The Big Ten has been home to plenty of talented receivers over the last few years. 2024 is no different with Ohio State and Oregon projected to have the two best receiver corps in the nation. The Big Ten wide receiver transfers are set to come in and compete right away this fall with the Ducks at the top.
Top Big Ten Wide Receiver Transfers for 2024
Evan Stewart: Oregon (from Texas A&M)
Tied as the top-rated transfer in the 247Sports database, Evan Stewart brings a five-star pedigree to Oregon. The Ducks are already loaded at the position and Stewart reinforced the unit in a big way.
As a recruit in the 2022 cycle, Stewart was the top-rated receiver and sixth-best overall. As a true freshman, Stewart was the leading receiver for an underachieving Aggies team. He ended up with 649 yards and two touchdowns with 53 receptions (15 more than the next). The most impressive part is that he only appeared in 10 games. In eight games last season, Stewart added 514 yards and four scores off 38 receptions.
Now with a better offense and quarterback, Stewart has the opportunity to break out for the Ducks.
Julian Fleming: Penn State (from Ohio State)
Another top-rated receiver from his class, Julian Fleming stays in the conference. After four years with the Buckeyes, Fleming transferred to Penn State. Over his first two years, Fleming was both buried behind NFL talent and dealt with injuries. As a result, he only recorded 140 yards and a touchdown off 19 receptions.
In 2022, Fleming broke out for the Buckeyes. With 533 yards and six touchdowns, Fleming set new career bests. Last season, Fleming was able to suit up for the 12 regular season games before hopping in the portal before the Cotton Bowl. His 2023 season ended with 270 yards and no touchdowns.
Five Nittany Lion receivers transferred out so Fleming will have the opportunity to end his career on a high note.
Rico Flores: UCLA (from Notre Dame)
In the 2023 recruiting class, Rico Flores spurned a number of Power 4 programs to attend Notre Dame. After just one season with the Fighting Irish, he joins the ranks of the Big Ten wide receiver transfers.
As a recruit, Flores was a four-star receiver. In his lone season with Notre Dame, he posted 392 yards and scored a touchdown in the loss to Ohio State. Flores is a sure-handed receiver with great footwork. The Bruins are getting an upgrade at their slot receiver position as Flores is adept at all of the short-to-medium range routes. He will be a solid YAC receiver in 2024 and beyond.
Tyler Williams: Minnesota (from Georgia)
Perhaps the biggest unknown among the Big Ten wide receiver transfers, Tyler Williams left Georgia for Minnesota. After just one year with the SEC power, Williams hopped into the portal.
As a recruit, Williams was a four-star athlete out of Florida. He was an Under Armor All-American Game participant and had NFL expectations. Williams was a two-sport athlete and was a legitimate Division-I basketball recruit at the same time. He’s considered a top-end perimeter threat with big-play potential. He was praised for his ability at the catch point and his physicality.
With the Bulldogs, Williams appeared in three games, good for one seven-yard catch.
Jahmal Banks: Nebraska (from Wake Forest)
Finally, Matt Rhule‘s Nebraska team bolstered its receiver room with former Wake Forest star, Jahmal Banks. As a three-star recruit out of high school, Banks’ rating was one of the few players whose ratings improved once he transferred.
In his first two seasons with the Demon Deacons, Banks appeared in 19 games (14 in 2021) and hauled in six passes for 115 yards. He took a step forward in 2022 and ended up the third-leading receiver. His breakout season was good for 636 yards and nine touchdowns. Then, last year, Banks led the way for his squad. He finished his Wake Forest career with 653 yards and four touchdowns in 2023.
Banks joins a Nebraska receiver room whose leading receiver in 2023 amassed just 310 yards and one touchdown.
