The SEC has enjoyed the spotlight this week with its annual “coach speak” convention, but Last Word isn’t allowing media days to overshadow on-field production. On that note, we’ll continue our “Best of” the conference series with the SEC’s best returning receivers.
This list only includes receivers who played in the conference in 2024, so apologies are in order for obvious NFL talent like Auburn’s Eric Singleton and Texas A&M’s Kevin Concepcion. But as usual, there will be no shortage of talent from which to choose.
The league has set a high bar for pass catchers – five of the NFL’s top seven in receptions in 2024 came from current SEC schools. Now, it’s time to see who’s next up to make an impact in the conference and beyond.
The SEC’s Best Returning Receivers
Honorable Mention
With so many true freshman wideouts making their marks in 2024, it’s possible that the national media overlooked Auburn’s Malcolm Simmons to an extent. However, he proved to be a formidable weapon on his way to 40 catches and 451 receiving yards.
Speaking of impressive debuts, Barion Brown burst onto the scene for Kentucky with 50 catches as a freshman in 2022. Unfortunately, the explosive playmaker’s production regressed in the two following years. To be fair, the regression coincided with a significant drop-off in quarterback play at UK. He’s now at LSU, where that won’t be the case.
Florida’s Eugene Wilson III is another player who flashed early in his career before dealing with setbacks. Wilson is fast, shifty, and versatile. His open-field running ability makes him a threat from anywhere, but injuries slowed him down last season.
5) Germie Bernard, Alabama
The former Michigan State and Washington wideout was one of the several Huskies who followed head coach Kalen DeBoer to Alabama last year. Freshman sensation Ryan Williams stole the show. But Bernard quickly proved to be a reliable weapon for Jalen Milroe while gaining close to 800 receiving yards.
Bernard doesn’t have flashy traits that jump off the screen on film; he simply does everything well. He has good size at 6’-1” and 210 pounds, but great body control during contested catches. His versatility adds value, as he averaged over 23 yards per kick return in 2023 and was also used in the running game. Bernard’s route running could be his most impressive trait, making him invaluable on third down.
4) Noah Thomas, Georgia
Our first surprise of the list lands here. There were talented pass catchers who compiled better stats than Thomas, but we think he was underutilized due to his offense and quarterback situation at Texas A&M. On that note, one could question the decision to leave one subpar passing offense for another. We’re actually here to compliment the kid, so we’ll leave that for another day.
Thomas has elite size, weighing over 200 pounds at 6’-5”. As one would expect, he’s a dangerous red zone weapon. However, he has other traits that make him special at that size. He has surprising open-field running ability after the catch that belies his stature. Thomas had eight receiving touchdowns in 2024, and his longest was 73 yards. The former Aggie has some freakish ability. We think he could be a star in the right offense.
3) Cam Coleman, Auburn
Coleman’s lack of team success suppressed his star power, but he easily lived up to his five-star billing as a true freshman. He had 37 catches for almost 600 yards with eight touchdowns despite average quarterback play. Auburn has loaded up at the receiver position, but Coleman is the most impressive of the bunch.
The returning sophomore has all the physical tools needed to be elite. He’s 6’-3” with long arms and was surprisingly physical for a freshman. Coleman is extremely twitchy, and it shows in his run-after-catch ability. He gets deep effortlessly and is a nuanced route runner. We’re not sure if he has the nation’s attention, but he’s definitely on the radar of opposing defensive coordinators.
2) Aaron Anderson, LSU
LSU has added to its talented group of receivers through the portal this offseason, and fans are excited to see Brown and Nic Anderson. It’s easy to forget that the Tigers are bringing back their leading receiver in Aaron Anderson. The diminutive target had more receiving yards than any player on this list, with 884 in 2024.
Anderson worked most of his magic out of the slot and built a great rapport with Garrett Nussmeier after the departure of Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas left more opportunities. The trust and chemistry Nussmeier had with Anderson showed up consistently throughout the year, especially in clutch moments.
Anderson doesn’t have the prototypical size as a traditional top target at LSU, but he repeatedly gets open. He has breakaway speed and is a menace in the open field. His elusiveness makes him a threat anywhere on the field, as shown in his 76-yard touchdown at Texas A&M.
1)Ryan Williams, Alabama
No drumroll is needed; Williams is the SEC’s best returning receiver. We don’t expect true freshmen to go off with six catches for 177 yards. Now, it would be one thing to do it against UAB or Florida International. Williams did it against Georgia. He made plays against an elite defense when the Tide had to have it. To say he plays beyond his years would be an understatement.
Williams would go on to finish the year with 48 receptions for 865 yards. It’s challenging to single out what stands out the most about his game, but his body control is unworldly. His hands and speed are evident, but the fluid nature of his body movement makes everything he does look so easy. From the acrobatic catches to the sideline toe-taps, it all looks effortless.
He’s lightning quick after the catch and embraces the big moments. NFL scouts will have trouble finding flaws as he adds weight to his frame. Although it’s crowded at the top, Williams stands out as the league’s best.
