The state of the wide receivers returning in the Big 12 is…not ideal. Last year, only one player logged over 1,000 yards receiving, and that player is off to the NFL. Despite that, there are still a few talented pass-catchers in the Big 12. Continuing our look at the top returning playmakers in the conference, we rank the best receivers and tight ends heading into 2026.
There were quite a few transfers, but only those returning to the Big 12 are eligible to be featured on our top three. However, if a player transfers within the Big 12, he is eligible.
The Best Wide Receivers Returning to the Big 12 in 2026
Honorable Mentions
Just missing our cut, there are a few pass-catchers worth mentioning. In terms of wide receivers returning, Jordan Dwyer is poised for a breakout this season. After suiting up for Idaho, Dwyer transferred to TCU ahead of the 2025 season. In his first season with the Horned Frogs, he was the second-leading receiver with 730 yards and seven touchdowns. The number-one receiver has since graduated, opening the way for the fifth-year player.
We can include tight ends here as well, so UCF’s Dylan Wade and Kansas State’s Garrett Oakley are worth mentioning. Wade transferred to UCF from Maryland in 2025 and had a career year with 523 yards and five touchdowns, very nearly leading the way in both stats. Oakley, meanwhile, has been getting better and better each year. In his third year with the Wildcats, Oakley amassed 389 yards and six touchdowns.
Now, let’s highlight a couple of incoming transfers who missed out on the list. Colorado lives and dies in the portal, but it brought in Danny Scudero. After two seasons at Sacramento State, Scudero jumped to San Jose State, where he led all FBS receivers with 1,297 yards and 10 touchdowns. He comes to Colorado after racking up a handful of second-team All-American honors last year. Oklahoma State’s Wyatt Young is another name to watch. He was part of the mass exodus from North Texas and put up 1,264 yards and 1o touchdowns himself.
3. Terrance Carter Jr., Texas Tech (TE)
While all of the attention has been on the quarterback position in Lubbock, Texas Tech is set to return one of the top running backs as well as the top tight end in the conference. Terrance Carter Jr. was a star on the Big 12-winning offense, and he spurned the NFL to return.
Carter spent his first three seasons at Louisiana before hopping in the portal to land at Texas Tech. After redshirting in his first season with the Ragin’ Cajuns, he put up 255 yards and three touchdowns in 2023. His third year was even better, with 689 yards and four touchdowns on 48 receptions.
The jump to the Big 12 from the Sun Belt was not too much for him. Last year, in 13 games, Carter hauled in 55 passes for 624 yards and five touchdowns. He averaged 12.7 yards per reception over his last two seasons.
The fifth-year tight end could have gone to the NFL and tested his way into a premium slot, but he’s back. He’s as explosive as any as a receiver and, as a pass-blocker, didn’t allow a single pressure last year.
2. Omarion Miller, Arizona State
Inter-conference transfers are allowed, so Arizona State’s Omarion Miller is eligible. The Sun Devils have somehow flown under the radar as an NFL receiver factory, and Miller is well-positioned to be the next premier playmaker to be drafted.
Miller spent each of his first three seasons at Colorado. He was immediately part of the rotation as a first-year receiver with 234 yards and one touchdown over 10 games. In 2024, he battled injury, but still amassed 216 yards and one touchdown on 10 catches. Last year, he broke out with 808 yards and eight touchdowns on 45 receptions, leading the way with 18.0 yards per catch.
Now, at least on paper, Miller transfers to a better situation when it comes to the quarterback position. Colorado went 3-9 last year. Five quarterbacks attempted a pass. He had no support, but finished sixth in the Big 12 in receiving yards and fifth in touchdowns.
Arizona State should be a much better situation for the fourth-year receiver. He’s widely considered to be one of, if not the most talented, players at the position in the Big 12.
1. Amare Thomas, Houston
Speaking of immediate-impact players at their previous stop, Amare Thomas has been a reliable pass-catcher for all three of his seasons at the collegiate level. As a first-year player, Thomas starred at UAB with 437 yards and three scores. In his second season with the Blazers, Thomas improved with 670 yards and eight touchdowns. Then, he hopped into the portal and landed at Houston.
In his first season with the Cougars in 2025, Thomas nearly became the second 1,000-yard receiver in the Big 12. He amassed 966 yards and 12 touchdowns, easily leading the way for the 10-3 Cougars.
Thomas has three career 100-yard games, all of which came last year. If you open it up to at least 97 yards in a game, he dominated eight times.
He heads into 2026 on an upward trajectory. Each of his counting stats has continued to rise year over year. Expect Thomas to lead the way in the Big 12, especially with Conner Weigman slinging it.
Main Image: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
