In a recent list from the East-West Shrine Bowl, two members of the Big 12 Conference were listed among the nation’s top 10 deep-threat wide receivers.
The analytics used to determine the list was by most catches of 15 or more yards, which placed representatives from Texas Tech and Iowa State on the list.
The first Big 12 wideout mentioned on the list was Texas Tech’s Josh Kelly, who earned the No. 7 spot on the list. As a fifth-year senior in 2023, Kelly posted some impressive numbers. California native hauled in 61 receptions for 923 yards and eight touchdowns. In addition to his solid numbers, Kelly averaged 15.1 yards per catch, solidifying himself as one of the Big 12’s premier deep threats.
Following Kelly on the list is Iowa State’s Jayden Higgins, who earned the No. 9 spot as one of the nation’s top big-play receivers. The 6-foot-4, 210-pound receiver from Florida led the team in receiving yards with 53 grabs for 983 yards and six scores. He helps make up one of the nation’s top pass-catching duos alongside senior receiver Jaylin Noel.
The pair of dynamic receivers are joined on the list by Memphis’ Roc Taylor, UNLV’s Ricky White, Miami’s Xavier Restrepo, Ole Miss’ Tre Harris, Oregon’s Tez Johnson, Louisville’s Caullin Lacy, Mississippi State’s Kelly Akharairyi, and Utah State’s Jaylen Royals.
