Heading into the highly anticipated 2023 season, the Texas football team, under the guidance of head coach Steve Sarkisian, has found their winning formula. They have discovered their secret weapon - the wide receiver position group. With an abundance of talent and depth, this group is poised to make waves in the upcoming season and potentially leave a lasting legacy on the Forty Acres.
Coach Sarkisian has undoubtedly struck gold with this wide receiver group. In fact, many experts believe that this is the best wide receiver corps Texas has seen in the past decade. The talent and potential within this group are simply unmatched.
With such a formidable squad, Sarkisian has the freedom to open up the offense and unleash a barrage of skill weapons on the field. This group possesses the ability to stretch the field, snag those contested 50/50 balls on the boundary, and create magic in open space after the catch. The possibilities are endless.
The Texas roster boasts multiple wide receivers with NFL-caliber talent. Among them are the explosive junior Xavier Worthy, the dynamic redshirt junior Isaiah Neyor, the versatile junior AD Mitchell, the promising true freshman Johntay Cook II, and the experienced redshirt senior Jordan Whittington, among others. The potential of these players is immense, and they could very well develop into top talents at their position. Mitchell, Neyor, and Worthy, in particular, have the potential to become first-round NFL Draft picks in the coming years if they can deliver standout performances this fall.
The Best Wide Receiver Group in the Big 12
When discussing the wide receiver talent in the Big 12 conference, one name stands out above all - Xavier Worthy. Alongside AD Mitchell, Worthy leads the Texas football team's wide receiver room to claim the top spot in the conference for the 2023 season.
The Longhorns possess a wideout group that is unrivaled in the Big 12. However, their success hinges on the performance of redshirt sophomore quarterback Quinn Ewers. If Ewers can elevate his game to become one of the premier quarterbacks in the conference, the Texas offense will soar to new heights.
Thanks to the wealth of skill weapons at Ewers' disposal, Texas is poised to have the most potent offense in the Big 12. The deep and talented group of Longhorns' receivers not only brings immense potential but also a track record of proven production at the collegiate level.
When considering the returning receiving corps in the Big 12, Texas reigns supreme. Alongside starting tight end, All-Big 12 junior JT Sanders, the Longhorns boast the most productive group in almost every significant stat category for the 2023 season. This exceptional production sets them apart from their conference rivals.
We analyzed the career numbers of the top five returning wide receivers and the top tight end from each Big 12 team's depth chart, and Texas emerged as the leader in four major stat categories: receptions, receiving yards, yards after the catch, and contested catches. The only category where they fall short is receiving touchdowns, with the BYU Cougars narrowly taking the lead by a single touchdown catch.
Let's take a closer look at the individuals who contributed to this impressive returning production:
- Xavier Worthy
- AD Mitchell
- Jordan Whittington
- Isaiah Neyor
- Johntay Cook II
- TE: JT Sanders
It's truly remarkable to see Texas leading in all these statistical categories, especially considering that one of their top five wideouts, Johntay Cook II, is a true freshman. This speaks volumes about the talent and potential of this group.
Xavier Worthy: A Force to be Reckoned With
Among this star-studded lineup, Xavier Worthy shines the brightest. Worthy boasts an impressive career thus far, leading the Longhorns in career receiving yards (1,741), touchdowns (21), and yards after the catch (850) among the top-tier wide receivers. In fact, he holds the distinction of being the top returning wide receiver in the Big 12 for career yards after the catch in 2023.
If Worthy can maintain his health and continue his impressive form this fall, there is no doubt that he will deliver a standout season for the Longhorns. His proven production and undeniable talent make him a force to be reckoned with on the field.
