conversations.
Jeremiah McClellan – Oregon
Week 1 stat line: 6 Rec, 150 Yards, 1 TD
Oregon suffered injuries to the receiver room last year, but with that, Jeremiah McClellan had the opportunity to step up. He started the final eight games last season for the Ducks, and Oregon fans expected a big year for McClellan in 2026.
McClellan got off to a hot start against Boise State, showing his playmaking in the screen game and his ability to win downfield vertically. His acceleration is special, and his hands shone, too. He didn’t get that much excitement through the summer, but he showed what he can do as the No.1 weapon in an offense.
The post Daniel The Draftnick: Jeremiah Smith, Deuce Alexander among Week 1 WR standouts first appeared on Sports360AZ.
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