The top ten wide receiver acquisitions from the 2025 transfer portal for college football
The college football transfer portal has become one of the most powerful tools for teams looking to quickly reload and improve their rosters. In the 2025 cycle, wide receivers were some of the most sought-after players, with several programs looking to add immediate impact talent to their offenses. Wide receiver is one of the most crucial positions on the field, and the right acquisition can make a massive difference for teams looking to contend for conference championships and playoff spots.
This article takes a closer look at the top 10 wide receiver acquisitions from the 2025 transfer portal, breaking down their skills, previous performances, and how they’ll fit into their new teams.
1. Xavier Worthy – Texas to Alabama
Xavier Worthy was one of the most electrifying wide receivers in college football during his time at Texas, showcasing his speed, agility, and playmaking ability. He was a key contributor in the Longhorns’ offense, and his ability to make big plays downfield made him one of the top wide receiver targets in the 2025 transfer portal.
After entering the portal, Worthy quickly became the centerpiece of Alabama’s recruitment efforts. The Crimson Tide, under Nick Saban, have been looking for a dynamic playmaker to pair with their young quarterbacks and bolster their passing game. Worthy’s elite speed and route-running ability will immediately enhance Alabama’s offense, giving them a true game-breaker who can stretch the field and make explosive plays in critical moments.
His ability to create separation and track deep balls will be essential in taking Alabama’s passing game to the next level, particularly with the Crimson Tide looking to regain their place among college football’s elite teams.
2. Troy Franklin – Oregon to Georgia
Troy Franklin was one of the top wide receivers in the Pac-12 during his time at Oregon, demonstrating excellent hands, contested catch ability, and top-notch route running. He was a key contributor to the Ducks’ offense, and his versatility allowed him to operate both outside and in the slot. Franklin’s ability to make plays in both the short and deep passing game made him an attractive target for multiple programs.
Georgia, coming off yet another national title win, was in need of a true number one receiver to pair with their talented quarterbacks. Franklin provides that immediate upgrade. His smooth route-running and strong ball skills will complement Georgia’s physical style of play and give their offense the kind of dynamic threat they’ve lacked in the past few seasons. Franklin is a perfect fit for the Bulldogs, who are looking to continue their dominance in the SEC.
3. Jermaine Burton – Alabama to LSU
Jermaine Burton had a productive career at Alabama but felt that a fresh start was necessary for his development. Entering the transfer portal, Burton quickly became one of the most sought-after wide receivers, with several programs vying for his talents. Burton’s physicality, solid route running, and ability to make plays in the red zone made him a desirable commodity.
After some back-and-forth with a number of suitors, LSU emerged as the clear favorite. Under Brian Kelly, LSU is looking to build on a strong recruiting class and improve its passing attack. Burton’s experience at Alabama and his ability to make contested catches will give LSU an immediate weapon in its arsenal. Burton should thrive in LSU’s spread offense, providing a reliable target for Jayden Daniels and adding an extra dimension to the Tigers’ already dynamic offense.
4. Jalin Hyatt – Tennessee to USC
Jalin Hyatt was one of the breakout stars of the 2024 season, emerging as one of the top wide receivers in college football after a monster year with Tennessee. Hyatt’s elite speed and ability to track deep balls made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. After his success in Knoxville, Hyatt decided to enter the transfer portal to find a program with more national title potential.
USC, under Lincoln Riley, immediately came calling, and Hyatt’s commitment to the Trojans gives them a true downfield threat who can stretch the defense. USC’s offense is known for its explosive passing attack, and Hyatt’s speed and deep-ball acumen will mesh perfectly with the Trojans’ up-tempo offense. His addition makes USC’s offense even more dangerous and puts them in contention for a spot in the College Football Playoff.
5. Malik Nabers – LSU to Michigan
One of the more surprising entries in the 2025 transfer portal was Malik Nabers, who had an excellent career at LSU and quickly became a favorite target for Jayden Daniels in the passing game. Nabers was known for his precise route running, his ability to gain separation, and his strong hands in traffic.
Looking for a new challenge, Nabers decided to transfer to Michigan, where his skill set will fit seamlessly into the Wolverines’ power-spread offense. Jim Harbaugh and Michigan’s offensive staff will use Nabers as a key piece in their passing attack, where his ability to run crisp routes and make plays after the catch will be a major asset. Nabers will add depth and talent to a receiving corps that Michigan hopes will push them to new heights in the Big Ten.
6. Jordan Addison – USC to Ohio State
Jordan Addison is a name that needs no introduction in college football. After a successful stint at Pitt, where he won the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top receiver, Addison transferred to USC, where he had another stellar campaign. Now, after a productive season in Los Angeles, Addison enters the transfer portal, and Ohio State wasted no time making him one of their top targets.
The Buckeyes have been known for their explosive passing game, and Addison gives them a proven star who can create mismatches against any defense. His experience at the highest level of college football, combined with his elite speed and ability to run a variety of routes, will give Ohio State a dynamic playmaker who can line up anywhere on the field. Addison should become a go-to target for Kyle McCord or whoever wins the quarterback job, and his addition boosts Ohio State’s title aspirations.
7. Keon Coleman – Florida State to Auburn
Keon Coleman was a breakout player at Florida State, showcasing his incredible ball skills, route running, and ability to high-point passes. He quickly became one of the most talked-about wide receivers in college football during his time in Tallahassee, and his decision to enter the transfer portal opened the door for schools across the country to make their pitch.
Auburn emerged as a strong contender for Coleman’s services, and the Tigers’ new head coach, Hugh Freeze, wasted no time in securing a commitment. Coleman’s ability to stretch the field and make plays in all areas of the field fits perfectly with Freeze’s up-tempo offense. He’ll be a key weapon for Auburn, as the team looks to improve its passing game and compete at the highest level in the SEC.
8. Marvin Harrison Jr. – Ohio State to Miami
In one of the most talked-about moves of the 2025 transfer portal, Marvin Harrison Jr., one of the top wide receivers in the country, shocked many by transferring from Ohio State to Miami. Harrison’s blend of size, athleticism, and football IQ made him one of the most coveted players in the portal. He’s a big-bodied receiver with excellent ball-tracking skills and the ability to win jump-ball situations.
At Miami, he’ll become the focal point of a young and talented offense under Mario Cristobal. His physical tools and experience will provide Miami’s quarterback with a reliable target and give the Hurricanes a true number-one receiver. Harrison Jr. will look to help the Hurricanes make a run in the competitive ACC, and his presence will undoubtedly elevate the entire offense.
9. Dante Cephas – Kent State to Penn State
Dante Cephas was one of the most productive wide receivers in the MAC during his time at Kent State, and after entering the transfer portal, he quickly became a top target for several power programs. His combination of quickness, strong hands, and sharp route running made him an ideal candidate for a team looking to add a dynamic playmaker.
Cephas ultimately decided to transfer to Penn State, where he will immediately step into a prominent role in the Nittany Lions’ offense. Penn State’s passing game has improved under head coach James Franklin, and Cephas will add an extra dimension to their attack. His ability to make plays at all levels of the field will make him a crucial weapon for whoever wins the quarterback job in Happy Valley.
10. Jaden Ivey – Notre Dame to Arkansas
Jaden Ivey, a former standout at Notre Dame, made waves when he entered the 2025 transfer portal. Known for his crisp route running and ability to make defenders miss in the open field, Ivey is a versatile receiver capable of making plays in the slot or on the outside.
His decision to transfer to Arkansas makes a lot of sense, as the Razorbacks are looking to add more dynamic playmakers to their offense. Ivey’s quickness and agility will allow him to make an immediate impact in Arkansas’ spread offense, and he’ll serve as a go-to option for KJ Jefferson at quarterback.
