Ranking the 15 Wide Receivers Who Could Explode in 2025–2026

The wide receiver pool is overflowing with potential heading into the 2025–2026 NFL season. Whether it’s rookies ready to turn heads or young stars about to level up, the WR position might be the most exciting spot to watch (and draft) this year.

From high-volume targets in revamped offenses to big-play threats waiting for their moment, these 15 receivers take a giant leap. Some are banking on improved quarterback play, others are counting on opportunity, but all are worth watching.

15. Arian Smith, New York Jets

Jan 29, 2025; Mobile, AL, USA; American team wide receiver Arian Smith of Georgia (11) runs the ball during Senior Bowl practice for the American team at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

Smith is a lightning bolt with cleats, and the Jets may need his speed more than anyone expected. He could surprise people early with a thin depth chart behind Garrett Wilson.

14. Elic Ayomanor, Kansas City Chiefs

May 10, 2025; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans wider receiver Elic Ayomanor (5) makes a catch as he goes through drills during Rookie Mini Camp at Saint Thomas Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Ayomanor isn’t a household name yet, but the Chiefs love a breakout storyline. His physical style and YAC potential could quickly earn him snaps in a wide-open receiving room.

13. Jameson Williams, Detroit Lions

Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams celebrates as he finishes off his touchdown run on a reverse in the first half against the Washington Commanders in the NFC divisional round at Ford Field in Detroit on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025.
Kimberly P. Mitchell / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The deep-ball upside has always been there, but Williams finally has a chance to be more than just a highlight. If the Lions let him run wild, he could become a weekly problem for defenses.

12. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle Seahawks

Dec 22, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Camryn Bynum (24) breaks up a pass intended for Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) during the first half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

JSN started heating up last season and should keep that momentum going. With a changing receiver room, he’s set up to be a volume monster in Seattle.

11. Jayden Higgins, Houston Texans

Mar 1, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Iowa State wideout Jayden Higgins (WO18) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The rookie might enter a dream scenario with injuries clearing a path to targets. If he clicks with C.J. Stroud, fantasy managers will notice fast.

10. Xavier Worthy, Kansas City Chiefs

Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy (1) against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Worthy is built for speed, and Mahomes loves finding burners in space. With question marks around Rashee Rice, he could carve out a major role in year one.

9. Drake London, Atlanta Falcons

Jan 5, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (5) runs after a catch against the Carolina Panthers in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Brett Davis-Imagn Images

London’s talent is obvious—it’s just been a question of usage. If Atlanta’s offense finally opens up, London could explode.

8. Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) catches a pass during the Cincinnati Bengals practice in Cincinnati on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Higgins just signed a new contract with the Bengals and wants a big year. If he stays healthy, expect a hungry, high-volume version of No. 5.

7. Brian Thomas Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (7) runs the ball during the 10th organized team activity at Miller Electric Center Wednesday, June 4, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Thomas showed flashes last season and should take a bigger slice this year. He brings size, speed, and some serious touchdown upside.

6. Rashee Rice, Kansas City Chiefs

Sep 22, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (4) scores a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Rice could reclaim his role as Mahomes’ go-to guy if he’s back at full strength. He was on the brink of stardom before injuries hit.

5. Rome Odunze, Chicago Bears

Nov 10, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) catches a pass and runs against the New England Patriots during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
David Banks-Imagn Images

Odunze looked like a future star whenever he touched the ball as a rookie. With more targets coming his way, the breakout feels inevitable.

4. Garrett Wilson, New York Jets

New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (5) runs with the ball past Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5), Sunday January 5, 2025, in East Rutherford
Kevin R. Wexler-NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Wilson has been productive no matter who’s throwing him the ball. Now with a QB upgrade, the sky’s the limit.

3. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) makes a catch for a touchdown against San Francisco 49ers cornerback Renardo Green (0) during the second half at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. on Monday, Dec. 30, 2024.
Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

There’s nothing sneaky about this pick—St. Brown keeps producing. He’s locked in as one of the league’s most consistent options.

2. Marvin Harrison Jr., Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) at training camp on Aug. 3, 2024 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale
Owen Ziliak / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

He teased his potential last year, but now it’s time for the full breakout. With no significant competition, he’s about to see all the targets.

Read More: 15 Former NFL WRs Who Would Thrive in the Modern Game

1. Malik Nabers, New York Giants

Jan 5, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (1) scores a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Nabers looked like a veteran from day one and still has room to grow. If the quarterback play improves, he could be an elite fantasy force.

Read More: 20 NFL Wide Receivers Who Went in Round 1 – But Shouldn’t Have

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