We’ve already broken down the SEC’s best pro Quarterbacks and Running Backs, and now it’s time to shift our focus to the pass catchers. And just like before, this ranking is about what these players became in the NFL, not what they were in college.
The SEC is no stranger to producing elite wide receiver talent. Alabama, LSU, and Oklahoma are often considered WR factories, but all sixteen SEC programs have sent legitimate receivers to the pros. Using a mix of statistics, accolades, longevity, and overall impact, here is the greatest pro wide receiver from every SEC school, along with an honorable mention for each.
Alabama: Julio Jones
While DeVonta Smith may go down as the greatest college receiver in Alabama history, Julio Jones remains the best NFL receiver to come out of Tuscaloosa. Jones posted seven 1,000-yard seasons, made seven Pro Bowls, earned two First Team All-Pro nods, three Second Team All-Pro nods, and twice led the league in receiving yards over a 13-year Hall of Fame–caliber career.
Honorable Mention: Amari Cooper and DeVonta Smith
It’s fitting that Alabama needs two honorable mentions. Cooper and Smith were better collegiate players than Jones, but their NFL résumés fall short of his level. Cooper has been a strong pro, but never a consistent WR1. Smith has elite talent, but has been the secondary option in Philadelphia since day one.
Arkansas: Lance Alworth
The oldest player on this list is far from a “product of the era.” Alworth won a Super Bowl in 1972, made six straight First Team All-Pro selections (1963–68), seven Pro Bowls, and captured the receiving Triple Crown in 1966. A true pioneer at the position.
Honorable Mention: Jarius Wright
A star at Arkansas, but in the NFL his athletic limitations kept him in a role-player lane.
Auburn: Frank Sanders
Sanders didn’t replicate his Auburn dominance, but he was a very productive pro. In his nine-year career, he tallied multiple 1,000-yard seasons and led the NFC in receptions in 1998.
Honorable Mention: Lionel James
“The Little Train” split time between RB and WR but still produced a 1,000-yard receiving season in 1985.
Florida: Wes Chandler
Chandler entered the NFL with huge expectations and lived up to them. Across 11 seasons, he made four Pro Bowls, was a First Team All-Pro in 1982, and led the league in yards and touchdowns that same season.
Honorable Mention: Cris Collinsworth
Now better known for broadcasting, Collinsworth had a strong NFL career with three Pro Bowls and three Second Team All-Pro selections.
Georgia: Hines Ward
One of the greatest postseason receivers ever, Ward was the engine of Pittsburgh’s 2000s Super Bowl runs. A two-time champion, Super Bowl MVP, four-time Pro Bowler, and three-time Second Team All-Pro, Ward’s résumé is loaded.
Honorable Mention: AJ Green
Green has the more impressive individual stats and seven Pro Bowls, but Ward’s championships and playoff impact give him the edge.
Kentucky: Randall Cobb
Kentucky’s most successful NFL receiver by far. A versatile, reliable player who lasted 13 seasons and produced a 1,000-yard Pro Bowl campaign in 2014.
Honorable Mention: Stevie Johnso
A wildly underrated talent with three straight 1,000-yard seasons, held back by injuries and quarterback instability.
LSU: Justin Jefferson
Few schools can match LSU’s wide receiver legacy. Look at the other names in the conversation for best pro Tiger: Odell Beckham Jr., Ja’Marr Chase, Malik Nabers. It is an absolutely loaded group. But none have matched Justin Jefferson’s early-career dominance. With an Offensive Player of the Year award, four Pro Bowls, two First Team All-Pro selections, and two Second Team All-Pro nods already, Jefferson is on a trajectory toward all-time greatness.
Honorable Mention: Ja’Marr Chase
Chase was the better college player and is nearly Jefferson’s equal as a pro. He already has a Triple Crown and an OPOY award. This is really a 1B rather than a typical honorable mention.
Mississippi State: Eric Moulds
A dynamic producer for Buffalo, Moulds put together four 1,000-yard seasons, three Pro Bowls, and two Second Team All-Pro nods.
Honorable Mention: Ode Burrell
A versatile player who lined up at multiple positions and made the Pro Bowl in 1965.
Missouri: Mel Gray
The most accomplished WR in Missouri history. Gray made four Pro Bowls, earned a First Team All-Pro in 1975, and led the league in touchdowns that season.
Honorable Mention: Jeremy Maclin
Missouri’s best all-around WR talent. Two 1,000-yard seasons and immediate impact as a rookie.
Oklahoma: CeeDee Lamb
A modern star well on his way to a massive career. Lamb has four Pro Bowls, three All-Pro selections (one First Team), and four 1,000-yard seasons in his first six years. The latest worthy wearer of Cowboys No. 88.
Honorable Mention: Tommy McDonald
A six-time Pro Bowler with three 1,000-yard seasons and a unique ability to play multiple positions.
Ole Miss: AJ Brown
A physical force with elite production. Brown has topped 1,000 yards in five of his seven seasons, made three Pro Bowls, three Second Team All-Pros, and recently became a Super Bowl champion.
Honorable Mention: Mike Wallace
A blazing deep threat with three 1,000-yard seasons and a Pro Bowl appearance.
South Carolina: Sterling Sharpe
Sharpe’s career was cut short, but at his peak he was one of the greatest ever. Five 1,000-yard seasons, five Pro Bowls, three First Team All-Pros, and a 1992 Triple Crown.
Honorable Mention: Deebo Samuel
When healthy and utilized correctly, Deebo is a First Team All-Pro weapon.
Vanderbilt: Jordan Matthews
One of the SEC’s most productive college receivers, Matthews had flashes early in his career but settled into a depth role later on.
Honorable Mention: Earl Bennett
A consistent role player who spent his entire six-year career with Chicago.
Tennessee: Stanley Morgan
Morgan spent 13 of his 14 seasons in New England and racked up four Pro Bowls and two Second Team All-Pro honors. He also led the league in touchdowns in 1979.
Honorable Mention: Anthony Miller
A five-time Pro Bowler and consistent 1,000-yard threat when paired with competent QB play.
Texas: Eric Metcalf
A true multi-position weapon who excelled as both a receiver and returner. Metcalf had a 1,000-yard season in 1995 and earned two First Team All-Pro nods.
Honorable Mention: Roy Williams
A solid pro with one Pro Bowl and multiple seasons of strong production.
Texas A&M: Mike Evans
What Evans showed at A&M was just the beginning. He tied Jerry Rice’s record with 11 straight 1,000-yard seasons and earned six Pro Bowls and two Second Team All-Pro selections.
Honorable Mention: Christian Kirk
A dependable WR2 who has produced at a high level when given WR1 opportunities.
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