The transfer wide receiver with the biggest impact in 2025 is expected to be Trey Knox joining Arkansas.

The landscape of college football has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years, with the rise of the transfer portal reshaping the way programs build their rosters. No position has been more affected by this than wide receiver, where athletes looking for greater playing time, a change of scenery, or a better fit for their skill sets have used the portal to find new opportunities. As we look ahead to the 2025 season, one wide receiver stands out as someone poised to make a massive impact: Trey Knox, the talented pass catcher who will be joining the University of Arkansas after transferring from South Carolina.

Knox’s journey from a promising prospect to a transfer portal standout is one that speaks to both his raw ability and his potential to make an immediate impact at Arkansas. With his combination of size, athleticism, and emerging skill set, Knox has the tools to be one of the most impactful wide receivers in the 2025 college football season. This article will explore Trey Knox’s rise to prominence, his decision to transfer to Arkansas, and what kind of impact he could have on the Razorbacks’ offense.

Trey Knox’s Rise: From South Carolina to the Transfer Portal

Trey Knox’s football journey began at Cabot High School in Arkansas, where he became one of the top wide receiver recruits in the country. His physical tools were undeniable; standing 6’5” and weighing around 215 pounds, Knox possessed a rare combination of size, strength, and speed. He was ranked as a four-star recruit and a Top-50 wide receiver nationally according to various recruiting services. His athletic profile caught the attention of major college programs, and in 2019, he committed to the University of South Carolina.

At South Carolina, Knox had high expectations placed on him. His freshman year saw him contributing immediately, showing flashes of his immense potential. In his first season, Knox caught 19 passes for 213 yards and 2 touchdowns, a solid start for a freshman in the SEC. However, his development didn’t follow the linear trajectory that many had anticipated. Over the next few seasons, while Knox showed brief flashes of excellence, he was unable to consistently emerge as the go-to receiver for South Carolina’s offense.

Despite his physical gifts, Knox’s role in the offense was often inconsistent. He struggled to find a rhythm in an offense that had changing coordinators and lacked stability at quarterback. As a result, his production failed to match the promise that many saw in him coming out of high school. By the time 2024 rolled around, after four seasons at South Carolina, Knox had accumulated less than 1,000 career receiving yards and had found himself in a position where his future at South Carolina was uncertain.

In early 2025, after an extensive evaluation of his career at South Carolina, Knox made the decision to enter the transfer portal. This decision would allow him to explore new opportunities, hoping for a fresh start with a program that could utilize his talents more effectively. The decision was not just about finding more playing time, but about finding a system and coaching staff that could bring out the best in his abilities.

Why Arkansas? The Perfect Fit for Trey Knox

When Knox entered the transfer portal, it didn’t take long for top programs to express interest. Among the schools recruiting him, one stood out as a perfect fit: the University of Arkansas. The Razorbacks, under head coach Sam Pittman, had been building a strong, balanced offensive attack and were looking to add a big-bodied, athletic wide receiver to complement their rising offense.

Offensive System and Coaching Fit

One of the primary reasons Trey Knox chose Arkansas was the offensive system run by Pittman and offensive coordinator Kendal Briles. Briles is known for running an uptempo offense that focuses on the vertical passing game. He has worked with a variety of talented wide receivers at previous stops, including players like C.J. Johnson and Trelon Burks, who found success in similar systems.

Briles’ offense is predicated on pushing the ball down the field, stretching the defense, and creating opportunities for playmakers to make plays in open space. This system could play to Knox’s strengths—his size, ability to make contested catches, and his potential as a deep threat. In particular, the Razorbacks’ offense will allow Knox to line up in multiple positions—outside, in the slot, or even as a mismatch weapon in the red zone—making him an unpredictable option for opposing defenses.

Additionally, the stability at quarterback in KJ Jefferson is another reason Knox’s decision to join Arkansas is significant. Jefferson is a dual-threat quarterback with a strong arm and the ability to stretch the field with his passing game. His playing style should complement Knox’s attributes perfectly, as Jefferson can deliver deep throws that allow Knox to use his size and athleticism to win contested catches down the field. The chemistry between Jefferson and Knox could be one of the most exciting storylines for Arkansas fans in 2025.

Arkansas’s Need for a Playmaker

Another critical factor in Knox’s decision was Arkansas’s need for a reliable playmaker on the outside. The Razorbacks had experienced some success in the passing game in previous seasons but lacked a consistent, big-bodied receiver who could go up and get the ball in critical situations. In 2024, Arkansas’s top receiving targets were solid but did not possess the combination of size and athleticism that Knox brings to the table. His ability to stretch the field vertically while also being a reliable option in the short-to-intermediate game gives Arkansas a much-needed weapon in their offense.

Knox’s arrival adds a new dimension to the Razorbacks’ receiving corps. His presence on the field will allow other receivers to thrive, as opposing defenses will need to account for Knox’s ability to make plays in the passing game, both deep down the field and in the red zone. His big-play potential should open up opportunities for other offensive weapons to capitalize on mismatches created by his size and speed.

Trey Knox’s Skill Set: What Makes Him Special

At his best, Trey Knox is a dynamic, versatile receiver who can contribute in several facets of the passing game. While he may not have reached his full potential at South Carolina, his skill set has been refined and developed over his time in the SEC. At Arkansas, Knox will be asked to utilize his physical tools and refine his craft to become one of the top playmakers in the conference.

Size and Physicality

At 6’5” and 215 pounds, Knox is a physical mismatch for most cornerbacks and safeties. He has the size and strength to win jump-ball situations and make contested catches in traffic. His height allows him to get above defenders and snatch passes out of the air, making him a legitimate red-zone threat. In a conference like the SEC, where physicality often reigns supreme, Knox’s frame gives him a distinct advantage against smaller defenders.

Speed and Athleticism

Despite his size, Knox possesses good speed and quickness. He’s not just a “big body” receiver who wins with height; he’s a fluid athlete who can create separation down the field. His burst off the line of scrimmage allows him to blow past defenders, and he has the top-end speed to stretch the defense vertically. Arkansas will look to use Knox in deep passing situations to create big plays and exploit matchups against slower cornerbacks.

Route Running and Separation

One area that Knox has worked to improve is his route running. Early in his career, he struggled with his ability to separate from defenders consistently. However, over the past couple of seasons, Knox has developed a more refined understanding of route running. His ability to cut sharply at the top of routes, use leverage against defenders, and create separation will be crucial in his transition to Arkansas. With Briles’s system and the coaching staff’s guidance, Knox has the potential to take his route running to the next level, making him a more dangerous and unpredictable receiver.

Physicality After the Catch

In addition to his ability to make contested catches, Knox is difficult to bring down after the catch. His combination of size and strength allows him to break tackles and gain extra yards, even after taking a hit. Arkansas will look to use him in short-to-intermediate routes where he can make defenders miss in space and pick up additional yardage after the catch.

Impact on the Arkansas Offense in 2025

Trey Knox’s arrival at Arkansas has the potential to transform the Razorbacks’ offense in 2025. His physical tools and playmaking ability will immediately make him one of the most dangerous wide receivers in the SEC. He is expected to step in and become an integral part of the passing game, likely serving as the go-to receiver for KJ Jefferson.

With Knox on the roster, Arkansas will have the ability to stretch the field vertically, something that they have lacked in previous seasons. His presence will open up space for other playmakers like Matt Landers, Jadon Haselwood, and Isaiah Sategna, who will benefit from the attention Knox commands. The Razorbacks’ offense is expected to be explosive in 2025, and Knox will be a central figure in their quest to compete at the highest level of the SEC.