As we hit the preview portion of the 2025 FCS offseason, HERO Sports will rank the top returning players by position group.
While what happens on the field and how things finish at the end of the season is what really matters, preseason rankings give fans an idea of which players and teams they should keep an eye on.
Here are the top returning wide receivers in 2025.
NOTES:
- These rankings are formed by a combination of on-field production, postseason accolades, PFF grades, and the author’s opinion/FCS knowledge (watching games, knowing what system players are in, strength of opponents, etc.).
- FBS-to-FCS transfers will not be included.
- Top Returning FCS Quarterbacks
- Top Returning FCS Linebackers
- Top Returning FCS Offensive Linemen
- Top Returning FCS Running Backs
- Top 25 Returning FCS Tight Ends
Best Returning FCS Wide Receivers
30. Christian Jourdain, East Texas A&M
29. Shane Carr, Southern Utah
28. Joanes Fortilien, Jackson State
27. Nate Garnett Jr., Austin Peay (transfer from Morehead State)
26. Jimmy Kibble, Georgetown
25. Jayce Freeman, Stony Brook
24. Dominic Kibby, Presbyterian
23. Cody Jackson, Tarleton State
22. Joey Isabella, Duquesne
21. Elijah Steward, Lafayette
20. Noah Robinson, Tennessee Tech (transfer from Robert Morris)
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19. Samuel Gbatu Jr., UC Davis
18. AJ Colombo, Western Carolina
17. Geoffrey Jamiel, Lehigh
16. Max Mosey, Holy Cross
15. Cam Pedro, SEMO
14. Jared Richardson, Penn
13. Treyvhon Saunders, Colgate
12. Cooper Willman, Eastern Illinois
11. TJ Speight, Monmouth
RELATED: HERO Sports FCS Preseason Top 25
10. Taco Dowler, Montana State
9. Josh Derry, Monmouth
8. Samuel Musungu, Cornell
7. Nathan Rembert, Jackson State (transfer from Mississippi Valley State)
6. Daniel Sobkowicz, Illinois State
5. Max Tomczak, Youngstown State
Tomczak has had an impactful career as he heads into his senior season. In 2022, as a redshirt freshman, he had 26 receptions for 430 yards and two touchdowns. The next season, Tomczak tallied 56 receptions for 669 yards and a touchdown. Last fall, he took his game to another level with 73 catches for 904 yards and four touchdowns in 12 games. The 6-foot and 195-pounder registered zero drops, and 49 of his catches went for first downs, according to PFF. Tomczak earned a spot on the All-MVFC First Team.
4. Kylon Harris, Stephen F. Austin
Harris has led SFA in receiving over the last two seasons. In 2023, he had 61 catches for 694 yards and eight touchdowns. He elevated his play last fall, hauling in 87 receptions for 1,039 yards and 10 scores in 12 games, registering just two drops. The 5-foot-11 and 160-pounder finished No. 3 in FCS receptions per game and No. 4 in total catches. Harris earned All-Southland First Team honors while being named an AFCA FCS All-American.
3. Marquis Buchanan, Rhode Island
Buchanan has been a big-time player in his redshirt freshman and sophomore seasons. In 2023, Buchanan, who is 6-foot-4 and 175 pounds, had 42 catches for 638 yards and four scores, earning All-CAA Honorable Mention and FCS Freshman All-American accolades. Last fall, he tallied 82 catches for 1,124 yards and eight TDs in 14 games, finishing No. 8 in receptions and receiving yards in the FCS. Forty-four of his receptions went for first downs. Buchanan was named on the All-CAA Second Team while earning two All-American honors.
2. Jalen Walthall, UIW
UIW hit a transfer portal home run last offseason, landing Walthall from Hawaii. He erupted for 1,290 yards and 14 touchdowns on 85 catches in 14 games. Walthall finished No. 3 in FCS receiving yards and touchdowns, and No. 5 in catches. The 6-foot-2 and 180-pounder registered just one drop while 47 of his receptions went for first downs. Walthall was recognized on the All-Southland First Team while being named the conference’s Offensive Player of the Year. He was also a three-time All-American selection.
1. Bryce Lance, North Dakota State
Likely the top FCS prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft, Lance is set for a massive senior year after a breakout junior campaign. He had just one career catch entering 2024, but then Lance went off. The 6-foot-3 and 208-pounder racked up 75 catches for 1,071 yards and 17 touchdowns in 16 games, earning All-MVFC First Team honors. The 17 TDs were No. 1 in the FCS. Lance was especially clutch in the playoffs. He recorded five catches for 70 yards and a touchdown vs. Abilene Christian, five receptions for 73 yards and two TDs vs. Mercer, six catches for 125 yards and three touchdowns vs. South Dakota State, and caught nine passes for 107 yards and a touchdown against Montana State. Lance was credited with only one drop while pulling down 10 contested catches and 39 receptions that went for first downs.
