Continuing our series on the greatest NFL players by skill position from Power Conference schools, it is the Big 12’s turn, focusing on wide receivers.
Without Texas and Oklahoma, the Big 12 is not quite what it used to be nationally. That said, these programs have still sent plenty of productive talent to the NFL over the years.
One important note before diving in. This list is not about who was the best college receiver. It is based strictly on NFL production and career success.
Arizona: Vance Johnson
Arizona has not produced many star wide receivers, although Tetairoa McMillan is having a strong rookie season. Johnson never earned major accolades, but he did lead the playoffs in receiving touchdowns in 1986.
Career stats: 415 receptions, 5,695 yards, 37 touchdowns
Honorable Mention: Dennis Northcutt
Arizona State: Charley Taylor
One of the earliest true dynamic weapons in NFL history, Taylor played from 1964 to 1977. In addition to his receiving production, he rushed for nearly 1,500 yards with 11 rushing touchdowns. He won Rookie of the Year in 1964, was First Team All Pro in 1967, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1984.
Career stats: 649 receptions, 9,110 yards, 79 touchdowns
Honorable Mention: Brandon Aiyuk
Baylor: Josh Gordon
Baylor has not produced many standout NFL wide receivers, but Gordon’s peak was unmatched. In 2013, he led the NFL with 1,646 receiving yards in just 14 games, earning First Team All Pro and Pro Bowl honors. While his career was short and turbulent, Gordon reached an elite level few receivers ever touch. Drafted in the 2012 supplemental draft, he also earned a Super Bowl LIII ring with New England in 2018. That combination of dominance and recognition makes Gordon Baylor’s most accomplished NFL wideout.
Career stats: 252 receptions, 4,284 yards, 21 touchdowns
Honorable Mention: Kendall Wright
BYU: Puka Nacua
In just his third season, Nacua has already established himself as one of the league’s top receivers. His record breaking rookie year featured nearly 1,500 yards, and he currently leads the NFL in receptions with just under 1,200 yards and four games remaining.
Career stats: 277 receptions, 3,662 yards, 15 touchdowns
Honorable Mention: Austin Collie
Cincinnati: Alec Pierce
Pierce earns the nod despite still being active. A second round pick, he has spent his entire career with the Colts and has already produced the most consistent NFL output of any Cincinnati wide receiver.
Career stats: 148 receptions, 2,700 yards, 13 touchdowns
Honorable Mention: Chris Moore
Colorado: Cliff Branch
Branch starred for the Raiders during the Bad Boys era, playing 14 seasons and winning three Super Bowls. Known for elite speed, he led the league in receiving yards and touchdowns in 1974. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2022.
Career stats: 501 receptions, 8,685 yards, 67 touchdowns
Honorable Mention: Charles Johnson
Houston: Donnie Avery
Houston has produced few NFL wide receiver standouts. Avery played for four teams across six seasons and recorded a memorable 79 yard touchdown in the 2013 playoffs. Tank Dell has the potential to take this spot, but his career is still young and was impacted by a significant leg injury in December 2024.
Career stats: 218 receptions, 2,861 yards, 14 touchdowns
Honorable Mention: Tank Dell
Iowa State: Ike Harris
Iowa State has limited NFL receiver success, but Harris stands out slightly over Allen Lazard based on career production. Harris played seven seasons and posted a career best year in 1976 with 52 catches for 782 yards.
Career stats: 211 receptions, 3,305 yards, 16 touchdowns
Honorable Mention: Allen Lazard
Kansas: Ron Jessie
Jessie played 11 NFL seasons and made one Pro Bowl in 1976. He also recorded the longest reception of the 1973 season at 84 yards.
Career stats: 265 receptions, 4,278 yards, 26 touchdowns
Honorable Mention: Isaac Byrd
Kansas State: Tyler Lockett
This was a close call, but Lockett gets the nod. He was a Pro Bowler and First Team All Pro as a rookie and became one of the most consistent receivers of his generation in Seattle.
Career stats: 687 receptions, 8,855 yards, 61 touchdowns
Honorable Mention: Jordy Nelson
Oklahoma State: Dez Bryant
Bryant’s career is often remembered for the infamous 2014 playoff non catch, which should have been ruled a catch. He was a three time Pro Bowler, First Team All Pro in 2014, and led the league in touchdowns that season. One of the defining receivers of the 2010s.
Career stats: 537 receptions, 7,506 yards, 75 touchdowns
Honorable Mention: James Washington
TCU: Jeremy Kerley
Kerley enjoyed a steady eight year NFL career. While he never reached 1,000 yards in a season or earned major honors, his longevity gives him the edge. Quentin Johnston could surpass him by the end of his career.
Career stats: 270 receptions, 3,116 yards, 13 touchdowns
Honorable Mention: Quentin Johnston
Texas Tech: Wes Welker
Welker was one of the most productive slot receivers in NFL history. During six seasons with New England, he was a five time Pro Bowler, two time First Team All Pro, and recorded five 1,000 yard seasons.
Career stats: 903 receptions, 9,924 yards, 50 touchdowns
Honorable Mention: Michael Crabtree
UCF: Brandon Marshall
Marshall was one of the most dominant receivers of his era. He became the first player to record six 100 catch seasons and posted 1,000 yard seasons with four different teams. His best year came in 2015 when he recorded 1,500 yards and led the league with 14 touchdowns.
Career stats: 970 receptions, 12,351 yards, 83 touchdowns
Honorable Mention: Gabe Davis
Utah: Steve Smith Sr.
Smith became a star almost immediately after being drafted in 2001. He earned Pro Bowl and First Team All Pro honors as a rookie, then returned from a serious injury to win Comeback Player of the Year and the receiving Triple Crown in 2005. He was a Hall of Fame finalist in 2025.
Career stats: 1,031 receptions, 14,731 yards, 81 touchdowns
Honorable Mention: Kevin Dyson
West Virginia: James Jett
Jett spent his entire career with the Raiders and was known for speed, consistency, and durability. He was also an Olympic sprinter and won gold as part of the 4x100 relay team after running preliminary rounds.
Career stats: 256 receptions, 4,417 yards, 30 touchdowns
Honorable Mention: Tavon Austin
If this was your kind of read, you’ll like what’s next. Get The Sandman Ticket, our free, weekly newsletter with picks, insights, and a little bit of everything we love about sports.